Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is extensively utilized in cold – chain transportation for items that require low – temperature environments, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biological samples. Dry ice has an extremely low temperature (around – 78.5℃) and leaves no residue as it sublimates. Its high cooling efficiency and non – polluting characteristics make it an ideal choice for cold – chain transportation.
Usage Steps
Preparing the Dry Ice
Always wear protective gloves and safety goggles before handling dry ice to prevent frostbite from direct contact.
Calculate the required amount of dry ice based on the quantity of items to be refrigerated and the duration of transportation. Generally, it is recommended to use 2 – 3 kilograms of dry ice per kilogram of goods.
Preparing the Transport Container
Select a suitable insulated container, such as a VIP insulated box, EPS insulated box, or EPP insulated box. Ensure that the container is clean both inside and out.
Check the seal of the insulated container, but make sure there is some ventilation to prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas.
Loading the Dry Ice
Place dry ice blocks or pellets at the bottom of the insulated container, ensuring an even distribution.
If the dry ice blocks are large, use a hammer or other tools to break them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area and improve the cooling efficiency.
Loading Refrigerated Items
Put the items that need to be refrigerated, like food, pharmaceuticals, or biological samples, into the insulated container.
Use separation layers or cushioning materials (such as foam or sponges) to prevent the items from directly contacting the dry ice and getting frost – bitten.
Sealing the Insulated Container
Close the lid of the insulated container and ensure it is properly sealed, but do not seal it completely. Leave a small ventilation opening to prevent pressure buildup inside the container.
Transport and Storage
Move the insulated container with the dry ice and refrigerated items onto the transport vehicle, avoiding exposure to sunlight or high temperatures.
Minimize the frequency of opening the container during transport to maintain the internal temperature stability.
Upon arrival at the destination, promptly transfer the refrigerated items to an appropriate storage environment (such as a refrigerator or freezer).
