Two Pellet Sizes, Endless Possibilities: Choosing the Right Dry Ice for Your Needs

When every degree counts, matching the right pellet size to the right application makes all the difference in product quality, cost control, and sustainability. At Sci‑Ice, we manufacture two premium, high‑density pellet sizes—16 mm and 3 mm—and each shines in distinct scenarios. Below is a practical guide to help you—and your customers—pick the perfect option every time.

Meet the Pellets

Pellet Size	Diameter	Best For	Why It Excels
16 mm pellets	~16 mm (≈⅝ in)	Bulk cooling & long hauls	Extra mass = slower sublimation, fewer refills
3 mm pellets	~3 mm (≈⅛ in)	Rapid cooling & tight spaces	More surface area = faster, even temperature pull‑down

Both pellet types are produced in Cary, NC using CO₂ reclaimed on‑site, giving them their signature density that outlasts typical dry ice.

Which Pellet Size Is Best for My Business?

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. How quickly do I need to achieve target temperature? 3 mm pellets chill products faster—ideal for flash‑freezing desserts or stabilizing lab samples before analysis.

2. How long does the shipment or storage period last? If it’s a 24‑ to 72‑hour journey across NC, SC, VA, or TN, the 16 mm pellet’s slower sublimation keeps temperatures steady with fewer top‑offs.

3. How much space do I have? 3 mm pellets flow easily into small gaps around vials, meal kits, or stage fog machines. 16 mm pellets work best in larger bins or insulated tote systems.

Real‑World Success Stories

• Farm‑to‑Table Restaurants (Raleigh, NC) Chefs use 3 mm pellets to rapidly chill freshly harvested herbs, locking in color and flavor within minutes before dinner service.

• Biotech Labs (Research Triangle Park) Sample logistics teams prefer 16 mm pellets in our reusable roll‑top bins for overnight courier routes—zero temperature excursions logged in six months.

• Outdoor Event Planners (Greensboro & Charlotte) For dramatic fog effects that last through multiple sets, planners start with 3 mm pellets for an immediate wow factor, then switch to 16 mm pellets to keep the effect rolling.

• E‑commerce Meal Kit Shippers (Research Triangle Park) A 48‑hour delivery window is no sweat: 16 mm pellets paired with our insulated bulk containers cut dry‑ice consumption by over 25 % quarter‑over‑quarter.

Eco‑Forward Containers That Work Harder

Sci‑Ice’s returnable, insulated containers are engineered to extend pellet life by up to 30 % while eliminating single‑use Styrofoam. Their tight‑seal lid and multi‑layer vacuum walls slow sublimation and protect workers from CO₂ exposure during transit. When your delivery is complete, simply schedule a pick‑up—our drivers retrieve, sanitize, and redeploy the bins, keeping waste (and headaches) out of your facility.

Quick Reference Cheat‑Sheet

Need	Recommended Pellet	Pro Tip
Flash‑freeze pastries	3 mm	Sprinkle pellets in a perforated tray for even airflow
Multi‑day vaccine shipment	16 mm	Pack pellets around payload, not just on top
Stage fog for concerts	3 mm → 16 mm	Start small for instant fog, add large for longevity
Bulk seafood transport	16 mm	Layer pellets between crates to minimize movement

Ready to Order—or Still Unsure?

Our customer‑service team is known for going the extra mile (literally up to 250 of them) to tailor solutions. Call us at 919‑678.5142 or request a tour of our facility; we’ll calculate the most cost‑effective dry ice solution, schedule delivery, and set you up with reusable containers that fit your workflow.