How does dry ice work?

Its peculiarity lies in its extremely low temperature of -78.5°C and its sublimation process, i.e. its ability to go directly from the solid to the gaseous state. This change of state, which occurs without ever passing through the liquid phase, is the reason why it is called 'dry' and makes it an exceptionally clean and efficient cooling agent. Leaving no residual moisture, it allows products to be cooled or frozen without wetting them, perfectly preserving their integrity and quality.

Advantages of dry ice

Temperature-controlled transport

Dry ice is the ultimate solution for cold chain management, indispensable for the transport of highly perishable products. Its powerful cooling capacity, combined with its unique property of sublimating without leaving liquid residue, makes it irreplaceable for shipping fresh foodstuffs, temperature-sensitive medicines, biological samples and cosmetics. This method ensures that constant, cryogenic temperatures are maintained within isothermal packaging, optimally preserving the quality, safety and efficacy of the product right up to its destination, without the risk of moisture contamination.

Industrial cryo-cleaning

Temperature control in food mixtures

In the production processes of bakeries, pasta factories and the food industry, the mechanical action of kneading machines generates frictional heat that risks overheating the mixtures, triggering premature and uncontrolled fermentation.

The use of dry ice allows this excess heat to be removed instantly, maintaining the ideal temperature for processing. Since it sublimates without releasing water, it does not alter the hydration or balance of the recipe, thus ensuring perfect control over the leavening process and a standard quality of the final product in terms of texture and flavour.

Cryocleaning in Mould and Equipment Cleaning

In the plastics and die-casting industry, the cleaning of injection moulds is a critical operation that can cause long production stoppages. Dry ice, applied by cryogenic blasting, allows this maintenance to be performed directly on the press, even with a hot mould, effectively removing polymer residues and release agents.

As the process is completely dry and non-abrasive, it does not wear mould surfaces and does not require drying time, thus drastically reducing machine downtime and maximising hourly productivity. Thanks to cryo-cleaning, cleaning with ultrasound or with machines and installations for washing and degreasing metals and mechanical parts in general (metal washers) can be significantly reduced.

Cryogenic blasting in the removal of adhesives, paints and contaminants

In the industrial context, cryogenic blasting is an effective and safe solution for the pickling of complex surfaces. The contact between the dry ice pellets and the residue generates a strong thermal shock, which makes tough substances such as adhesives, silicones, rubbers and paints brittle. The kinetic energy of the jet completes the action, shattering and removing contaminants without affecting the substrate.

Unlike traditional methods based on chemical solvents, cryopolishing does not use VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are known to be harmful if inhaled and potentially dangerous to the health of operators and the environment. Instead, it uses CO₂ - a gas naturally present in the atmosphere - which sublimates without leaving residue or generating liquid waste. This approach improves workplace safety, reduces environmental impact and achieves effective cleaning even on delicate components or high-precision equipment.

Pest control and sanitisation

Its use in cryogenic blasting is a powerful ally in remediation protocols. The thermal shock generated by the pellets freezes and embrittles mould colonies and bacterial biofilms, while the subsequent sublimation literally 'rips' them off surfaces. This deep physical removal, which occurs completely dry and without creating residues, exposes the underlying substrate, making it perfectly receptive to subsequent treatments with biocides, which complete the sanitisation process by eliminating all microscopic traces and preventing future proliferation.

Cooling of electronic components and thermal shock tests

In the electronics and automotive industries, where components are subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, dry ice is a key tool for stress and reliability testing. It is used to induce a controlled thermal shock by rapidly cooling printed circuit boards, sensors or other sensitive parts in a localised manner. This process makes it possible to simulate the most extreme operating conditions, identifying at an early stage micro-fractures, solder defects or material weaknesses that could cause failures in the final product.

Stage effects and events

When the dry ice is immersed in hot water, its rapid sublimation generates a spectacular white, dense and odourless fog, which creates an impressive visual impact. This scenic smoke, being colder and heavier than air, tends to remain at low altitude, forming a fascinating 'carpet of clouds' that envelops the scene.

Thanks to this magical and mysterious effect, it is an irreplaceable tool in the world of entertainment, used in theatres, concerts, film sets and theme parks to create dreamlike atmospheres, as well as in events and weddings to provide unforgettable moments, such as the iconic 'first dance on the clouds.