How to Make Dry Ice

Posted on August 20th, 2008

Dry ice is your quick way to freezing cocktails or producing fog. It is made of solidified carbon monoxide, which can be produced through a CO2 tank. Its temperature is over 100 degrees below freezing point, making it hard to handle physically. You should wear all the proper safety materials when you make dry ice.

CO2 Tanks are Abundant

You can purchase a CO2 tank almost anywhere. It is used for diving, operating aquariums, and powering paint ball guns. Simply visit stores that supply those products and you can buy a CO2 tank. Just buy the smallest tank, unless you are planning to mass produce dry ice or any dry ice-based product.

Materials Used:

CO2 tank
gloves
goggles
ice bag
thick jar (no lid)

Procedure:

Before you start making dry ice, wear safety goggles and gloves. You can also wear a jacket if you are a bit clumsy. Remember, touching dry ice may cause severe skin damage, so you have to be fully protected when creating such a substance.

Cover the nozzle of the tank with the ice bag. Hold the bag tightly. Make sure that it sticks to the nozzle even if the tank produces a significant amount of pressure.

Once the bag is held in place, turn the valve of the tank to release CO2. Keep the valve open for about five to 20 seconds, depending on the amount of dry ice that you’re planning to create.

Turn off the valve.

Remove the bag from the nozzle and transfer the dry ice to a thick jar. Do not close the jar, since the air pressure coming from the solid carbon can shatter the container.

Repeat the entire process if you want more dry ice.

Dry ice may be hard to handle but it is easy to create. You should just exercise the proper precautionary measures to avoid getting hurt in the process.

Watch The Video

How to Make Dry Ice in Your Home

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