Dry ice packs have remained popular for preserving products that need to stay cold while in transit. They're often considered suitable for shipping due to their extremely low temperature, which can help keep products cold for longer. Dry ice also goes through a process known as sublimation, where it converts to gas without turning into liquid. This process ensures that the product being shipped doesn't get soggy once the dry ice sublimes.
Knowing how long dry ice lasts is crucial in determining when to add more packs to your shipping container and keep your products fresh. At the Cryo Group, we would like to help you to know more about how long dry ice is good for. Keep reading this post to learn more.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice refers to carbon dioxide in its solid state. It forms under extremely low temperatures of -109 degrees Fahrenheit. One exciting aspect is that it sublimates, meaning it changes directly into a gas from its solid state. This makes it a popular choice for shipping perishable products since it doesn't sog the products being shipped once the dry ice sublimes.
If you're wondering how dry ice lasts, it depends on the quantity of the dry ice being used. Typically, it would take 24 hours for 5-10 pounds of dry ice to sublimate, while 8-10 takes up to 48 hours. However, this timeline varies according to the size and weight of the package, the size and type of insulation of the shipping container, and external temperatures.
How Do I Pack Dry Ice?
The best way to pack your dry ice is inside a styrofoam container. These containers offer maximum protection from shock and external temperature that may affect the dry ice's longevity. You should then place the styrofoam in a properly ventilated location to allow an efficient release of carbon dioxide and avoid its harmful effects.
When using dry ice for shipping, you must consider several packing tips to increase the longevity of dry ice. These tips include the following:
Pre-Cooling the Packages
Pre-cooling the items you'll transport with the dry ice packs reduces the initial temperature difference. This helps keep the dry ice packs colder and maintains a steady temperature while in transit. You should also keep adding more dry ice, especially when shipping products over long distances, rather than waiting until they sublimate. This will help keep the required temperature throughout the shipment.
Using High-Quality Shipping Container
Ensure your shipping container is sturdy and can withstand shock while in transit. It should also have a tight seal to keep the temperature stable and maximize the longevity of your dry ice packs.
Using Foam to Increase Insulation
Foam has excellent insulation properties that help keep a stable temperature inside a container. This is useful when shipping perishable items that can spoil quickly once the temperature dips.
What Items Would Need Dry Ice While Shipping
Most temperature-sensitive products require dry ice while shipping. This includes sensitive medical supplies, frozen foods, and some biologics. Vaccines are the most common sensitive medical supplies that need dry ice during shipment. They require extremely low temperatures to sustain their potency.
Frozen foods that need dry ice shipment include fresh produce, perishable fruits, various types of meats, and drinks. Common biologics that require dry ice shipment are tissues and blood samples.
Interested In Learning More About Shipping with Dry Ice? Contact Us Today
Now you know how long does dry ice last. If you need dry ice for shipment or any other use in Miami, Florida, Hialea
h, or Hollywood, The Cryo Group is here to help. We hold a reputation for the timely delivery of high-quality dry ice for businesses across these locations and their surroundings. Contact us today to learn more. '
Image Credit: Jammy Photography / Shutterstock
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