Preserving perishables during transport is now easier than ever. From the food industry to medical and pharmaceutical applications, shipping sensitive goods requires a reliable coolant. Maintaining temperature is crucial for a number of reasons and the most efficient way to do that is by using a dry ice pack. We will look into the details about this cooling solution so you can decide if this the is right method for your needs.
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What Is a Dry Ice Pack?
Dry ice packs, also known as dry ice gel packs or cold packs, are a popular cooling solution used in various industries and applications. These products are not the same as dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) frozen at extremely low temperatures. When you have a versatile and long-lasting dry ice pack, you’re essentially using a synthetically dehydrated gel pack in the form of flexible sheets. The dimensions are usually 29×20 cm, or 39.5×29 cm, it is 2mm thick and weighs only 40 to 50 grams.
The product has 2 outer layers of perforated plastic as well as 2 inner layers of non-woven textile. There are also 4ply sheets intended for heavy-duty purposes. These layers encapsulate a post-treated sodium Polyacrylate copolymer and are activated in water. The sheets have 24 individual cells and can be cut to size. They are flexible when frozen and can last up to 7 times longer than ice.
Uses of Dry Ice Packs
Dry ice pads offer several benefits, including their ability to maintain low temperatures for an extended period, making them invaluable in scenarios where traditional cooling methods may not be practical. This is why their use is extended from food preservation in aircrafts or during shipping, to relieving pain from injuries.
Food Preservation and Shipping
One of the most common uses of dry ice bags is in the food industry. They are employed to preserve perishable items, such as frozen food, seafood, and meats during shipping. The prolonged cold of dry ice sheets ensures that food remains frozen and safe during transit. They are an excellent replacement for ice in the cold chain deliveries, like the frozen food delivery companies, meat and seafood exporters and supermarket chains.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Dry ice packs are widely used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries for transporting temperature-sensitive items like vaccines, blood products, and laboratory samples. These packs help maintain the required low temperatures to prevent spoilage or degradation.
Camping and Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts and campers, dry ice packs can be used to keep perishable food items cold for an extended period. They are an excellent choice when traditional refrigeration is not available. Since packing light is one of the first rules for camping or hiking, the lightweight ice packs are the ideal solution.
Emergency Cooling
In the event of power outages or natural disasters, dry ice packs can help keep refrigerated and frozen items from spoiling. They are particularly useful for people who rely on medical equipment that needs temperature control.
Hot and Cold Therapy
All of us have used ice to treat pain or inflammation, and we all know how messy ice can be when it starts melting. The ice packs are an effective solution for cold or hot therapy when treating sports injuries, bumps and bruises, spasms and cramps, joint pain and swelling as well as post-surgery recovery. The pack can be heated up to 70 degrees Celsius for hot therapy, or cooled to – 20 degrees Celsius for cold therapy. However, reasonable intervals should be used for both.
Scientific Research
Dry ice packs are utilized in laboratories and research settings to maintain low temperatures for experiments, especially when traditional freezers or refrigeration units are insufficient.
Benefits of Dry Ice Packs
• Lower Temperature Maintenance for Longer Periods: Dry ice packs can maintain much lower temperatures than conventional ice packs or gel packs. This ensures that perishable items stay frozen for a more extended period, making them ideal for long-distance shipping and storage.
• No Water Mess: Unlike traditional ice packs, dry ice doesn’t melt into water. This eliminates the risk of items getting wet and soggy during transportation, making it an attractive option for transporting sensitive goods.
• Rapid Cooling: Dry ice packs cool items quickly and efficiently due to their extremely low temperature. This is especially advantageous when you need to rapidly chill items or create a specific temperature environment.
• Versatility: They can be used in various settings and for a wide range of applications. They are easily adaptable to different scenarios, making them a versatile cooling solution.
• Space Efficiency: Dry ice packs are space-efficient. They can be stacked easily and do not occupy as much space as traditional ice packs.
• Fully washable: The latest technology used in the production of these packs allows the dehydrated refrigerant sheets to be completely washable. This means that you can stack it into the freezer without any problems.
How Safe Are Dry Ice Packs?
The Techni ice packs are made with TGA-approved materials and the dehydrated gel is absolutely non-toxic and non-hazardous. It’s safe to place them in contact with food and skin. This means that they are a perfect solution for both the food industry and for medical purposes.
Are Dry Ice Packs Reusable?
Most dry ice packs are reusable for years, especially the ones with 4-layer or ply construction. The long life and superior performance are ensured by the heavy-duty plastic surfaces on both sides and the two-layer textile on the inside that can resist puncture.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, dry ice gel packs offer a wide range of uses and benefits, particularly in industries that require precise temperature control during transportation and storage. When used correctly, dry ice packs can be a valuable asset in maintaining the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive goods in various settings.