Dry Ice Production
Discover how modern dry ice systems use liquid CO₂ to produce high-quality dry ice in various forms – for industry, logistics, the food sector, the pharmaceutical industry and many more
Dry Ice Production for Industry and Commerce
Discover how dry ice can optimise your processes. From food and pharmaceutical to industrial production – with state-of-the-art dry ice production, you can provide your cooling and cleaning medium whenever needed, efficiently and on point. Benefit from sustainable solutions, maximum independence and consistently high quality for your production processes.
What is Dry Ice and What are its Properties?
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) and has a temperature of –78.5 °C. Unlike normal ice made from water, dry ice sublimates directly from a solid to a gaseous state without turning into a liquid. This property makes it particularly hygienic, residue-free and ideal for applications where moisture is undesirable.
The outstanding properties of dry ice include:
- Extremely low temperatures: Ideal for cooling, preservation and cryogenics.
- Residue-free sublimation: Neither water nor dirt remains after use.
- Versatile forms: Dry ice can be produced as pellets, Nuggets or blocks, suitable for various industrial, commercial and medical applications.
- Chemical neutrality: Non-toxic, non-flammable and food-safe.
- Easy handling: Can be easily transported, stored and used as required.
Thanks to these properties, dry ice is a powerful tool for businesses in food production, the pharmaceutical industry, logistics, agriculture and industrial processes. It combines efficiency, safety and sustainability in a single medium.
How ASCO Dry Ice Machines Work
Step 1: Injection of liquid CO₂
The process begins as soon as the ASCO machine’s control system opens the valve. The pressurised liquid carbon dioxide from the storage tank flows in a controlled manner into the production chamber.
Step 2: Rapid expansion
Inside the chamber, the high-pressure CO₂ undergoes rapid pressure relief. Due to the so-called Joule-Thomson effect, the temperature drops extremely rapidly. Around half of the liquid CO₂ transforms into solid CO₂ snow, whilst the rest is discharged as cold gas. The snow forms the basis for further pellet production.
Step 3: Extrusion into pellets
The loose CO₂ snow is now pressed through an extruder plate with precisely defined holes by means of a press piston. This produces uniform pellets or nuggets in the desired size. The machine ensures consistent density, uniform shape and optimum quality of the dry ice pellets, which are ready for immediate use.
Step 4: Collection and use
The finished pellets are discharged directly into collection containers. As production takes place directly on site, fresh dry ice with maximum cooling capacity is always produced. Thanks to the automated control system, the cycle can be repeated continuously and adapts flexibly to production requirements.
Types of Machinery Used in Dry Ice Production
Dry ice production requires different types of machinery depending on the application. ASCO offers a comprehensive range, from specialised pelletizers to combination machines, to ensure maximum flexibility, efficiency and quality.
Pelletizers
Pelletizers are specifically designed for the production of dry ice pellets and nuggets. The CO₂ snow is pressed through an extruder plate with defined holes, producing pellets of uniform size – typically 1.7–16 mm. Pelletizers are ideal for cold chains, logistics, the food industry and dry ice blasting applications where fresh, manageable dry ice is required. Thanks to automated control, ASCO pelletizers deliver consistent quality and high production output.
Block Machines
Block machines produce dense dry ice blocks in various sizes. The machine uses hydraulic presses to compact the CO₂ snow and create a uniform, robust end product. Block machines are particularly suitable for long-term storage, industrial applications and high-volume cold chains where the shelf life of dry ice is crucial.
Combination Machines (Pellets and Blocks)
Combination machines combine the advantages of pelletizers and block machines in a single unit. They enable the flexible production of pellets or blocks as required, without the need to purchase additional machinery. These machines are particularly of interest to companies serving a variety of applications, e.g. logistics, the food industry or for dry ice supplier, and wishing to switch quickly between formats.
Reformers
Reformers are specialised systems that convert dry ice pellets into blocks. This means that customers with dry ice pelletizers also have the option of producing blocks without having to purchase an additional block machine.
Packaging Machines
Packaging machines are the ideal addition to a complete dry ice production line. They enable the filling and packaging of pellets or blocks into bags, films or other containers to optimise handling, transport and storage. Packaging machines ensure hygienic, safe and efficient processes.
Operation and Requirements
In-house dry ice production requires, above all, a reliable supply of CO₂ – via a storage tank with the appropriate connection options. It also requires suitable infrastructure: sufficient space, a stable power supply, good ventilation and reliable gas monitoring.
Modern ASCO systems are largely automated: touchscreen control, recipe management and monitoring of all process parameters ensure safe and efficient operation. This keeps daily effort to a minimum, whilst maximising production reliability and energy efficiency.
