Dry Ice International has been recognised as the leader of dry ice manufacturing, distribution and dry ice blast cleaning in South Africa, as well as other parts of Africa since 1994. We are known for our dedicated client service nationally, creativity, innovation and team of highly qualified and experienced engineers and technicians.
Dry Ice International specialises in the manufacturing of dry ice in different shapes and sizes, as well as the application and distribution of these products. Deliveries are executed nationwide or cross-border throughout the year on a 24/7 basis.
From dry ice refrigeration to a future of fully automated robotic dry ice cleaning systems, we are looking forward to serving our clients in the same dedicated manner while pushing at the forefront of engineering to create even more user-friendly dry ice applications.
Specific Industry Applications
Mechanical Engineering:
Shrink fitting of bearings, shafts and mechanical components
Civil Engineering:
Pipe freezing for pipe and valve repairs
Process Engineering:
Cold grinding of rubber and plastic compounds
De-flashing of rubber and plastic parts
Process cooling
Cold traps
Refrigeration emergencies
Shrink Fitting of Bearings:
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) occurring at the temperature of -78.5 °C. Mechanical engineers and artisans commonly use Dry ice in a process referred to as shrink fitting (also known as freeze fitting).
Bearings are an integral part of a machine's moving components and reduce the amount of friction on rotating parts. Bearing failure is common in older machines and vehicles, particularly those in high-wear conditions such as a mining or chemical environment.
Shrink fitting is commonly used in engineering to fit together bearings, collars, shafts and other components which require an interference fit. The component to be “fitted in” to the other part is packed in dry ice causing it to contract. While still cold, it is assembled with its mating part and allowed to return to ambient temperature. On doing so, the cold part returns to its original size and creates the tight interference fit required. This process is quick, simple to use and causes no changes in the physical properties of the components, unlike heating the respective components which can change the hardness or toughness of the materials.
The dry ice is also much easier to handle and safer compared to liquid nitrogen cooling. dry ice can be delivered to at your doorstep within 24 hours after ordering or it can be picked up at any of our outlets.
Pipe and Valve Repairs:
Dry ice is commonly used in civil engineering for pipe and valve repairs. If a stop valve or isolating valve is not available in a section of the pipe where repairs are needed, or a joint needs to be inserted, Dry ice can be used to stop the flow of the water. By using dry ice, it is possible to freeze the water inside the pipe, so the pipe can be cut or repaired without a continual flow of water to hamper the work.