Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), is widely used in Nigeria for cooling, preservation, and cleaning purposes. With its extremely cold temperature (-78.5°C) and ability to sublimate directly from a solid to gas without leaving a liquid residue, dry ice is highly valued across various industries, including food transportation, healthcare, and industrial cleaning. Whether you need dry ice for shipping perishables, medical supplies, or industrial processes, it is crucial to source it from reliable suppliers and handle it with care.

This guide will explore the common uses of dry ice in Nigeria, where to buy it, safety considerations, and how Wigmore Trading can support your dry ice needs.

Common Uses of Dry Ice in Nigeria

Dry ice is used in a variety of industries due to its cold temperature and sublimation properties. Here are some of the key applications of dry ice in Nigeria:

1. Food and Beverage Industry

• Cold Chain Logistics: Dry ice is commonly used to keep perishable food products, such as seafood, meat, fruits, and frozen items, cold during transportation and storage. It is ideal for shipping long distances, as it maintains low temperatures without leaving any liquid behind.
• Food Presentation: In restaurants and catering, dry ice is often used to create visual effects, such as fog or mist, for presentations, as well as to chill drinks or desserts.

2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

• Vaccine and Biological Sample Storage: Dry ice plays a crucial role in maintaining the ultra-low temperatures needed to store and transport vaccines, biological samples, and medical specimens. It helps preserve the viability of sensitive materials, especially during emergencies or long-distance shipping.
• Organ and Tissue Preservation: Hospitals and laboratories use dry ice to transport organs, tissues, and biological specimens that need to remain at sub-zero temperatures.

3. Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

• Dry Ice Cleaning: Dry ice blasting is a popular cleaning method in the industrial sector. It uses dry ice pellets to clean equipment and machinery without damaging surfaces or leaving chemical residues. It is particularly effective for removing dirt, grease, and contaminants.
• Metal Shrinking: Dry ice is used in the manufacturing process to shrink metal components for easy assembly. The cold temperature of dry ice causes the metal to contract, allowing parts to fit together tightly.

4. Entertainment and Special Effects

• Theatrical Effects: Dry ice is often used in the entertainment industry to create dramatic fog or mist effects on stage, in movies, or at events. When placed in water, dry ice produces a dense fog that adds atmosphere to performances or parties.

Where to Buy Dry Ice in Nigeria

Sourcing dry ice from a reliable supplier is essential for ensuring its quality and availability, especially when used for critical applications such as healthcare and food preservation. Here are some of the top sources for purchasing dry ice in Nigeria:

1. Wigmore Trading

Wigmore Trading is a trusted supplier of industrial gases and cryogenic materials, including dry ice, in Nigeria. They cater to various industries, providing high-quality dry ice for food preservation, medical transport, and industrial use. Wigmore Trading also offers logistics and delivery services to ensure that customers receive their dry ice on time and in optimal condition.

• Advantages:
  • High-quality dry ice available in pellets, blocks, or slices.
  • Competitive pricing and flexible order sizes for different industries.
  • Nationwide delivery for easy access to dry ice across Nigeria.

2. BOC Gases Nigeria

BOC Gases is one of Nigeria’s leading suppliers of industrial gases, including dry ice. They provide dry ice for a wide range of applications, including healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing. BOC Gases also offers dry ice in different forms, such as pellets and blocks, to meet the specific needs of their customers.

• Advantages:
  • Reliable supply of dry ice in various forms and quantities.
  • Expertise in serving industries with specialized gas and cryogenic solutions.
  • Technical support and safety advice for handling and using dry ice.

3. GZ Industrial Supplies

GZ Industrial Supplies is a major distributor of industrial and cryogenic products in Nigeria, including dry ice. They supply dry ice for use in healthcare, food processing, and industrial cleaning. GZ Industrial Supplies also provides dry ice accessories such as storage containers and safety equipment.

• Advantages:
  • Wide availability of dry ice for various industries.
  • Fast delivery across Nigeria.
  • Support for cryogenic storage and handling equipment.

4. Local Gas and Industrial Supply Stores

Several local suppliers in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt also stock dry ice. These suppliers cater to small businesses, restaurants, hospitals, and industries that need dry ice for short-term or specialized applications.

