Storing dry ice: how to keep it safe and longer

Dry ice is fascinating—but volatile. With a temperature of -78,5°C, it sublimates directly from solid to gas without melting. This is precisely what makes it so versatile, but also challenging to handle. Anyone who wants to use dry ice effectively and safely must know how to store it properly.

This article shows you how to Storing dry icewhich factors influence the shelf life of dry ice and which storage solutions have proven themselves in practice.

What is dry ice and why is proper storage so important?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) – the gas we also know from the air we breathe, carbonated drinks, or fire extinguishers. At a pressure of approximately 5,2 bar and a temperature below -78,5 °C, CO₂ is liquefied and then expanded, causing it to suddenly solidify. The result is dry ice: a whitish-gray solid that comes in the form of a block, nugget, or pellet.

Dry ice does not become liquid when it gets warmer. Instead sublimated es – meaning it transforms directly from a solid to a gaseous state. No water is produced in the process, making it ideal for applications where moisture is not desired.

Dry ice is used in numerous areas – from industrial dry ice cleaning, über die Cooling of food and pharmaceutical products up to Effect fog in film and theater. Thanks to its extreme cold, it can also be used for spot frost treatments or the temperature-stable shipping of sensitive goods.

Dry ice is a powerful and versatile refrigerant—but also a volatile one. That's why it's so important to know how to store dry ice properly for safe and efficient use.

How long does dry ice last?

The shelf life of dry ice depends heavily on the Type of storage Depending on the ambient temperature, humidity, storage container, and quantity, dry ice evaporates at different rates during storage.

For orientation:

Important: The smaller the surface area per unit mass, the slower the dry ice evaporates. Large blocks last longer than pellets or nuggets.

Storing dry ice – how to do it right

To ensure you can use dry ice for as long as possible, proper storage techniques are essential. Here are the most important tips for storing dry ice properly:

1. Use suitable insulated containers

Are best suited Thermal container made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or special Dry ice boxes made of polyethyleneThese materials are excellent insulators and prevent heat from penetrating from the outside.

Make sure that the container:

• well insulated
• kept dry and clean
• is not completely closed

Wall thickness also plays a role: Thicker-walled containers offer better protection against heat. Anyone who regularly uses dry ice should therefore invest in professional transport and storage containers.

2. Cool, but not too cold

Sounds paradoxical, but: dry ice must be cool, but not frozen Storage in the freezer is useless – it's "too warm" there (usually -18 °C), so sublimation continues. Even cold rooms at -30 °C cannot completely stop sublimation.

Ideal for storing dry ice is a constant temperature of below 10 °C with low air circulation.

3. Do not store in an enclosed space

CO₂ is an odorless gas that can be dangerous in high concentrations. Therefore, store dry ice never in closed, unventilated rooms – not even in the car or in small storage rooms without windows.

4. Reduce contact with air

The less contact with air, the slower the sublimation process. Make sure you only open the insulated container when necessary. Large quantities of dry ice in a single container are more effective at storing than many small portions.

How does the storage time of dry ice change in practice?

The storage time of dry ice depends not only on the container, but also on various external factors:

• Transport route: Long deliveries in summer temperatures significantly shorten the available service life.
• Quantity: A larger block lasts longer than small pellets because it has a smaller surface area per volume.
• Use: Each extraction brings warm air into the container – this accelerates the sublimation process.

Tip: Plan your operations so that the dry ice is used as soon as possible after delivery – especially when outside temperatures are high.

Storing dry ice – what you should avoid

To ensure that you store dry ice safely, we provide you with an overview of the most common mistakes:

• Store in the refrigerator or freezer: The temperatures are not sufficient to prevent sublimation – in addition, the resulting CO₂ can damage electronic components.
• Store in airtight containers: Sublimation creates gas pressure – in airtight containers, dangerous overpressure can occur.
• Store unmarked: Clearly label the storage container as "dry ice." This will prevent confusion or improper handling by third parties.
• Touching without protective equipmentCaution: Dry ice can cause severe cold burns. Always use insulated gloves or tongs when handling or portioning it.

If you follow these points, you will not only protect yourself but also other people around you – especially when Application of dry ice blasting equipment in workshops or laboratories.

Disposing of dry ice after storage – what to do with leftovers?

The good news first: dry ice leaves no Residues, as it completely sublimates to gaseous CO₂. However, you should consider a few points when disposing of residual quantities:

• Allow leftover dry ice to evaporate in an open or half-open container in a well-ventilated area – for example, outdoors or in a hall with sufficient air circulation.
• Never dispose of dry ice down the drain, toilet, or in household trash, as sudden evaporation can cause damage or burst pipes.
• It must also not end up in garbage containers or closed containers – risk of explosion due to pressure build-up!
• Avoid storing large quantities indoors for "spontaneous disposal." Even a few kilograms of dry ice can cause dangerously high CO₂ concentrations in small spaces.

Just leave it controlled escape – and keep your distance.

Store dry ice correctly – safely, efficiently and well organized!

Storing dry ice means handling a special material correctly. It is neither dangerous nor complicated – as long as you know what you are doing. Crucial to the shelf life of dry ice are, above all, suitable insulated container, well-ventilated room and the correct handling during removal and transport.

As a manufacturer and supplier of dry ice, cleaning equipment and the appropriate Compressors for dry ice blasting machines knows Dry Ice Energy the challenges of storing dry ice. Our experience shows that those who store their dry ice intelligently not only reduce losses but also use it much more efficiently.

If you have any questions about our Product Overview have or high-quality Buy dry ice please feel free to contact us or our PartnersWe advise you practice and solution-oriented – also for storing dry ice!

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Dry ice blasting is ideal for efficient and safe cleaning of your sensitive electronic components Dry Ice Energy the optimal solution. Contact us for further information or individual advice.