A cold chain method using solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at -78.5°C to maintain frozen conditions without mechanical refrigeration. Dry ice sublimates directly to gas, providing powerful cooling without liquid residue. This method suits short-duration transport, emergency situations when mechanical refrigeration fails, or small-volume shipments where TRU operation is uneconomical. Considerations include proper ventilation (CO2 gas accumulation risk), handling safety, weight logistics, and cost factors. In South Africa, dry ice transport serves niche applications including rural delivery, air freight, and backup cooling, complementing primary mechanical refrigeration systems.
Related Terms: Mechanical Refrigeration, Temperature-Controlled Transport, Insulation (Thermal)