Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and is widely used across various industries-from industrial cleaning and food preservation to stage effects-thanks to its powerful and versatile properties. However, due to its unique characteristics, both the production and storage of dry ice require strict conditions. Continue reading this guide as we explore how dry ice is produced on an industrial scale.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), with a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Unlike regular ice, it doesn't melt into a liquid but sublimates directly into a gas, making it "dry." Its extreme cold and residue-free properties make it ideal for various applications, including:
- Industrial Cleaning: Used in dry ice blasting for removing tough contaminants.
- Cold Chain Transportation: Keeps perishable goods frozen during shipping.
- Food Preservation: Maintains freshness without water residue.
- Stage Effects: Creates dramatic fog for performances.
Common Forms:
- 3mm Pellets: Perfect for cleaning applications due to their small size.
- 10mm/16mm Sticks: Used for cooling and transportation needs.
Industrial Method: Liquid CO₂ Pelletizing System
The YJCO2 brand has integrated the most complete dry ice cleaning industry chain resources in China, offering a full one-stop procurement service from raw materials to equipment.
Our Dry Ice Production Process:
Step 1: We provide Dewar bottles for storing liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂), which is the raw material for dry ice. These bottles are used for both the storage and transportation of liquid CO₂.
Step 2: Connect the Dewar bottle to the dry ice pelletizer. The liquid CO₂ is fed into the pelletizer, where it is rapidly cooled by the hydraulic system to form "dry ice snow," which is then compressed into pellets.
Step 3: Since dry ice sublimates easily, we offer ultra-low temperature freezers at -86°C to minimize sublimation loss. Dry ice can be stored for 7 to 15 days, with a daily loss rate as low as 0.6‰.
Step 4: We provide screw-type air compressors with power ranging from 7.5 to 10 kW and airflow up to 1.31 m³/h. They support both 220V and 380V voltages and deliver stable high-pressure air for dry ice blasting machines.
Step 5: The high-pressure air propels the stored dry ice pellets through the blasting machine to clean object surfaces. It can precisely remove industrial contaminants such as oil, tar, dust, and asphalt.
Why Making Dry Ice at Home Is Not Recommended:
1. Extremely High Pressure Required:
Turning carbon dioxide gas into liquid requires very high pressure-at least 5.1 atmospheres. Standard household equipment is simply incapable of reaching such pressure levels.
2. Extremely Low Temperature Needed:
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, with a sublimation point (transitioning directly from solid to gas) of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Household refrigerators or freezers, which typically only reach -18°C to -23°C, are far from sufficient to freeze liquid CO₂ into solid form.
3. Risk of Severe Cold Burns:
Dry ice is extremely cold, with a surface temperature of -78.5°C. Even brief contact with skin or living tissue can cause instant and serious frostbite-similar to a burn, but caused by extreme cold.
4. Risk of Asphyxiation:
At room temperature, dry ice sublimates rapidly, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide gas. In enclosed or poorly ventilated areas-such as kitchens, storage rooms, or inside a car-CO₂ can quickly accumulate, displacing oxygen and leading to hypoxia or suffocation. Carbon dioxide is colorless and odorless, making it hard to detect.
5. Explosion Hazard from Pressurized Containers:
Even if you manage to obtain liquid CO₂ (usually stored in high-pressure steel cylinders), trying to release it quickly to make dry ice without proper equipment or protective measures is extremely dangerous. Sudden pressure changes or improper handling can easily lead to ruptures, explosions, or the ejection of high-speed fragments-causing serious injury.
6. Lack of Professional Equipment:
Safely handling and storing liquid CO₂, as well as making dry ice, requires professional-grade equipment such as pressure vessels, valves, pressure relief devices, insulated gloves, and face shields-all of which are not commonly available in a household setting.
7. Inefficient and Impractical:
Even if you manage to produce a small amount of dry ice despite the risks, the output will be minimal, and the storage time extremely short (since household freezers cannot maintain the required temperature). Overall, the effort and danger far outweigh the benefit.
Dry Ice Cleaning: Principles and Benefits
Dry ice cleaning, or cryogenic cleaning, uses 3mm dry ice pellets propelled at high speed through a spray gun to clean surfaces. The process relies on three key principles:
- Thermal Shock: The extreme cold (-78.5°C) causes contaminants to freeze, contract, and crack, making them easier to remove.
- Gas Expansion: Upon impact, dry ice sublimates, expanding 700 times in volume to lift and dislodge dirt.
- Residue-Free Cleaning: Dry ice evaporates completely, leaving only the original contaminants for easy disposal.
Advantages:
- Environmentally Friendly: No chemical residues, safe for the environment.
- Non-Abrasive: Cleans without damaging surfaces.
- Waterless: Eliminates water marks and the need for drying.
- Non-Stop Operation: Allows cleaning during equipment operation, minimizing downtime.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces waste disposal costs due to no secondary cleanup.
Looking for One-Stop Industrial Dry Ice Blasting Solutions
YJCO2 has integrated the most comprehensive dry ice cleaning industry chain resources in China, offering a full one-stop procurement solution-from raw materials to equipment. Even if dry ice or air compressors are not locally available, we can provide a complete package including dry ice, equipment, and supporting systems to eliminate all your concerns. Contact us now to learn more about dry ice cleaning solutions.
