Conversion Rate of Dry Ice Machines

The conversion rate of a dry ice machine—defined as the ratio of liquid carbon dioxide converted into solid dry ice—varies based on equipment technology, models, operating conditions, and measurement methods; there is no single fixed value. However, the industry-standard conversion rate generally ranges from 40% to 43%, while some high-end models or systems modified for enhanced performance can achieve rates between 50% and 80%. Specific classifications are as follows:

1.Conversion Rate of Conventional Dry Ice Machines (40%–43%)

Conventional small and medium dry ice machines utilize a single-stage expansion system, typically yielding a conversion rate of 40% to 43%. This is primarily because, during the phase change caused by throttling and expansion within the dry ice machine, a portion of the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes—absorbing heat in the process—and is vented as gas, preventing 100% of the raw material from converting into solid dry ice. For example, the dry ice maker machine from Sichuan Aosituo has a conversion rate of 43%.

2.Conversion Rate of High-End/Retrofitted Dry Ice Machines (50%–80%)

High-end dry ice machines utilize advanced technologies—such as two-stage expansion, micro-channel precooling, and intelligent closed-loop control—to achieve conversion rates of 45%–50%, placing them at the forefront of international standards. Some retrofitted systems incorporate CO2 exhaust recovery units to establish a "exhaust gas–recovery–compression–liquefaction" closed-loop process; this significantly boosts the utilization rate of liquid CO2 feedstock, raising the conversion rate to approximately 80%.

3.Conversion Rate and "Input-Output Ratio" (2.5:1)

Dry ice making machine conversion rates are often evaluated based on the amount of liquid CO2 input required to produce one ton of dry ice. While standard dry ice machines typically have an input-output ratio of 2.5:1 (i.e., 2.5 tons of liquid CO2 to produce 1 ton of dry ice), high-end or retrofitted machines can optimize this ratio to between 1.25:1 and 2.2:1.

Note: Actual conversion rates of dry ice machine may fluctuate depending on operating conditions (such as CO2 inlet pressure and temperature) and CO2 purity.