Temperature Monitoring with Dry Ice Data Loggers

Measuring the temperature:

• Dry ice is extremely cold (–78.5 °C / –109.3 °F), so never touch it directly with bare hands or standard thermometers.
• Use infrared (IR) thermometers or thermocouples designed for extreme cold.

Factors affecting dry ice temperature:

• Air exposure: Warm air entering a container accelerates sublimation.
• Poor insulation: Packaging that is not well insulated can cause faster temperature loss.
• Container opening: Frequently opening the container lets cold CO₂ gas escape and warm air in.
• Ambient temperature: High surrounding temperatures will increase the rate of sublimation.

Checking frequency:

• For short-term shipments, check temperature at the start and end of transport.
• For longer-term storage or sensitive products, use continuous temperature monitoring with data loggers to ensure stability.

Dry ice data loggers typically monitor temperatures as low as -90 °C. ELPRO’s loggers—such as the LIBERO CE—are designed to reliably measure ultra-low temperatures, ensuring product safety during dry ice shipments.

Dry ice maintains a stable temperature of -78.5 °C, ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive materials like cell therapies, APIs, and certain vaccines that must remain below -60 °C. ELPRO’s monitoring solutions help ensure these shipments stay within required temperature ranges.

Dry ice is classified as a Dangerous Good (UN1845) under IATA regulations. The IATA guidelines state that shipments must comply with specific requirements:

• The package must be properly ventilated to allow gas release.
• The net weight of dry ice must be clearly marked on the package (e.g., “Dry Ice, UN1845, x kg”).
• Labels: Packages must display the Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods label and the UN number.
• Documentation: Most shipments require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
• Training: Anyone preparing or offering dry ice for air transport must have IATA Dangerous Goods training.
• The limits for dry ice on an aircraft depend on the airline, type of aircraft, and shipment category (passenger vs. cargo aircraft).

Always check the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and the airline’s specific requirements before shipping.

ELPRO recommends LIBERO CE, LIBERO CD, LIBERO GE, or LIBERO GF ext data loggers for dry ice applications. These models are validated for ultra-low temperatures and meet GxP requirements for dry ice monitoring logistics.

Yes. ELPRO’s dry ice data loggers are fully GxP-compliant and support 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. All data is tamper-proof and audit-ready, with automatic PDF reports and digital signatures for traceability.

Yes. ELPRO offers both single-use and multi-use options depending on your operational needs and shipment volume. Multi-use loggers are cost-effective for frequent shipments and long-term monitoring.

Data from ELPRO data loggers can be transferred via USB, Bluetooth, or mobile networks to our cloud-based platform for real-time data access and storage – liberoMANAGER.

Yes. For real-time monitoring, ELPRO’s LIBERO Gx data loggers can be paired with dry ice shipments to send instant alerts via e-mail or SMS if temperature thresholds are breached.

Absolutely. ELPRO data loggers are pre-programmed and user-friendly, with simple activation buttons and clear LED status indicators. No technical training is needed, reducing error and saving time during shipment prep.

ELPRO data loggers record every deviation and timestamp it. Alarms and LED indicators notify users immediately, and all excursions are clearly shown in the automatically generated PDF report for fast response and documentation.

Yes. ELPRO’s dry ice data loggers are approved for use on major airlines and comply with international shipping standards, making them ideal for cross-border logistics and global clinical trial distribution.

ELPRO’s monitoring systems provide automated reporting, secure cloud backups, and validated software. This ensures audit readiness at all times, with full traceability and documentation that aligns with FDA, EMA, and WHO expectations.

Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), is commonly used to keep temperature-sensitive goods cold during transport. However, it must be handled with care.

Because dry ice is extremely cold (–78.5 °C), direct contact can cause frostbite — always use insulated gloves or tongs. As it sublimates, dry ice turns into CO₂ gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, creating a risk of asphyxiation. Always work in well-ventilated areas and never store or transport dry ice in airtight containers, as gas buildup can cause them to rupture.

During air transport, dry ice is classified as a Dangerous Good (UN 1845) under IATA regulations. Shipments must be properly labelled and ventilated, and the net weight of dry ice clearly indicated on the package. Only trained personnel may prepare or offer dry ice shipments for air transport.

For more information, refer to official guidelines from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and IATA (International Air Transport Association).