Dry Ice Info
Dry Ice International

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (chemical formula CO2)

comprising two oxygen atoms bonded to a single carbon atom. It is colourless, odourless, non-flammable, and slightly acidic. At temperatures below -56.4 ??C and pressures below 5.13 atm (the triple point), CO2 changes from a solid to a gas with no intervening liquid form through a process called sublimation. The opposite process is called deposition, where CO2 changes from the gas to solid phase (dry ice). At atmospheric pressure, sublimation/deposition occurs at -78.5??C.

Safely Using Dry Ice

CO2 gas is heavier than air and it can therefore pool in basements or other low areas. When transporting dry ice, always keep vehicle windows open to bring in fresh air.

The quantity of dry ice used in a regular storage freezer or refrigerator is unlikely to produce CO2 gas in sufficient quantity to cause a health problem. Dry ice can readily be used to keep foods cool in those types of containers.

Are there any special precautions I should take when using dry ice?

There are a number of important precautions to take when handling dry ice:

Dry ice is much colder than regular ice and can burn the skin similar to frostbite. You should wear insulated gloves (cloth or leather) when handling it. Wear safety glasses and a face shield if you are cutting or chipping it.

Keep dry ice out of the reach of children.

Never eat or swallow Dry Ice!

Avoid inhaling CO2 gas.

What are some tips for using dry ice to keep foods chilled?

Order dry ice in the form and size in which it will be used. It can be difficult and dangerous to cut.

Store dry ice in a container that allows some ventilation. If unventilated, CO2 gas can build up pressure in a container, as dry ice sublimates.

How much dry ice will I need?

The quantity of dry ice you will need to maintain the temperature in a storage freezer or refrigerator will vary.

Some basic tips for using dry ice to chill foods are:

In a Refrigerator (non-electrical):

A home-style refrigerator may use about 5 kg of dry ice per day.

Dry ice may freeze items so place foods that may become damaged by freezing as far away as possible from the ice.

Place ice on the bottom of a household unit. Place newspaper or other insulating materials on glass shelves to prevent the shelves from cracking.

Keep liquids tightly covered so they do not become carbonated as the refrigerator fills with CO2.

In a Freezer (non-electrical):

A chest freezer may use 18 to 22 kg of dry ice per day, placed on top of the food.

A home-style refrigerator/freezer combination unit:

A unit with the freezer at the bottom may use 7 to 12 kg per day, placed on top of the food.

A unit with the freezer at the top may use 9 to 14 kg per day, placed on top of and surrounding the food.

A unit with a side-by-side freezer may use 18 to 22 kg per day, placed on top of and surrounding the food.

How do I dispose of dry ice?

Because dry ice can cause CO2 gas to accumulate and build up pressure, do not dispose of dry ice in a sewerage system, garbage disposal unit, etc. Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate (turn into gas), in a well-ventilated area.