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How Much Dry Ice Do You Need When Shipping
November 13, 2023
Calculating the Right Amount of Dry Ice for Safe Shipping
Written By: Narek Hakobyan
Knowing how long dry ice (a solid form of carbon dioxide) lasts and making the most of its cooling power is crucial for shipping biological samples worldwide. Unlike regular ice, which melts into liquid water at 0°C (32°F), dry ice sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at 78.5°C (-109.3°F).
Factors Affecting How Long Dry Ice Lasts When Shipping
There are several factors that influence how long dry ice will last in your shipping container:
- Quantity: Larger quantities of dry ice take longer to sublimate.
- Insulation of Your Packaging: Using a well-insulated container of good quality can extend the lifespan.
- Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the surrounding environment has a big impact. Keep this in mind when shipping during hot summer months or to regions with hot temperatures all year around.
- Dry Ice Pellet Size: Smaller pellets tend to sublimate faster than larger ones.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need?
Mercury’s Recommendation: Dry ice sublimates at a rate of 5-10 lbs per 24 hours in a well-insulated cooler. We recommend 5-10 lbs of dry ice per day for items weighing up to 12.5 lbs. A shipment lasting 2 days requires at least 20 lbs of dry ice.
Safety Tips for Handling Dry Ice
Be careful when you handle dry ice. Here are some safety tips:
- Wear gloves and use tongs to prevent frostbites.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using dry ice in enclosed spaces to prevent CO2 buildup.
- Don’t store dry ice in airtight containers, as the CO2 gas can lead to pressure buildup and container rupture.
- Clearly mark your containers to indicate the presence of dry ice. Always keep dry ice out of the reach of children and pets.
Fact: Dry ice does not “melt” – instead it sublimates into gas
Dry Ice Replenishment Service is Always an Option
If you regularly ship specimen materials that require the contents to remain being frozen, consider using a specialty cold chain service that includes dry ice replenishment during customs clearance for peace of mind that temperature excursions won’t happen during unforeseen delays.