Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide. The gas we exhale when we breathe. It is called dry ice because it changes from a solid to a gas, or sublimates, without turning into a liquid. If you are creating a science project or simply creating a smoke effect, follow these safe steps for dealing with dry ice.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Buying and Bringing Dry Ice
Step 1. You can buy dry ice at the supermarket
- Try to buy it close to the time the dry ice will be used. Since dry ice changes form from a solid to a gas, its lifespan is relatively short. Every 24 hours, 2.2 - 4.5 kilograms of dry ice will sublimate to gas.
- While many shops allow people to buy dry ice, some have a minimum age limit of 18 years.
Step 2. Purchase dry ice cubes
Scientific experiments at school or to create the smoke effect require dry ice still in the form of a box.
- There is also dry ice in the form of small rounds, but is usually used for cleaning or medical transportation needs.
- The price of dry ice varies, ranging from Rp. 10,000 - Rp. 35,000 per kilogram. Although this usually depends on where the dry ice is sold. There are areas that sell dry ice at a low price.
Step 3. Put dry ice in a special container such as an ice container/ cooler made of plastic
Since dry ice is much colder than typical container ice (-109.3 to -78.5 degrees Celsius), it won't last very long if stored in a regular refrigerator or freezer.
- The thicker the ice container, the longer the dry ice will sublimate.
- Try not to open and ice containers often to slow down the sublime process. You can also fill in any empty gaps in the container with paper or a soft cloth so the dry ice doesn't sublimate quickly.
- Storing dry ice in the freezer can turn off the thermostat. Dry ice is very cold, the freezer will shut itself off to prevent the food from over-freezing. If the freezer gets damaged, but you still need it to store food, put dry ice in it. It will serve as a freezer replacement.
Step 4. Put the cooler in the car with the window open
Remember, dry ice is solid carbon dioxide which can be dangerous in large quantities.
Fresh air is especially important if you need more than 15 minutes to bring dry ice. Being in an enclosed area with dry ice can cause breathing problems and headaches. Can be harmful if inhaled for a long time
Method 2 of 3: Holding Dry Ice
Step 1. Wear leather gloves and long sleeves when opening containers or pouring dry ice
Although contact with dry ice is actually okay, if for a long time the skin will burn like with fire.
- Baking gloves or towels can also be used, but they don't protect as well as gloves. Treat dry ice like a hot pot. Keep it away from skin as much as possible.
- Treat burns from dry ice like normal burns. If your skin is just red, it will heal on its own. But if it blisters, treat the wound with antibiotics and cover it with a bandage. Consult a doctor if the wound is severe.
Step 2. Store unused dry ice in a container with sufficient air gap
Storing large amounts of dry ice in tight containers can create oxygen deficiency.
- A locked container in the backyard with adequate ventilation will not harm the people or animals around. If you have trouble finding a storage location, ask your chemistry teacher about storage containers in the laboratory.
- Make sure the dry ice storage location is out of the reach of small children and pets.
Step 3. Open doors and windows if any dry ice is spilled
Dry ice will sublimate, but it will need to adjust to the air around it.
Dry ice is heavier than oxygen and will accumulate in low areas close to the spill site. Keep your face away from the location, considering that the area will be filled with carbon dioxide
Step 4. Leave dry ice in a well-ventilated and room temperature area
If you have extra dry ice, just let it sublimate on its own.
- The backyard is a great place to dump dry ice. Make sure the area is away from people's activities for at least 24 hours.
- You can also use special containers used to store hazardous chemicals. The school lab must have one, ask the teacher if you can request one.
Method 3 of 3: Things to Avoid
Step 1. Do not store dry ice in an airtight container
The process of sublimation of dry ice into carbon dioxide can blow up containers.
- Dry ice can cause an explosion if stored in a tightly closed container. Several people have been charged with criminal charges for creating "ice bombs".
- Do not store dry ice in glass or metal containers, as in the event of an explosion, the shards of the container can cause serious injury.
Step 2. Avoid storing dry ice in basements, cars, or areas where there is no ventilation
The carbon dioxide content will slowly replace room oxygen so that it can cause breathing problems due to lack of oxygen.
Wait a few moments for air to enter the dry ice storage area before entering the room
Step 3. Don't leave dry ice unattended
Even if no one is around, spills or other incidents can occur if not closely monitored.
Do not leave dry ice on the floor or hard surfaces as the extremely cold temperatures can cause cracking
Step 4. Do not throw dry ice into drains, sinks, toilets, or trash cans
You will cause the water pipe to freeze and clog it.
The small size of the pipe can also cause dry ice to expand faster, resulting in an explosion
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