Dry ice for deep-frozen transport
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂). At normal atmospheric pressure, it changes directly into gas at approximately −78.5 °C. This process is called sublimation and absorbs heat from the surroundings. In shipping, dry ice is used for products whose temperature requirements and packaging are compatible with it.
How does dry ice differ from a coolant pack?
- Cooling produces CO₂ gas rather than meltwater. Dry ice mass decreases during transport; coolant that has sublimated is no longer available.
- The temperature of the dry ice does not demonstrate the product temperature. This depends on factors including arrangement, dry ice quantity, payload and insulation.
- PCM with a melting point of −21 °C may suit certain frozen-shipping requirements. It cannot replace dry ice at arbitrarily low target temperatures.
What matters when handling it?
The packaging must allow CO₂ to escape. Handle dry ice only with suitable cold-protection gloves and ensure adequate ventilation. Quantity, pack-out and any replenishment steps belong in the packing instructions; transport conditions must be agreed with the carrier.
Related terms: Dry ice shipper · Frozen-shipping coolant pack
Technical references:
OSHA: Dry ice properties and handling
FedEx: Packaging for dry ice shipping