• Advantages:
  • Immediate access to dry ice for small-scale needs.
  • Convenient location for quick refills or smaller orders.
  • Personalized service for small and medium enterprises.

Forms of Dry Ice Available

Dry ice is typically available in various forms to suit different applications. The most common forms include:

• Dry Ice Pellets: Small, cylindrical pieces of dry ice, often used in industrial cleaning, food transport, or creating fog effects.
• Dry Ice Blocks: Large blocks of dry ice are used for shipping, cooling, and freezing large quantities of items, especially in the food and healthcare industries.
• Dry Ice Slices: Thin slices of dry ice are used for smaller, more controlled cooling or fogging applications, such as in medical settings or special effects.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Dry Ice

When buying dry ice in Nigeria, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs:

1. Quantity and Usage

Determine how much dry ice you need based on your specific application. For example, food transportation may require larger quantities of dry ice blocks, while industrial cleaning may only need pellets. Be sure to purchase enough dry ice to maintain the desired temperature for the duration of its use.

2. Storage and Delivery

Dry ice requires proper storage to maintain its effectiveness. It should be stored in insulated containers to minimize sublimation and preserve its cold temperature. Ensure your supplier offers suitable storage options and reliable delivery to prevent the dry ice from evaporating before it is used.

3. Form of Dry Ice

Choose the appropriate form of dry ice (pellets, blocks, or slices) based on your application. Pellets are ideal for cleaning and fog effects, while blocks are better for large-scale refrigeration or preservation.

4. Supplier Reliability

Work with a reputable supplier that can provide high-quality dry ice and ensure timely delivery, especially if you need dry ice for critical applications such as medical transport or food preservation.

5. Safety Equipment

Dry ice can cause severe burns if handled improperly, so it’s important to have the right safety equipment. This includes insulated gloves, goggles, and tongs to handle the dry ice safely. Make sure your supplier offers safety guidelines and necessary accessories.

Safety Considerations for Handling Dry Ice

Dry ice must be handled with care due to its extremely cold temperature. Improper handling can lead to serious injuries, such as frostbite. Here are some key safety tips for using dry ice:

1. Wear Protective Gear

Always wear insulated gloves, protective goggles, and long sleeves when handling dry ice to prevent skin contact. Touching dry ice with bare skin can cause burns or frostbite.

2. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. Always use dry ice in well-ventilated areas to avoid the risk of suffocation.

3. Use Appropriate Containers

Store dry ice in insulated containers that are designed to handle extremely cold temperatures. Never store dry ice in airtight containers, as the pressure from sublimating gas can cause the container to explode.

4. Handle with Tongs or Tools

When moving or placing dry ice, use tongs or appropriate tools to prevent direct contact with your hands.

5. Avoid Confined Spaces

Do not store or use dry ice in confined spaces without proper ventilation, as the buildup of carbon dioxide gas can pose a serious health hazard.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Dry Ice Supply in Nigeria

Wigmore Trading is dedicated to providing high-quality dry ice to businesses and industries across Nigeria. Whether you need dry ice for food preservation, medical transport, or industrial cleaning, we offer a range of solutions to meet your needs.

Our Key Services Include:

• Supply of Dry Ice: We offer dry ice in various forms, including pellets, blocks, and slices, to cater to different industries and applications.
• Logistics and Delivery: Our nationwide delivery network ensures that you receive your dry ice on time, regardless of your location in Nigeria.
• Storage and Accessories: We provide insulated containers, safety gloves, and handling tools to ensure the safe storage and use of dry ice.
• Customer Support: Our team of experts is available to offer advice on choosing the right dry ice products and to provide safety guidelines for handling and storage.

Conclusion

Dry ice is a versatile and essential resource for many industries in Nigeria, including food transportation, healthcare, and industrial cleaning. By sourcing dry ice from reliable suppliers like Wigmore Trading, BOC Gases, and GZ Industrial Supplies, you can ensure a steady supply for your operations. When handling dry ice, always follow safety protocols to avoid accidents and injuries. With the right supplier and safety measures in place, dry ice can be a powerful tool for cooling, preserving, and cleaning.