How to store dry ice at home

In the modern world, the use of dry ice at various events and shows has become a frequent occurrence. The thick smoke we see on the scene appears due to the chemical reaction of oxygen and this substance. Dry ice is also widely used in the kitchen when preparing dishes and drinks. More often it is used simply to create a special effect. The substance helps to store food for a long time in portable refrigerators.

What is dry ice

1. Dry ice is carbon dioxide in solid form. The temperature of the product is around -80 degrees. The substance was named due to the fact that it does not melt. Dry ice in contact with oxygen takes on a volatile form, bypassing the liquid state.
2. We can say that dry ice “melts” in the air, only there are some differences with ordinary frozen water. When in contact with oxygen, solid carbon dioxide turns into smoke and does not emit any odor.
3. Such a nuance is its feature, dry ice in high concentrations is able to absorb all the oxygen in an unventilated room. If at this moment a person is in the room, he can easily encounter oxygen starvation or completely lose consciousness.

Dry ice storage features

1. Many people are not afraid of these facts. If you still decide to purchase a product, it’s worthwhile to start to think about where and how to store it. An important factor is the purpose for which you buy dry ice, and for how long it will be with you.
2. No matter how well you think over the storage conditions of solid carbon dioxide, its chemical process (sublimation) occurs constantly. After a few days, the product will simply dissolve in air. Try to calculate the timing of the event as accurately as possible in order to use the substance on time.

Where to get dry ice

1. Buy dry ice in any quantities is not difficult. It is sold in specialized stores, the Internet. Also, if you know a little chemistry, the product can be made independently. Dry ice can be easily obtained from a carbon dioxide-based fire extinguisher. Do not forget about precautions.
2. A reagent in a fire extinguisher can be harmful to the body. Also, if elementary safety rules are not observed, during the manufacture of dry ice you can get extensive frostbite on tissues and limbs. The process of obtaining the desired substance is quite simple.
3. To do this, you just need to put a bag of dense fabric on the fire extinguisher tube and fix it with a metal wire so that the improvised tank does not fly off under pressure. Then press the lever, wait for the fire extinguisher to empty and immediately pour dry ice into a makeshift storage room.

Dry ice storage rules

1. If you decide to purchase dry ice, you need to buy special containers for its storage. They are sold online and in stores. Containers are made of shockproof plastic or stainless steel. Inside the box is protected by finely porous foam.
2. Thanks to the simple technology, the container is able to maintain dry ice for a long time. The box does not allow heat to pass outside and does not allow the cold to escape from the inside. If you don’t have the opportunity to purchase such a box, a portable refrigerator is quite suitable for storing dry ice.
3. You can also make a portable box with your own hands, if it is not possible to use such containers for storing the substance.The box is made from improvised materials. Take corrugated cardboard, sheets of foam or foam. Make your own container of the right size and overlay the walls with any chosen heat insulator.
4. When assembling the box, adjust the foam in such a way that the sheets stand together as tightly as possible. Seal the joints with sealant if necessary. The ongoing handling will help create maximum insulation for storage. After you put dry ice in a makeshift container, the substance will also need to be covered with a foam plastic layer, then a lid.
5. Select the darkest and coolest place in the apartment for storing dry ice in a box. If it’s cold outside the window and you have a balcony, the substance should be stored there. In case you live in a private house, dry ice can be kept in a barn or in the attic. Cellar or basement is not suitable.
6. The problem with such rooms is that they can be damp and not adequately ventilated. Do not forget that the process of sublimation of the substance occurs constantly. Therefore, if dry ice is stored in large quantities, there will be a lot of carbon dioxide in the room, which adversely affects health.
7. Do not store in an ordinary freezer. It is not designed for such low temperatures and the carbon dioxide emitted does not go anywhere. Also do not forget that dry ice should not be stored in airtight containers. Otherwise, after some time, the substance will begin to evaporate in large quantities, this can lead to an explosion.
8. To a greater extent, dry ice is almost harmless and non-toxic, if elementary rules for its use are observed. But it is worth considering that it must be stored in an appropriate way, away from animals and children. If the pet accidentally eats it, in this case a fatal outcome or frostbite of the limbs is possible.

When transporting dry ice, follow safety precautions. Always wear protective gloves and a respirator. If you get burns, you need to apply a regenerating ointment. If skin begins to bleed, consult a doctor immediately. If you need to split the substance, use safety glasses. Remember that ice must not be stored in an unventilated area.

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