Introduction
Dry ice is a cold and compressed form of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has been solidified due to a decrease in temperature (-78 degrees Celsius). This substance is non-toxic and non-edible. Each kilogram of dry ice absorbs approximately 1.6 kilojoules of heat and converts into gas.
During sublimation, dry ice changes phase from solid to gas instantly without entering the liquid phase. This process creates a white smoke that can have various uses. It should be noted that dry ice sublimation occurs at temperatures warmer than -78 degrees Celsius and during this process, no moisture or humidity is created. If sublimation is done using hot water, it creates very beautiful and dense clouds, resulting in special effects that are usually used for dry ice sublimation in ceremonies, celebrations, and movies.
Dry ice features
- Dry ice has a cooling capacity that is 170% higher than regular ice.
- Dry ice is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
- Dry ice is sublimated at a rate of about 2 to 4.5 kilograms per 24 hours in a regular ice box.
- Dry ice has less weight and higher density compared to regular ice, therefore it is also easier to transport.
What is dry ice made of?
Carbon dioxide exists as a gas under normal conditions and at room temperature. By compressing it under specific thermodynamic and physical conditions, it is converted into solid carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice, and its temperature decreases to -78 degrees Celsius. In industrial production of dry ice, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into large tanks and then the compression and cooling process is carried out on it using precise equipment.
The methods of producing dry ice are summarized as follows:
- Pure carbon dioxide gas is subjected to pressure and cold to convert it into liquid.
- When compressing a certain amount of liquid dioxide, it evaporates and as the temperature of liquid carbon dioxide decreases, the remaining amount eventually completely transforms from liquid to solid.
- Finally, solid carbon dioxide, which is compressed and solidified, is packaged with small or large cubic molds, packaging dry ice. The standards for these cubic molds are approximately 30 kilograms.
Uses of Dry Ice
Due to its unique properties, it can have numerous applications. The applications include:
- Due to its unique properties, it can have numerous applications. The applications include:
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Dry ice can be used to cool drinks and liquids.
- Dry ice can be used to cool the environment.
- In the transportation industry, dry ice can be used to transport food, beverages, meat, and other perishable materials.
- Dry ice is used to simulate fog or smoke in filmmaking.
- Dry ice can be used as a portable freezer to store food while traveling.
- In various industries, dry ice is used to clean surfaces from various contaminations such as oil, paint, dirt, stains, glue, etc.
- Removing the effects of smoke caused by fire is another application of dry ice in the field of cleaning.
- Dry ice can be used to create artificial fog and smoke, adding a special beauty to parties, celebrations, weddings, and birthdays.
- Using the smoke and fog created by dry ice, artistic photos and videos can be fashioned.
- In music concerts, dry ice is used to create a beautiful, emotional and imaginative atmosphere.
- Dry ice is used in the production of soft drinks.
- Dry ice can be the best option for transporting and storing pharmaceutical items such as COVID-19 vaccines.
- By injecting dry ice into the clouds, they can be fertilized and cause rain.
- Dry ice can be used to decelerate chemical reactions.
- Placing a certain amount of dry ice around the plant helps the plant grow due to its direct effect on photosynthesis.
- Due to the carbon dioxide gas that dry ice produces, it can be used to eliminate insects and pests in a closed environment.
- Cafes and restaurants can create a very beautiful atmosphere during food and drink service by creating heavy fog using dry ice, and provide a unique service to their customers compared to other competitors.