Process Gases :: Dry Ice

Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide (CO₂). Distinct from regular water ice, which exists at temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below, dry ice is extremely cold, -109°F (-79°C).

Unlike water ice, dry ice does not melt. Instead, it sublimates (changes directly from solid to gas), releasing CO₂. Carbon dioxide vapor is substantially heavier than air. In confined, poorly ventilated spaces it can displace air, causing asphyxiation. It is even possible for CO₂ vapor to accumulate in low-lying areas, out-of-doors, under zero or very light wind conditions.

Life Sciences.  Dry ice snow is perfect for storing biological samples, while sheets and slices can also meet this need. Praxair's nuggets (3/8", 1/2" or 3/4" in diameter by 1/4" to 1 1/2" long) and rice pellets (2.9 mm) offer two other safe, convenient shapes and sizes, and many other benefits.

Food Processing and Shipping.  Used in every phase of food processing including commercial baking, ice cream distribution, sausage manufacturing, cold grinding, meet processing, and food shipping.  Also inhibits bacteria growth, maximizing flavor and extending the sell date.

Metallurg

• Shrink-Fitting.  Forms a strong bond after metal parts are immersed into the low-temperature dry ice solvent before fitting, then warmed to room temperature and allowed to expand.
    
• Cold Testing.  Increases the tempering process in cold treating high-tensile steel by reducing the metal's temperature to -80°F (-62°C) after heat treating.
    
• Annealed Aluminum Cold Storage.  Retains the alloy's annealed state until thawed, facilitating large-scale production of aluminum riveted structures, such as aircraft and space vessels.

• Cold Grinding.  Makes it easier to grind particles like plexiglass, PVC resin, epoxy, ABS, polypropylene, vinyl and inorganic pigments.
    
• Deflashing.  Enables press operators to quickly remove rubber-molded parts, which are then tumbled into a barrel with crushed dry ice to easily remove the flash.
    
• Low-Temperature Refrigerant.  Provides a reliable refrigerant for use in chemical labs and pilot plants, as well as low-temperature testing of various cabinets.
    
• Inerting and Cooling.  Offers a proven low-cost source of carbon dioxide for inert atmospheres, and to cool and inert chemical mixing tanks.
    
• Construction.  Solves numerous problems, including freezing water pipe sections to repair breaks and freezing water behind a coffer dam to place solid fill material during bridge or dam construction.
    
• Repairs.  Facilitates many tasks, such as loosening asphalt floor tiles and other bonded materials by shrinking them to quickly break the bond.