What makes dry ice different
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). What sets it apart from regular (water) ice is that it does not melt into a liquid — at normal pressure it sublimates, passing directly from solid to gas at about −109.3°F (−78.5°C). That is why it leaves no residue and why it keeps things far colder than water ice ever could.
The process, step by step
Production turns captured CO₂ gas into a solid through pressure and rapid expansion:
- Capture and purify the CO₂ — carbon dioxide is collected (often as a by-product of other industrial processes) and purified for use.
- Pressurize and cool it into liquid CO₂ — under high pressure and low temperature, the gas becomes a liquid that can be stored and transported.
- Rapidly expand it into dry-ice "snow" — releasing the liquid CO₂ to lower pressure makes part of it flash-freeze into fine, snow-like solid particles while the rest escapes as gas.
- Compress the snow into shape — the dry-ice snow is pressed under high pressure into the final form: dense blocks, flat slices, or small pellets and nuggets.
The forms it comes in
- Blocks — dense and slow to sublimate; best for long transit and large loads.
- Slices — flat slabs cut from blocks; easy to layer in shipping cartons.
- Pellets / nuggets — small pieces that pack around irregular product for fast, surrounding cooling.
Why the form matters for shipping
Because every form is the same −109.3°F CO₂, the choice comes down to how long the cold must last and how it is packed. Denser blocks hold cold longest; slices layer neatly above and below product; pellets surround irregular shapes. Matching the form (and the quantity) to the trip is exactly what makes a dry-ice shipment arrive cold — and it is what our specialized-services team scopes for every dry-ice move.
Frequently asked questions about dry ice
Is it safe to touch dry ice?
Not with bare skin — at about −109.3°F it can cause frostbite almost instantly. Always handle dry ice with insulated gloves and tongs.
What happens if you put dry ice in water?
It sublimates rapidly, producing a thick fog of CO₂ gas and cold water vapor. It is a dramatic effect, but do the it only in a ventilated space — and never seal the container, as the gas builds pressure.
How should dry ice be stored?
In a well-insulated cooler in a ventilated space — never in an airtight container (the CO₂ gas needs to vent) and never in a sealed vehicle cabin. It sublimates continuously, so buy it close to when you need it.
Is the gas released from dry ice harmful?
CO₂ is non-toxic, but in an enclosed, poorly ventilated space it can build up and displace oxygen, which is dangerous. Always use dry ice with good ventilation.