Due to its properties, dry ice has been widely used in various fields. It is used in the food and chemical industries, in medicine, cosmetology, to create spectacular shows and holidays, and in many other areas.
Working with this product requires prior preparation. You need to know in advance: how to store dry ice and what are its features.
Properties of dry ice
Dry ice is called the solid form of carbon dioxide. Unlike ordinary ice, it naturally turns into a gas, bypassing the liquid form.
The process of transition to a gaseous state is called sublimation. In this case, the ice turns into a thick vapor that does not have a pronounced odor.
Even a short stay in the open air leads to sublimation. It happens quite quickly. For example, when transporting a product in special containers, there is a volume loss of about 10% in 24 hours. In case of violation of the necessary conditions, this indicator increases.
That's why it's important to know: how to store dry iceright.
Rules and features of storage
Special isothermal containers are used to store the product. They are made with multilayer walls. The task of such boxes is to isolate dry ice from atmospheric air and delay the sublimation process as much as possible.
- Dry ice storage container can be purchased immediately with the purchase of the product. Or, when buying, rent it for the desired period. Many manufacturers provide this option.
Attention! Refrigerators or freezers cannot provide adequate conditions for dry ice. With a much lower temperature, the product will still sublimate.
If you need to learn how to store dry ice at home without using a special container, you can use the recommendations:
- Prepare a container of durable material: plastic or corrugated cardboard.
- Lay out the entire inner surface with foam.
- Glue joints and cracks with adhesive tape.
- Close homemade containers also with foam, and then with a lid.
Storage place must be chosen with the lowest temperature. It is desirable that it be a non-residential area with good ventilation.
Using the product indoors in a large volume may lead to strong accumulation of carbon dioxide. This may cause dizziness or fainting.
Safety measures for storage andusing dry ice
It is important not only to know how to store dry ice, but also to familiarize yourself with the rules for its use. Careless handling of the product may cause burns or frostbite:
- Put on gloves.
- It is advisable to protect all exposed areas of the body with clothing.
- Cover your face with a mask or goggles to protect your eyes.
- Do not put the product in airtight, tightly closed containers. The accumulation of carbon dioxide gradually increases the pressure inside the container. This may cause an explosion. Otherwise, a person who opens the lid risks injuring their hands and face.
- The dry ice storage area must be out of the reach of children or animals.
- If some dry ice remains unused, it must be disposed of by evaporation.
They must be made of dense material. Thin, rubber gloves will be useless and provide no protection.
How dry ice is purchased and used
The product is bought in various forms, depending on the destination:
- Blocks or slabs from 1 to 40 kg.
- Granules in the form of small cylinders.
- Fine fraction, diameter from 1.5 to 3 mm.
You can buy a product from various manufacturers, sometimes immediately with delivery. If there is no place nearby to buy dry ice, then you can make it yourself. But this product is suitable only for home use.use and resembles snow rather than ice.
Dry ice must be purchased or made immediately before use.
