Dry Ice Pellets for Blasting: 5 Things to Check Before Buying

If you plan to use a dry ice blasting machine, choosing compatible dry ice is critical for performance and cost control.

Pellet size, condition, storage, and supply timing can affect feeding and cleaning performance. In this guide, we’ll cover the five key things to check before buying dry ice for a blasting machine in the United States.

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1. Choose the Right Pellet Size

The AIOLITH AI30 accepts dry ice pellets of 3 mm (1/8 inch) or smaller. Other dry ice blasters can have different pellet-size requirements, so always confirm the specification for the exact machine before ordering.

Pellets that are larger than the machine’s permitted size may not feed correctly, while heavily degraded or powdery dry ice can reduce consistent delivery. Do not feed blocks or an unsupported pellet size into a machine unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.

For a practical application-by-application comparison, see our guide to 3mm vs 16mm vs 19mm dry ice pellet sizes.

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2. Prioritize Freshness

Dry ice continuously sublimates into carbon dioxide gas during storage. The actual loss rate depends on pellet size, container insulation, ambient temperature, handling, storage time, and how often the container is opened.

• Coordinate delivery as closely as practical with the planned cleaning job.
• Use a suitable insulated container designed for dry ice.
• Order around expected consumption rather than assuming stored pellets will remain unchanged for several days.

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3. Store Safely and Properly

Dry ice must be stored correctly to remain usable and to control carbon dioxide exposure:

• Use a vented insulated container intended for dry ice. Never place dry ice in an airtight container.
• Keep storage and work areas appropriately ventilated and follow the site’s carbon dioxide safety procedures.
• Do not assume a household or commercial freezer will stop sublimation. Follow the dry ice supplier’s storage guidance and the container manufacturer’s instructions.

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4. Where to Buy Dry Ice in the U.S.

Dry ice availability varies by region. Possible sources include:

• Industrial gas and welding suppliers
• Retail locations that carry dry ice
• Specialty dry ice suppliers serving commercial users

For blasting work, confirm the supplier can provide the pellet diameter required by the machine, the quantity needed, the delivery window, and suitable packaging. Retail availability does not guarantee that the product is the correct form for a dry ice blaster.

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5. How Much Does Dry Ice Cost in the U.S.?

Dry ice prices vary by region, supplier, volume, pellet form, delivery distance, minimum order, and contract terms. Older general price tables can become outdated quickly, so request a current delivered quote for the quantity and pellet size you need.

When comparing suppliers, include:

• Price per pound
• Delivery and minimum-order charges
• Pellet size and product condition
• Delivery timing
• Expected sublimation before use
• Insulated-container or rental charges

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Example: AIOLITH AI30 Blasting Machine

To illustrate why dry ice and air-supply compatibility matter, here are the current key specifications of the AIOLITH AI30:

• Voltage/Frequency: 110V / 60Hz
• Hopper Capacity: 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Dry Ice Output: 0.66–1.32 lb/min (0.3–0.6 kg/min)
• Working Pressure: 87–116 PSI
• Machine Air Demand: 71–141 CFM
• Allowable Pellet Size: ≤3 mm
• Dimensions: 28 × 24 × 37 in (705 × 610 × 940 mm)
• Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)

Compressor compatibility should be checked by sustained CFM at the required PSI, not by horsepower or tank size alone. For many indoor professional jobs, about 80 CFM is a practical minimum and 90–120 CFM at around 100 PSI is preferred, provided the compressor can sustain that output and supply clean, dry air.

Because the AI30 requires pellets of 3 mm or smaller, an unsupported pellet size may cause feeding problems or inconsistent operation.

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FAQs About Buying Dry Ice for Blasting Machines

1. Can I use dry ice blocks instead of pellets?
Not in the AI30. Its feed system is designed for dry ice pellets of 3 mm or smaller. Use only the form and size specified for the exact blasting machine.

2. How long does dry ice last in storage?
There is no universal storage time or loss percentage. Sublimation depends on pellet size, insulation, ambient temperature, handling, and storage duration. Coordinate supply close to the job and follow the supplier’s storage guidance.

3. Can I store dry ice in my freezer?
Do not rely on a standard freezer to preserve dry ice. Sublimation continues, and the equipment may not be designed for dry ice temperatures or carbon dioxide release. Use a suitable vented insulated container and follow supplier instructions.

4. How much dry ice should I order for the AIOLITH AI30?
The adjustable feed-rate specification is 0.66–1.32 lb/min. Continuous trigger operation for one hour would correspond to a theoretical 39.6–79.2 lb, but actual job consumption depends on trigger time, feed setting, nozzle, contamination, operator technique, and sublimation before use.

5. Where can I buy dry ice in bulk in the U.S.?
Contact industrial-gas or specialty dry ice suppliers in your region and confirm pellet size, delivered price, minimum order, delivery schedule, and container arrangements.

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Conclusion

Buying dry ice for a blasting machine requires more than finding a local supplier. Confirm pellet compatibility, product condition, storage, delivery timing, supplier reliability, and total delivered cost.

For the AIOLITH AI30, use dry ice pellets of 3 mm or smaller and confirm that the compressed-air system can continuously supply the required CFM and PSI. Other blasters may use different pellet sizes and air requirements.