Another important aspect is staff safety. ASCO ensures that staff receive comprehensive training during installation, so that operation, safety regulations and emergency procedures are clearly communicated. This enables businesses to operate the systems safely and efficiently right from the start.
Advantages of Producing Your Own Dry Ice
Maximum availability
Produce dry ice exactly when you need it – without supply bottlenecks, waiting times or any loss of quality due to transport.
The freshest and highest quality
Dry ice loses 5–20% of its mass every day. By producing it yourself, you can always have fresh, highly compressed material with optimum cooling and cleaning performance.
Cost-effectiveness & full control
Eliminate delivery costs, logistical overheads and minimum order quantities. In-house production ensures a clear cost structure and greater planning certainty.
Flexibility in terms of form and quantity
Produce exactly the shape you need – pellets, nuggets or blocks in various sizes. Ideal for the cold chain, cleaning or specialist applications.
Improved process reliability
Consistent availability and consistent quality enable production processes, cold chains and cleaning cycles to be operated more reliably and safely.
More sustainable use of CO₂
On-site production reduces transport, lowers the carbon footprint and, when combined with a recovery system, enables a particularly resource-efficient circular system.
Applications of dry ice production
ASCO Carefree Rental Model – Maximum Flexibility Without the Need for Investment
For businesses wishing to produce dry ice flexibly and without initial investment, ASCO offers the Carefree rental model. Under this scheme, you rent the appropriate dry ice machine, including service, maintenance and optional CO₂ supply, at a fixed monthly price. Your production remains operational, predictable and reliable at all times – without any capital commitment or unexpected costs. Ideal for businesses with fluctuating demand, seasonal workload or rapid project launches that require maximum freedom with full performance.
Accessories for Efficient Dry Ice Production
Reliable dry ice production requires the right infrastructure. ASCO offers a tailored range of equipment to ensure your production is stable, safe and cost-effective. This includes CO₂ storage tanks for a continuous supply, robust dry ice boxes and containers for optimal storage, precise CO₂ measuring devices for safety checks, and suitable packaging solutions for safe transport. With these accessories, you can ensure that your dry ice remains fresh, the cold chain is not interrupted, and your system operates reliably at all times.
ASCO – Your Partner for the Entire CO₂ Value Chain
From CO₂ supply and dry ice production to recovery technologies: ASCO offers complete, seamlessly integrated solutions from a single source. With many years of experience, innovative technologies and a global service network, we reliably support companies on their journey towards greater efficiency, quality and sustainability. Get to know us and discover how ASCO can provide you with comprehensive support.
Dry Ice Production
Questions & Answers
Why should I make dry ice myself?
In-house production allows for flexible quantities, cost-effectiveness, immediate availability and independence from suppliers. Find out more here.
What raw materials are needed to produce dry ice?
Liquid CO₂ from storage tanks is the basis for dry ice production. Find out more here.
How much dry ice can be produced?
Depending on the type of machine, this ranges from a few kilograms to several tonnes per day. You can find an overview of our machines here.
What types of dry ice can I make?
Modern dry ice production systems can be used to produce pellets, nuggets or blocks in various sizes. The shape depends on the application: pellets are suitable for cooling and dry ice blasting, whilst nuggets and blocks are preferred for cooling during transport, in logistics or for food applications. With modular systems, businesses can produce several formats simultaneously. Find out more here.
Which industries might be interested in dry ice production?
Food, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, aviation, the events industry, the automotive sector, agriculture and many more. You can find an overview of the possible applications here.
Can I produce dry ice for the food industry?
Yes, ASCO machines supply food-grade dry ice for storage, transport or packaging. You can find an overview of the machines here.
What are the benefits of the ASCO Carefree rental option?
With ASCO Carefree, you can hire your dry ice machine, CO₂ tank, packaging system or LH900 CO₂ cylinder filling system – without any high upfront costs. You pay a fixed monthly fee and in return receive state-of-the-art technology, regular maintenance and reliable service. On request, we can also take care of the CO₂ supply and tank logistics. More information
How much CO₂ is needed to produce 1 kg of dry ice?
It takes around 2.2 to 2.5 kg of liquid CO₂ to produce 1 kg of dry ice, as a certain proportion evaporates during expansion. Modern pelletisers optimise this process to achieve the highest possible yields and thereby reduce production costs.
How long does freshly produced dry ice last?
Dry ice sublimates continuously and loses between 5–20% of its mass per day, depending on storage conditions. In high-quality dry ice boxes or insulated containers, the cooling capacity is maintained for longer. Businesses with their own production facilities benefit from being able to produce exactly the amount they need.
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