You've probably heard of dry ice. It's carbon dioxide in its solid state, frozen at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of -78,5°C. What makes it special is that when it "melts," it goes directly into a gaseous state without leaving any moisture behind. That's why it's known as dry ice.
Do you want to know its properties and its different uses?
Characteristics and properties
Dry ice is obtained from gas generated as a byproduct of other industrial processes. It is produced in combustion plants and fermentation reactions. As mentioned before, it is frozen carbon dioxide . This gas is capable of being in a solid state at very low temperatures. When it sublimates, it does not produce any liquid, such as water or moisture.
When this gas sublimates in a CO2-rich atmosphere, it tends to reduce the amount of moisture in the environment. This makes it very useful for preserving moisture-sensitive products, such as in the study of ice ages and climate research in general.
Each kilogram of dry ice generates 136 frigories of energy. The gas is at a temperature of -78,5°C and releases an additional 16 frigories, making it possible to obtain a total of 152 frigories per kilogram of dry ice.
Advantages of dry ice over water
For the same weight, dry ice is 170% more effective at cooling than conventional ice. This is particularly relevant in the kitchen, as it allows for much faster cooling of food products. Since dry ice has a density greater than 1,5 kg/dm³ and water ice has a density of 0,95 kg/dm³, dry ice provides 270% more cooling capacity than traditional ice for the same volume of ice used . This is critically important in situations where the volume of ice is limited, as dry ice is the best option for maximizing space. Furthermore, its use is closely linked to the study of climate change and its effects on glaciers, including the importance of ice in the Arctic.
Unique effect
Dry ice not only has special properties like those mentioned above, but it is also considered a bacteriostatic and fungistatic agent. When it sublimates, it generates an atmosphere with such a high concentration of CO2 that it exerts an antimicrobial effect. Therefore, it is an excellent gas for slowing the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast , creating a completely disinfected environment.
This gas can displace oxygen from the atmosphere, the interior of packaging, and containers, thus improving the biological quality of environments where certain products are stored and preserved. This is particularly relevant to climate research and its impact on various ecosystems, including the oceans.
What is it used for?
Dry ice is used for various treatments and actions today. Among its uses we find:
- Medical and scientific research: To preserve organs for transplants or studies, it is highly recommended to use dry ice, since its great refrigeration capacity keeps it in good condition. It is also used in scientific research to keep biological products at low temperatures, cool exothermic reactions and ultra-fast freeze cells, tissues, bacteria and viruses.
- In restoration: In haute cuisine, dry ice is used to open up a world of possibilities to create totally exotic dishes of high quality and price. Thanks to the properties of this ice, very interesting and attractive results can be achieved for the client. The most sophisticated chefs can elaborate from original presentations to aromatic mists, cold infusions, textures and contrasts in mousses and foie gras, slushies, ice cream, foams and creams, or create striking impressive effects with smoke in mixes and elaborately prepared cocktails.
- Industry: In industry, this element is used to facilitate the assembly and adjustment of parts through cold shrinking. It is also used for cryogenic grinding and deburring of plastics and rubber, which is essential in manufacturing processes.
- Agri-food: In this sector, it is used to cool doughs in mixers during meat mincing and mixing, deep-freezing food, and temperature regulation. The use of dry ice in transportation ensures the maintenance of the cold chain, which is key in the context of the climate change.
- Large-scale distribution: It is used when urgent repairs are needed in case some refrigeration equipment is disconnected and to maintain the cold chain, including the transport of fresh food.
- Cryogenic cleaning: dry ice particles can be injected at high pressure to clean all those surfaces that have suffered some type of alteration by water, as in some electrical installations.
- Agriculture: It is used with good results for the control of pests such as rodents, moles and insects.
- Computers and electronics: It is a very good option for cooling electronic devices and improving their performance, accelerating the transmission of electrical signals, which is critical in high-demand systems.
- Construction: It is used to freeze soils and pipes to create a plug before maintenance, in processes that require rapid action.
How to make dry ice at home
If you want to see the special effects of dry ice at home, you only need the following materials:
- CO2 - carbon dioxide (we can get it from a fire extinguisher)
- A bag or cloth
- An adapter for inflating bicycle wheels
The cloth bag (it's important that it has pores to allow some gas to escape) must be placed around the nozzle of the fire extinguisher or CO2 canister you're using. Once the cloth bag is in place, release the gas so it enters the bag . When the gas is released, the pressure inside will cause it to freeze automatically, creating dry ice. This dry ice can be used to add a stunning effect to desserts and drinks, as it will sublimate upon contact with water, producing an impressive white vapor.
As you can see, dry ice is widely used in many sectors, and its effects never cease to amaze us. Now that you know the properties and uses of dry ice, try using it at home and surprise your friends.
