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How Cold is Dry Ice? How Long does it Last in a Cooler?

Updated: Aug 20




You've probably seen dry ice used in camping, partying, fishing, or dry blast cleaning. Typically, regular ice cubes have been used in place of dry ice, especially in refrigeration, but dry ice has become a more popular option thanks to its efficiency and the capacity to maintain lower temperatures.


If you are looking forward to using dry ice in Miami, Florida, Hialeah, Hollywood, and their surroundings, there are several aspects you need to know to get the best out of it. As one of South Florida's leading companies for cryogenics, The Cryo Group hopes to answer questions related to dry ice temperature, how long it lasts, its applications, and more.


What is Dry Ice?


Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. It's similar to the regular ice cubes in freezers, but unlike ice cubes, it doesn't melt.


Instead, it goes through a process known as sublimation, where its cubes change directly from their solid state to gaseous form without becoming a liquid. It's also much colder than regular ice cubes, with temperatures reaching -78 degrees Celcius or -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it better for refrigeration than regular ice cubes.


Dry ice can be made in various forms, such as pellets, blocks, and cubes, to meet multiple needs and usage.


It's also made from recycled carbon dioxide produced as a by-product in various industries. Therefore, it doesn't add harmful carbon dioxide to the environment after its sublimation, making it a completely environmentally friendly gas.


How Long Can Dry Ice Last in a Cooler?


There's no specific timeline for how long dry ice can last in a cooler. The timeline varies with the amount of dry ice used, the size of the cooler, and outside temperatures.


However, dry ice itself lasts between 18 to 24 hours. You can extend the dry ice solid state by keeping the cooler tightly closed while in transit.


You can also place an insulation material, like a blanket or towel, between the dry ice and the transported item. You should also regularly check the cooler's temperature and add more dry ice to keep your item cooler longer.


Other Applications for Dry Ice


Dry ice is commonly used to transport frozen foods, meat, ice creams, vegetables, and vaccines. However, due to its sublimation properties, extremely low temperature, and safety, it can be used in various applications, including the following:


Preservation


Adding dry ice in a container displaces oxygen, making it suitable for preserving food grains. It's also odorless and doesn't melt when subjected to warm temperatures, meaning it doesn't affect the quality and taste of preserved products.


Fog Machines


Artificial fog on theater stages, spooky houses, and nightclubs use dry ice. It's produced by placing dry ice blocks in water, bringing out immense white smoke with a fairy effect.


Carbonated Drinks


All carbonated drinks, such as soda pops and sparkling water, use dry ice. Once added to any liquid, it begins to bubble and forms carbon dioxide vapors. The liquid also absorbs the CO2 and becomes carbonated.


Blast Cleaning


One of the most common industrial uses of dry ice is blast cleaning. In this process, dry ice pellets and compressed air are shot at a high speed on a surface to remove grime and dirt. While the pellets sublime, the CO2 produced leaves the surface sparkling clean.


Other applications include:

  • Freezing mixtures in laboratories.

  • Enhancing plant growth by placing dry ice cubes close to the plants.

  • Cloud precipitation.


Dry Ice in Miami, Florida


Dry ice is an essential product for various applications. Its benefits surpass regular ice cubes since it's non-flammable, odorless, colorless, and doesn't melt to water and spoil the content meant to preserve.


If you're looking for a reliable dry ice supplier in Florida, Hollywood, Hialeah, or Miami, look no further than The Cryo Group.


We aim to maintain the highest level and most efficient dry ice solutions for all our clients. Our services range from dry ice supply to designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing dry ice production systems. We value providing personalized services to all our clients to ensure they get the best out of their dry ice application. Contact The Cryo Group today to learn how we can help you.


Image Credit: CornelPutan / Shutterstock



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