How to make dry ice at home

Most people believe that dry ice can only be used in industry, but this misconception is wrong. The technology for preparing the product is considered quite simple, the substance does not have toxicity and is allowed for use at home. The advantage of dry ice is its ability to quickly evaporate, the composition in a short time passes from a solid mass to a gaseous state. Due to this technology, a large amount of cold evaporates, which greatly expands the boundaries of use.

What is dry ice?

Dry ice production is usually massive, as a result of which there are some difficulties with its storage and manufacture at home. In order for the product to retain its properties, it requires special isothermal containers. And for the preparation of the composition, it is worthwhile to acquire raw materials on your own and get acquainted with precautions.

Scope of dry ice

• surface cleaning without the use of abrasive particles;
• freezing vegetables, berries and fruits;
• long-term storage of mushrooms, fish, meat;
• the preparation of carbonated drinks, in particular cocktails;
• transportation of products in large quantities;
• stigmatization of horses and cattle;
• food safety on board aircraft;
• growing vegetables, fruits and plants in a greenhouse environment;
• making bakery products by slowing down the yeast bacteria;
• dry food storage;
• creation of special effects for entertainment purposes (shows, concerts);
• funeral services;
• rodent control through expulsion from a hole;
• long preservation of flowers in an undisclosed state;
• the dismantling of ceramic tiles and metal parts due to compression and cooling;
• the medicine;
• computer industry, in particular, cooling of rapidly heating parts;
• safety of prey and catch.

How to make dry ice at home

The main task that you will encounter during the cooking process will be the search for raw materials. Dry ice requires carbon dioxide in the liquid phase, which is difficult to obtain. One of the most accessible sources is a fire extinguisher marked "OU" (carbon dioxide). Powder and foam fire extinguishers will not work, they have completely different components.

You will also need scotch tape, wide safety glasses (welding), a tight bag or pillowcase, thick gloves (wool can be used) and a container for storing ready-made dry ice. The tank should have thermal insulation, due to which the composition will retain its properties longer. Such a move will help to deliver it to its destination in proper form.

Precautionary measures

1. Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area, keep children and animals away. With an “overdose” of carbon dioxide, there is a risk of poisoning, dizziness, general weakness, and increased blood pressure may begin.
2. Observe safety precautions when working with a fire extinguisher.Do not press the lever too sharply, remove the protective gasket first.

Dry ice technology

1. Wear a medical gown or other protective clothing, gloves, and glasses.
2. Take a pillowcase (bag), insert the bell of the fire extinguisher into it and wrap it with tape to prevent the possibility of gas escaping.
3. Release the feed lever from the fuse. Press the gas release button on the fire extinguisher so that it begins to fill the pillowcase under pressure. Wait 3-4 seconds, then close the tap. Important! Over a short period of time, ice will begin to fall to the bottom of the canvas, you will not see this. You will only notice that carbon dioxide will shine through the fabric, the phenomenon itself is safe. However, it is necessary to prepare the composition in a well-ventilated room or in the open air.
4. Grasp the bell of a fire extinguisher with your gloved hand, grabbing the edges of the wrapped pillowcase. Unwind the tape, remove the hose, carefully removing the remaining ice from it and lowering it into the pillowcase. In the cavity you will notice a bunch of dry ice, which as it will resemble a foam.
5. Now you need to transfer the composition to a more suitable tank. Depending on the size of the finished piece of ice, the time of its evaporation depends. The more monolithic the composition, the longer it will retain its original form.

Important!
Do not make too much ice, as most of it will disappear into nowhere. Hold the pouch upright. You can easily touch the ice with thick gloves, but do not hold it in your hands for too long, because the cold will quickly reach the surface of the skin.

How to store dry ice

Before direct preparation, make sure you have a container for storing dry ice at hand. Neglecting this advice, you will reduce your own efforts to "no", because the composition instantly evaporates.

1. An excellent option is a special container designed to store frozen products. As a rule, it consists of frost-resistant plastic, which by its properties is not tight. Conventional ice molds are also suitable, but they need to be covered with something on top.
2. You can also use a thermos, but it can not be tightly twisted. During ice volatilization, a large amount of carbon dioxide is formed, as a result of which it will quickly tear off the lid or completely blow up the thermos. If you choose this method, cover the container, leaving a small gap.
3. In the absence of cookware, prepare the storage tank yourself. Take a small cardboard box, tape it around on all sides so that it finds a characteristic glossy sheen. Such a move will preserve the properties of the product. Then lay the bottom, walls, and top opening covers with dense foam. Attach them with glue or use the same adhesive tape.

Important!
Do not use glass and ceramic containers for ice storage if they do not have sufficient heat resistance. Under the influence of temperatures, the dishes will crack or split into several parts. As for metal tanks, their use is not prohibited, but the container may deform upon contact with cold.

Prepare dry ice at home is possible. Take care of protective clothing, gloves and glasses. Take care in advance of the container for storing the composition, carry out the procedure outdoors. Work with a fire extinguisher carefully, hold the device firmly in your hands so that it does not fall out after raising the crane.

Video: how to make dry ice with your own hands