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 is due to the chemical reaction of oxygen and this substance. Also, dry ice is widely used in the kitchen in the preparation of meals and drinks. More often it is used simply to create a special effect. The substance helps to preserve products for a long time in portable refrigerators.

What is dry ice

1. Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide. The product temperature is about -80 degrees. The substance has received the name due to the fact that it does not melt. Dry ice in contact with oxygen acquires a volatile form, bypassing the liquid state.
2. It can be said that dry ice "melts" in the air, only there are some differences with ordinary frozen water.Carbon dioxide in solid state when in contact with oxygen turns into smoke and does not emit any odor.
3. Such a nuance is its peculiarity; dry ice in high concentrations is able to absorb all the oxygen in an unventilated room. If at this moment a person is in a room, he can easily face oxygen starvation or lose consciousness altogether.

Dry Ice Storage Features

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

Where to get dry ice

1. To purchase 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 extracted from a carbon dioxide-based fire extinguisher. Do not forget about the precautions.
2. A reagent in a fire extinguisher can be dangerous to the body. Also, if elementary safety rules are not followed, during the manufacture of dry ice, extensive frostbite of tissues and limbs can be obtained. The process of obtaining the desired substance is quite simple.
3. To do this, you only need to put a bag of dense fabric on the tube of the fire extinguisher and fix it with metal wire so that the reservoir does not fall off under pressure. Next, click on the lever, wait until the fire extinguisher is empty and immediately pour dry ice into the self-made storage chamber.

Dry Ice Storage Rules

1. If you decided to purchase dry ice, you need to buy special containers for its storage. They are sold online and in stores. Containers are made of impact-resistant plastic or stainless steel. Inside the box is protected by porous foam.
2. Thanks to simple technology, the container is able to keep dry ice for a long time. The box does not let the heat in outside and does not allow the cold to go out from the inside. If you do not have the opportunity to purchase a similar box, a portable refrigerator is quite suitable for storing dry ice.
3. You can also make a portable box with your own hands, if you can not use these containers for storing substances. The box is made from scrap materials. Take a corrugated cardboard, sheets of foam or foam. Make your own container of the desired size and overlay the walls with any selected insulator.
4. When assembling the box, adjust the foam so that the sheets are as close to each other as possible. If necessary, seal joints with sealant. The manipulation will help create maximum insulation for storage. After you place the dry ice in a homemade container, the substance will also need to be covered with a layer of penoplex, then with a lid.
5. Highlight the darkest and coolest place in the apartment to store dry ice in the box. If it is cold outside the window and you have a balcony, the substance should be stored there.If you live in a private house, you can keep dry ice in the shed or in the attic. Cellar or basement is not suitable.
6. The problem with such rooms is that they can be damp and not sufficiently ventilated. Do not forget that the process of sublimation of the substance occurs constantly. Therefore, if you store dry ice in large quantities, the room will be a lot of carbon dioxide, which adversely affects health.
7. It is forbidden to store the substance in a regular freezer. It is not designed for such low temperatures and the emitted carbon dioxide does not go anywhere. Also do not forget that dry ice can not be stored in an airtight container. Otherwise, after some time, the substance will begin to evaporate in large quantities, this can lead to an explosion.
8. Mostly dry ice is almost harmless and non-toxic if you follow the basic rules for its use. But it should be borne in mind that it should be stored appropriately, away from animals and children. If the pet accidentally eats it, in this case it is possible death or frostbite of the extremities.

When transporting dry ice, follow safety precautions.Always wear protective gloves and a respirator. If you get burned, apply a regenerating ointment. If the skin starts to bleed, consult a doctor immediately. If you need to split the substance, use safety glasses. Remember that keeping ice in an unventilated area is prohibited.

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