Dry ice is a versatile cooling agent commonly employed in both industrial and commercial sectors. Its distinct properties make it crucial for numerous applications, including the preservation of perishable items in the food industry and the production of dramatic fog effects for entertainment purposes.
But what is dry ice made of, and how does it work? For those planning their dry ice projects, how long does a pound of dry ice last? We answer these essential questions and more in this guide.
At Emory Dry Ice, we are dedicated to supplying high-quality dry ice for a variety of applications. For more information or to place an order, please contact us or call us at 346-396-7720.
What Is Dry Ice Made Of?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas. Unlike typical water ice, which freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), dry ice is extremely cold, solidifying at -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees Celsius). For a complete guide on dry ice properties, handling, and environmental sustainability, read this blog post
Carbon dioxide gas is subjected to high pressure to make dry ice. The high pressure compresses it into a liquid state before it is depressurized rapidly in a controlled environment, causing it to expand back into gas.
Some carbon dioxide rapidly cools and freezes during this expansion, forming dry ice snow. This snow-like CO₂ is then compressed under high pressure into dry ice blocks, pellets, or slices for commercial and industrial use.
How Does Dry Ice Work?
For commercial and industrial users, dry ice offers a reliable cooling agent for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. Its cold temperature also makes it an excellent choice for flash-freezing, in which products are preserved by rapidly lowering temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
Another remarkable property of dry ice is its ability to sublimate, bypassing the liquid state and changing directly from a solid into a gas. This process creates a visible fog as the CO₂ gas cools the surrounding air to the point of condensation.
Sublimation is advantageous for shipping perishables or performing industrial cleaning, as it leaves no water waste behind.
Common Applications of Dry Ice
Let’s dig deeper into the most common uses of dry ice:
Cold Transport
The cold chain logistics industry depends on dry ice to preserve the integrity of pharmaceuticals, biological samples, and vaccines, especially those requiring very low temperatures during transport. Dry ice is also helpful in transporting meats, seafood, and frozen products. It ensures these temperature-sensitive products remain stable and safe, especially during long journeys.
Commercial Cleaning
Dry ice blasting is an innovative cleaning technique using dry ice pellets propelled at high speeds. This method is particularly effective for removing contaminants like oil, grease, and adhesives from equipment and machinery without damaging the substrate or creating secondary waste, as the dry ice sublimates upon contact.
Medical Industry
Dry ice is essential in medical cold chain logistics, as it keeps vaccines, tissues, and biological samples well-preserved during transport at consistent sub-zero temperatures. Within laboratories, it sustains the integrity of biological specimens for research and diagnosis by providing a reliable, low-temperature environment crucial for long-term preservation.
Emergency Response
Emergency services employ dry ice in disaster recovery efforts, such as preserving food and medicine when power is lost.
Additionally, because dry ice does not conduct electricity and dissipates as a gas, it can be used in fire suppression for electrical fires where water could be hazardous.
Special Effects
The entertainment industry utilizes dry ice to create atmospheric effects on stage and in films. The dense fog produced by dry ice adds a dramatic touch to scenes without the safety risks or residues associated with traditional smoke machines.
How Long Does a Pound of Dry Ice Last?
The size of the brick and how it’s stored significantly impact how long dry ice lasts. For example, a five-pound brick of dry ice can last for the following:
- 18-24 hours in a cooler
- 3-5 hours outdoors
- 15-45 minutes in liquid.
For more detailed information, you can read this blog post on how long a pound of dry ice lasts.
Tips To Extend Shelf Life:
- Store Dry Ice Properly. Keep it in an insulated cooler with the lid slightly ajar. This slows down the sublimation process by minimizing temperature fluctuations and air exposure.
- Keep Water Out. Ensure that the dry ice remains dry. Water accelerates the sublimation process, so avoid placing it in areas where it might come into contact with moisture or condensation.
- Don’t Break Up Large Bricks. If you order dry ice products in blocks, keep them as is. Large blocks of dry ice sublimate slower than smaller pieces due to their reduced surface area exposed to the air.
How To Store and Dispose of Dry Ice
Dry ice’s incredibly low temperature can easily cause frostbite, making safe handling and disposal measures crucial.
Store In an Insulated Container
In order to maintain dry ice’s solid state for as long as possible, opt for a well-insulated container like a Styrofoam cooler. Storing dry ice in a freezer is not advisable since its extremely low temperature can cause the thermostat and, eventually, your freezer to shut down.
More importantly, store your dry ice in a well-ventilated area. Dry ice releases carbon dioxide as it sublimates, which could lead to harmful concentrations in enclosed spaces.
Proper Disposal of Dry Ice
It’s best to let your unused dry ice sublimate in a well-ventilated area away from people and pets. Do not dispose of it in a closed container or a sink, as the rapid gas expansion could lead to an explosion or cause pipes to freeze and potentially burst. Moreover, do not discard it in a garbage can, as someone else can accidentally pick it up.
Maximize Efficiency—Choose Emory Dry Ice for Superior Solutions
Understanding how dry ice is made and how it works, including how long it lasts under different conditions, enables users to utilize this resource more efficiently. With proper handling and storage techniques, dry ice can maintain its form longer and serve its purpose without waste.
Whether you’re looking to maintain the cold chain during transport or searching for an eco-friendly cleaning solution, dry ice is unmatched in its capability. When it comes to meeting your dry ice needs, Emory Dry Ice is equally in a class of its own.
We offer a range of advanced cooling and cleaning solutions, including Dry Ice Pellets, Airline Cut Dry Ice, 5 lb Dry Ice Blocks, and High-Density Dry Ice Pellets.
Emory Dry Ice proudly serves a wide range of areas, including Houston, Brookhaven, Burlington (Philadelphia), Lakeland (Orlando), Dallas, and Atlanta. For more information or to place an order, please contact us or call us at 346-396-7720.
