Dry ice sublimes, meaning that when it evaporates it turns directly from solid to gas. This phenomenon of sublimation starts as soon as the CO2 ice is produced.

The sublimation of dry ice can exceed 20% a day if it is kept in an unsuitable container.
It is therefore very important to pack dry ice in containers with a very good insulating capacity in order to drastically reduce the loss of energy by sublimation.

The dry ice container provides thermal protection of the dry ice during transport, but also once it arrives at the user’s. Use OLIVO dry ice containers when you have to store or transport dry ice for sale.

Once delivered, the insulated container continues to thermally protect the dry ice stored. The user can then take out the dry ice necessary for his application as and when he needs it, whilst limiting the sublimation of the dry ice. OLIVO dry ice containers ensure easy shipping and the dry ice is guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition.

OLIVO’s BAC dry ice containers being the collection point for the dry ice, the lids of large capacity insulated chests are assisted by gas springs in order to facilitate opening and closing in the event of repeated removals of dry ice.

You can choose the direction of travel for the large capacity BAC dry ice containers, which are mounted on wheels, to make handling them on the ground easier.

The BAC range of insulated dry ice containers, range BAC (insulated box) are fitted with a silicone seal to avoid sticking at low temperatures.

The high insulating capacity container is the ideal dry ice shipping container for both producer and user. Limiting shrinkage (loss of volume due to sublimation) reduces energy costs.

Dry ice is sold in different forms (blocks, slabs, sticks, pellets etc.) and in many sectors.
The best known of them is controlled-temperature transport as dry ice is a powerful refrigerant.

Cryogenic or dry ice blast cleaning is a more recent application and also one that is very interesting. Dry ice in the form of small pellets is projected to blast clean surfaces, molds, technical and electronic parts.
Cryogenic cleaning is a form of blast cleaning, but one which leaves no residues like water, sand or shot. Cryogenic cleaning is a clean, non-abrasive technique.

Dry ice shipping containers are used to store the pellets used for the blast cleaning.

Transport dry ice in a separate compartment away from the driver. Store dry ice in a ventilated area. Do not touch dry ice with your bare hands.

CRYOGENIC REFRIGERATION

Manufacturers of dry ice will be able to advise you on all these safety issues and how to use your insulated containers.

In Europe, the road transport of dangerous goods is covered by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods. This agreement is known as the ADR.

Dry ice can create a dangerous atmosphere. Insulated containers with a capacity of more than 1.3 m3 must have specific transport marking indicating the presence of dry ice.

The ADR marking is intended to indicate the presence of dry ice and to raise the awareness of transport chain users and operators of the safety precautions.
ADR marking is required if:

You are using an insulated dry ice container to transport dry ice. In this case, within the meaning of the ADR, dry ice is considered as a conditioner.
You are using an insulated container from our ROLL range refrigerated by dry ice. In this case, within the meaning of the ADR, dry ice is considered as a coolant.

Download a summary of the ADR marking requirements

Remember that you will need to check what the marking requirements specific to your country are.

Download the text of the ADR from the UNECE

1 – How do you store dry ice for long periods ?

To store dry ice for long periods, you should choose high-performance insulated containers, preferably one-piece, rotomoulded, double-walled containers. Containers insulated with injected polyurethane foam are particularly effective in slowing the sublimation of the dry ice. Finally, storing the insulated container in a chilled environment (+2°C/+4°C) will also help maximise the length of time you can store your dry ice.

OLIVO insulated containers allow dry ice to be stored for up to 13 days if unopened.

2 – How long does dry ice last?

It all depends on the equipment the dry ice is kept in. If the container is not opened, dry ice in an OLIVO insulated chest sublimates at a rate of 4 to 5% per day.