Dry Ice Packs Usage Tips

To Activate Sheets

(This only needs to be done once to activate new sheet)

- To activate Techni Ice sheets, immerse them in warm water. For the best results weigh the sheets down with a heavy object so they stay immersed during the hydration process.

- If you find that some cells have not started to expand, gently massage the cells and if required increase the temperature of water by adding more warm water. Whilst also gently scrunching the cells. The scrunching action whilst immersed, allows the air bubbles to escape and the water to enter sheet. This action activates the polyacrylate cross linked polymer contained in each cell of the Techniice sheet.

- Hydrate each sheet for 15 minutes (this new model requires less hydration than previous models. Please do not leave underwater for extended periods) Once all the cells are well Hydrated, remove them from the water and pat dry them thoroughly. This ensures that any excess water does not become ice on the outside of sheet during the freezing process.

- Your Techni Ice is now ready to freeze or heat. 

TO FREEZE - For best results place the Techniice dry  ice sheets in a freezer for as long as you can before use (minimum 24 hours). Unlike regular gel packs that generally only reach 300F, Techni Ice will actually drop to any temperature it is exposed to. A domestic freezers lowest setting is -00F. Techni Ice drops 400F a day until it reaches freezer temperature.

TO HEAT (4 Ply HDR only) - Place hydrated sheet in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or wrapped in a towel in hot water. Sheets can be heated for longer if necessary.

CAUTION - Check to make sure sheet is not too hot before placing on body. We recommend that you use a towel between your body and Techniice if you find the Techni Ice too hot.

COMMERCIAL HYDRATION - Techni Ice can be placed in an agitator type washing machine with some clean towels on a regular wash cycle without the spin cycle. Please ensure washing machine is clean and free from soap residue and please ensure the temperature of the water is warm. 

Hints for optimum performance of your Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs

1. Always use a minimum of 1 sheet per 7Qt of cooler size. The more mass of Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs the better, and the longer it will last. Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs take up less room than regular water ice, and is lighter.

2. The reusable Techni Ice can be cut up into strips or into single cells, while ensuring none of the cells are pierced. It is easiest to cut the ice packs before hydrating to ensure none of the cells are damaged.

3. Place a sheet or more on top of your food, as cold falls.

4. The colder the food or drinks are when placed into the cooler, the longer Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs will keep them that way.

5. If you are going away for an extended period, turn your freezer to maximum freeze(approx. -0.4°F) for 3 or 4 days before departing. Unlike water ice, Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs being an industrial refrigerant, will maintain temperatures beyond -13°F. The lower the temperature Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs are frozen at, the longer it stays frozen.

6. Storage- When not using your Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs they can be stored in an open plastic bag in a cupboard or freezer. They are virtually maintenance free, but can be run under the water every so often to maintain or regain hydration. Remember to leave a thumb indentation in each cell for room to expand whilst freezing.

7. Travel Hint- Say you are going away for a long period. If you take 2 coolers you can take full advantage of Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs commercial performance. Freeze several sheets and put them in your spare cooler. Fill your first cooler as usual with another lot for immediate use. When the first set thaws out, replace them from the second cooler, and continue your trip.

8. Do not mix Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs with regular ice as regular ice melts much faster and will absorb the energy from Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs to try and stay frozen, resulting in Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs losing its chill much quicker than if used by itself.

9. Hot Food- Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs can be used inside ice boxes or cooler bags for keeping food hot. 

10. Your Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs should start frozen. A gradual cold transfer will take place which slowly transfers the cold energy from techni ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs into the perishables and drinks, etc. This will eventually leave the Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs cells in the softer state and the perishables and drinks icy cold for a long period. You will note that the Techni Ice reusable dry ice packs / gel packs cells still retain significant chill factor even in the eventual softer state.

 

How to Handle Dry Ice 

Note: Techni Ice does not contain any carbon dioxide.

When carbon dioxide is in its solid form it is known as dry ice, and primarily is used in commercial refrigeration applications where conventional methods of cooling are not possible, such as in the transportation of perishable goods, or in scientific or industrial applications. It is an advantageous method of cooling in comparison to regular (water) ice as it reaches significantly lower temperatures when in its solid state, and leaves no residue (as regular ice would produce water) because it undergoes sublimation – the chemical process of a solid transforming to a gas without first becoming a liquid. 

Because dry ice can reach such low temperatures, it becomes very dangerous to handle without proper protection. If touched directly for more than a very brief moment, dry ice can cause cellular damage (frostbite) similar to that of a burn, and if significant enough, should be medically treated in the same fashion. Also, because it sublimates into such large amounts of carbon dioxide gas, there is a risk of accumulating too much of the gas in the blood. For this reason dry ice should only be handled in open, ventilated areas. 

Protective leather gloves are often worn to create a barrier between the ice and skin. Alternatively, a thick cloth may be used. Long pants and close-toed shoes are needed to protect your lower extremities in the event the ice is dropped. Transportation of it requires a semi-open container to allow for any buildup of gas to escape. Tongs are ideal instruments to use to pick up blocks of dry ice, and pieces of it can be broken off with a chisel and mallet. Excess material can be disposed of simply by pouring warm water over it. 

Other handling considerations include using solid surfaces such as a wooden cutting block for placement, as dry ice can destroy the adhering agent in tile or laminated materials. When transporting it in a vehicle, roll down the windows if placed in the interior of a car or truck. Placing dry ice in direct contact with perishable foods may cause burns to the items. Lastly, never ingest dry ice as is sometimes done with mixed drinks, as it can harm the esophagus.