Dry Ice

50 lb packages of dry ice pellets and rice are shipped directly from our facility in Hartford, CT.

We ship our dry ice in an insulated box, 2nd day Air AM to guarantee product freshness! Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

Extra dry ice will be added to your shipment to make up for what sublimates in transit and ensure that you receive the amount ordered. Although the pellets will shrink during shipping and vary in size when received, the total weight will be what you ordered or more.

Box Dimensions are 15.75″ x 15.75″ x 18.5″

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, a normal part of our earth’s atmosphere. It is the gas that we exhale during breathing and the gas that plants use in photosynthesis. It is also the same gas commonly added to water to make soda water. It is particularly useful for freezing, and keeping things frozen because of its very cold temperature: -109.3°F or -78.5°C.

It is widely used because it is simple to freeze and easy to handle using insulated gloves. It changes directly from a solid to a gas -sublimation- in normal atmospheric conditions without going through a wet liquid stage. Therefore, it gets the name “dry ice.”

As a general rule, it will sublimate at a rate of five to ten pounds every 24 hours in a typical ice chest. This sublimation continues from the time of purchase; therefore, pick it up as close to the time needed as possible. Bring an ice chest or some other insulated container to hold it and slow the sublimation rate. It sublimates faster than regular ice melts but will extend the life of regular ice.

It is best not to store it in your freezer because your freezer’s thermostat will shut off the freezer due to its extreme cold! Of course, if the freezer is broken, it will save all your frozen goods.

Commercial shippers of perishables often use dry ice even for non-frozen goods. It gives more than twice the cooling energy per pound of weight and three times the cooling energy per volume than regular water ice (H2O).

It is often mixed with regular ice to save shipping weight and extend the cooling energy of water ice. Sometimes it is made on the spot from liquid CO2. The resulting snow is packed in the top of a shipping container offering extended cooling without electrical refrigeration equipment and connections.

The Safety Data Sheet for Carbon Dioxide, Solid or Dry Ice can be found here.

Safe Handling Practices for Dry Ice

Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is an extremely cold material (-109.3°F or -78.5°C) and poses unique hazards if not handled properly. For your safety and to ensure effective use, please follow these guidelines:

1. Always Wear Protective Equipment

• Use Insulated Gloves: Always wear thick, insulated gloves when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite or cold burns. Avoid direct contact with skin.
• Use Eye Protection: When handling dry ice in any capacity, wear safety goggles to protect against flying particles.

2. Ensure Proper Ventilation

• Prevent Carbon Dioxide Buildup: Dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid asphyxiation risks.
• Avoid Confined Spaces: Never store or use dry ice in small, enclosed areas such as walk-in coolers, vehicles, or confined rooms without adequate airflow.

3. Safe Transport and Storage

• Use Insulated Containers: Transport dry ice in insulated coolers, but do not seal the lid tightly. Dry ice releases gas as it sublimates, and pressure buildup in airtight containers can cause them to burst.
• Do Not Store in Freezers or Refrigerators: Dry ice is much colder than regular freezers and can damage them. Use designated insulated containers for storage.

4. Handling and Usage Precautions

• Do Not Eat or Ingest: Dry ice is not edible. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe internal injury due to extreme cold.
• Keep Away from Children and Pets: Dry ice can cause serious injury if touched or ingested. Store it out of reach.

5. Disposal Guidelines

• Allow to Sublimate in Open Air: Let unused dry ice sublimate (turn to gas) in a well-ventilated area, away from children, pets, and any confined spaces.
• Never Dispose in Drains, Toilets, or Trash Compactors: The extreme cold can damage plumbing and equipment, and the gas released can create pressure hazards.

6. Emergency Procedures

• Frostbite Treatment: If dry ice comes into contact with your skin, it can cause frostbite. Immediately rinse the area with lukewarm (not hot) water and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Exposure to High Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide: Symptoms of CO₂ exposure include dizziness, shortness of breath, and confusion. If someone is exposed, move them to fresh air immediately and call emergency services if symptoms persist.

By following these safe handling practices, you can safely and effectively use dry ice for your applications. Additional safety information can be found in our dry ice Safety Data Sheet here.