How to Use Dry Ice in Coolers for Safe and Efficient Shipping

Shipping temperature-sensitive items, such as perishable food, vaccins, and biotech samples, requires reliable cooling solutions. Using coolers with dry ice packs is an effective way to keep items frozen for extended periods without the mess of melting ice. Dans ce guide, we will cover the steps on how to use dry ice in coolers sans risque, meilleures pratiques, and the benefits it offers in modern cold chain logistics.

Whether you are shipping seafood, médicaments, ou d'autres marchandises périssables, dry ice is one of the most efficient ways to maintain low temperatures. À -78,5 ° C (-109.3°F), dry ice is significantly colder than regular ice, making it ideal for shipments that require extended freezing. This guide will walk you through the process of using dry ice in coolers for safe and efficient shipping.

• How dry ice works in coolers

• Best practices for safe dry ice handling

• How to pack coolers efficiently with dry ice

• Comparing dry ice and regular ice for different shipping needs

• Key regulations and compliance for shipping with dry ice

How Does Dry Ice Work in Coolers?

La glace sèche est un dioxyde de carbone solide (Co₂) and sublimates directly into gas at a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Contrairement à la glace ordinaire, qui fond dans l'eau, dry ice does not leave any residue, making it ideal for long-duration shipments. The cooling effect occurs as dry ice absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, keeping items inside the cooler frozen for much longer than regular ice.

Key Benefits of Using Dry Ice in Coolers

• Durée de refroidissement prolongée: Dry ice keeps contents frozen for longer periods compared to regular ice, which is crucial for long-distance shipments.

• Pas de résidu d'eau: Depuis la glace sèche sublime dans le gaz, there’s no risk of water damage to your goods, which is especially important for sensitive items.

• Efficient Space Utilization: Dry ice takes up less space than regular ice, allowing you to pack more items without sacrificing cooling efficiency.

• Better for Sensitive Items: Dry ice is preferred for shipping pharmaceuticals, vaccins, and biotech samples, as it maintains a constant low temperature.

Comment emballer une glacière avec de la glace sèche: Un guide étape par étape

Étape 1: Select the Right Cooler

Choose a cooler that is well-insulated and can accommodate both your items and the dry ice. A high-quality cooler helps retain cold for longer and is essential for ensuring the dry ice lasts for the necessary duration.

• Qualité de l'isolation: Select coolers that feature thick insulation to prevent temperature fluctuations.

• Ventilation: La glace sèche sublime dans le gaz co₂, so ensure your cooler has a vent or that you leave a small gap to allow the gas to escape.

Étape 2: Manipulez la glace sèche en toute sécurité

Always wear insulated gloves or use tongs to handle dry ice. Its extreme cold can cause frostbite if touched directly.

Étape 3: Pack the Cooler Efficiently

Layer the dry ice at the bottom of the cooler, as cold air naturally sinks. Place insulating materials between the dry ice and your goods to prevent direct contact. This helps avoid freezing the contents or damaging them.

• Superposition: Pour les marchandises périssables, layer insulation like cardboard or towels to protect them from direct contact with the dry ice.

Étape 4: Sceller correctement le refroidisseur

Once the cooler is packed, ensure it is sealed tightly but not airtight. Dry ice needs a way to release CO₂ gas to avoid pressure buildup, which could lead to dangerous situations.

Étape 5: Surveiller la température

For sensitive items, it’s recommended to use temperature monitoring devices to track the conditions inside the cooler during transit.

Étape 6: Dispose of Dry Ice Safely

Allow the dry ice to sublimate in a well-ventilated area. Ne le jetez jamais dans un récipient scellé, as the buildup of gas can cause the container to explode.

Glace sèche vs. Glace ordinaire: Which Should You Use?

Meilleures pratiques pour l’utilisation de glace carbonique dans les glacières

• Utilisez la bonne quantité: Pour les expéditions longues, calculate the amount of dry ice based on the temperature and duration of the journey. Typiquement, 5-10 pounds of dry ice are needed per 24 heures.

• Assurer une bonne ventilation: Always make sure that the cooler has proper ventilation to release CO₂ gas. Failure to do so can cause dangerous pressure buildup.

• Layer Correctly: Place dry ice at the bottom for frozen items and use insulating layers between the dry ice and the goods to protect them.

Regulations for Shipping with Dry Ice

Lors d'un envoi avec de la neige carbonique, there are specific regulations to follow, especially when shipping via air.

• UN1845 Labeling: Dry ice shipments must be labeled as “UN1845 glace sèche” ou “Dioxyde de carbone, solid.” Ensure that the net weight of the dry ice is clearly marked on the package.

• Règlements de l'IATA: If shipping by air, certain restrictions apply, including weight limits (Par exemple, 2.5 kg per passenger on consumer airlines).

• Ventilation and Packaging: Use proper packaging materials that allow the CO₂ gas to escape, such as corrugated boxes with ventilation holes.

2025 Tendances de la logistique de la chaîne du froid

Alors que nous entrons dans 2025, there are several trends shaping the cold chain industry, y compris:

• Matériaux écologiques: With increasing demand for sustainability, companies are moving towards recyclable materials and reducing single-use plastics in packaging.

• Surveillance de la température intelligente: Real-time monitoring with Bluetooth-enabled devices is becoming more affordable and widely adopted, ensuring accurate tracking of shipments.

• Ready-to-Use Kits: Preassembled cold chain solutions are gaining popularity, saving time and minimizing errors during packing.

FAQ

Q1: How much dry ice do I need for my cooler?

A good rule of thumb is to use 5-10 livres de glace carbonique par 24 heures d'expédition. Adjust based on the cooler size, durée, and external temperature conditions.

Q2: Puis-je utiliser de la neige carbonique pour expédier de la nourriture?

Oui, dry ice is ideal for shipping perishable foods, especially those that need to stay frozen, comme les fruits de mer, viande, et glace.

Q3: How do I handle and dispose of dry ice safely?

Portez toujours des gants isolants lorsque vous manipulez de la neige carbonique. Dispose of it by allowing it to sublimate in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it has no contact with airtight containers.

Conclusion

Dry ice is a reliable and effective solution for keeping items frozen during long shipments, que ce soit pour la nourriture, médicaments, or biotech samples. By following proper packing techniques, ensuring correct ventilation, and adhering to shipping regulations, you can safely and efficiently use dry ice for cold chain logistics. Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices to optimize your cold chain operations.