About Dry Ice
Nationwide Delivery
Upfront Billing
One Point of Contact
Fast Logistics
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). Unlike regular ice made from water, dry ice doesn't melt into a liquid—instead, it sublimates, meaning it transforms directly from solid to gas at -109.3°F (-78.5°C) at atmospheric pressure.
This unique property makes dry ice extremely useful for applications where you need extreme cold without the mess of melting water. It's called "dry" ice precisely because it doesn't leave moisture behind—it simply evaporates into CO2 gas.
Physical Properties
- • Temperature: -109.3°F (-78.5°C) at atmospheric pressure
- • Molecular composition: Solid CO2 (same as gaseous CO2, just much colder)
- • Sublimation: Converts directly from solid to gas (no liquid phase)
- • Density: Much denser than regular ice
- • Color: White or slightly translucent
- • Odorless (unless impurities present)
How Dry Ice Works
The Sublimation Process
When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric pressure and temperatures above -109.3°F (which is almost everywhere on Earth), it begins sublimating—converting from solid directly to CO2 gas. This is why dry ice "smokes" or appears to release fog. You're actually seeing the cold CO2 gas cooling the moisture in the air, creating visible condensation.
Rate of Sublimation
Dry ice sublimates at a rate of about 5-10 pounds per 24 hours when stored properly. The exact rate depends on:
- • Storage conditions (insulated containers slow sublimation)
- • Ambient temperature
- • Block size and surface area
- • Container type
What This Means: You can't "save" dry ice indefinitely—it will eventually sublimate into gas and disappear. This is why dry ice is ordered shortly before use and why you can't store it long-term like regular ice.
Common Uses of Dry Ice
Shipping & Cold Chain Transport
Dry ice is the gold standard for shipping perishable items that require temperatures below what regular ice can maintain. It keeps items frozen during transit without creating water as it sublimates.
Common Applications:
- Pharmaceutical shipping (vaccines, biologics, medical samples)
- Food shipping (frozen foods, ice cream, seafood, meat)
- Biological samples and lab specimens
- Organ transport
- Frozen meal delivery services
- Mail-order frozen foods
- Ice cream parlor deliveries
Food Service & Presentation
Restaurants, caterers, and bars use dry ice for dramatic presentations, flash freezing, and keeping foods cold during service.
Common Applications:
- Molecular gastronomy and tableside presentations
- Smoking cocktails and drinks
- Ice cream and frozen dessert making
- Flash freezing food items
- Keeping food cold during outdoor catering
- Wedding and event displays (smoking punch bowls)
Special Effects & Entertainment
The "fog" created when dry ice sublimates makes it popular for theatrical productions, concerts, haunted houses, and events.
Common Applications:
- Theater productions and stage effects
- Concerts and music venues
- Haunted houses and Halloween events
- Photography and film production
- Wedding receptions and parties
- Science demonstrations
Dry Ice Blasting (Cleaning)
Dry ice blasting is an industrial cleaning method that uses dry ice pellets accelerated in a pressurized air stream to clean surfaces.
Common Applications:
- Industrial equipment cleaning
- Mold remediation
- Fire and smoke damage restoration
- Historical building restoration
- Food processing equipment (no water, no chemicals)
- Automotive detailing
Critical Safety Information
Extreme Cold Burns (Frostbite)
Danger: Dry ice at -109°F causes instant frostbite on contact with skin
- • NEVER handle dry ice with bare hands
- • Always use insulated gloves or tongs
- • Even brief contact can cause severe cold burns
- • If skin contact occurs, do not rub area—warm gradually with room-temperature water and seek medical attention
Asphyxiation Risk (CRITICAL)
Danger: Dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces
- • Never use dry ice in enclosed vehicles (cars, vans with windows closed)
- • Don't use in small, poorly ventilated rooms
- • Never store in unventilated areas (closets, basements without airflow)
- • Be especially cautious in walk-in coolers or freezers
- • If you feel dizzy, have headache, or trouble breathing around dry ice, move to fresh air immediately
Pressure Buildup (Explosion Hazard)
Danger: Sealed containers with dry ice can explode from gas pressure buildup
- • NEVER store dry ice in completely sealed containers (airtight containers, sealed coolers)
- • Don't seal dry ice in plastic bottles, jars, or any airtight container
- • Use vented containers or coolers with loose-fitting lids
- • As dry ice sublimates to gas, pressure builds—sealed containers can explode
Never Consume
Danger: Ingesting dry ice causes severe internal damage
- • Never put dry ice directly in drinks
- • Don't allow dry ice to contact food that will be consumed
- • For drink presentations, keep dry ice in separate container
- • Ensure all dry ice is removed before serving
Proper Storage & Handling
Proper Storage:
- • Store in vented insulated containers (coolers with loose lids)
- • Keep in well-ventilated areas
- • Never in completely sealed containers
- • Never in household freezer (too warm and creates pressure risk)
- • Minimize air space around dry ice to slow sublimation
Expected Sublimation:
- • Dry ice sublimates at 5-10 lbs per 24 hours
- • Better insulation slows rate
- • You can't stop sublimation at normal pressure
- • Purchase dry ice as close to use time as possible
Handling Best Practices:
- • Always use insulated gloves, tongs, or towels
- • Never bare hands—even brief contact causes frostbite
- • Work in well-ventilated areas
- • Break blocks using hammer and chisel (while wearing safety glasses)
- • Transport in vehicle with ventilation
Buying & Using Dry Ice
Forms Available:
- • Blocks (large slabs for long-term cooling)
- • Pellets (small pieces for easier handling and faster sublimation)
- • Slices (medium-sized pieces)
How Much Do You Need?
• For shipping: 5-10 lbs per 24 hours, depending on package size and insulation
• For events/effects: Varies by duration and effect intensity
• For emergency freezer backup: 5-10 lbs per cubic foot per 24 hours
Considerations: Buy shortly before use (sublimates constantly), plan for 5-10 lbs loss per 24 hours, better insulation = slower sublimation, more surface area = faster sublimation (pellets sublimate faster than blocks).
Common Questions About Dry Ice
Related Resources
Need Dry Ice or CO2 for Your Operation?
Whether you need regular CO2 delivery or periodic dry ice supply, we coordinate delivery for commercial operations with the quality and safety you need.
Need it fast? Call us directly: 877-280-5321