Solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at -78.5°C used as a passive cooling method for short-duration frozen food transport. Dry ice sublimates directly from solid to gas without liquid phase, eliminating moisture issues but creating ventilation requirements due to CO2 gas accumulation. While commonly used for consumer shipping and air freight, dry ice presents challenges including handling hazards, supply chain availability, weight penalties, and unpredictable sublimation rates affected by insulation quality and ambient conditions. For professional last-mile frozen food delivery in South African urban environments with extended transit times and multiple stops, mechanical refrigeration provides superior temperature control, regulatory compliance, and economic efficiency compared to dry ice solutions. Dry ice remains viable for specific applications including emergency backup cooling and air cargo, but cannot replace mechanical refrigeration for sustained commercial operations.
Related Terms: Mechanical Refrigeration, Temperature-Controlled Transport, Insulation (Thermal)