Dry ice is very cold solid carbon dioxide. Dry ice has many uses, although it is generally used as a cooling medium. One of the advantages is that dry ice leaves no liquid, as dry ice sublimates to gas at -43 degrees Celsius. However, dry ice can be dangerous, and can cause frostbite and burning. Therefore, knowing how to store and handle dry ice is very important.
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Method 1 of 2: Storing Dry Ice
Step 1. Purchase dry ice as close to when it was used
While you can slow down the dry ice sublimation process, you can't stop it. Therefore, buy dry ice as close as possible to the time of use. You will lose 2.5 - 5kg of dry ice per day even if the ice is stored properly.
Step 2. Wear electric gloves and protect your elbows
Due to the extreme temperatures, dry ice can burn your skin. Electric gloves can protect your hands from frostbite when you handle dry ice. As much as possible, try to avoid contact with dry ice. In addition, you can also wear long sleeves to protect your elbows when handling dry ice.
Step 3. Store dry ice in a closed container, such as a thick foam cooler
The cooler can be used to store dry ice for a long period of time. You can also use a regular cooler, which is generally used to keep drinks cold.
Step 4. Fill the container with dry ice with scrap paper to slow down the sublimation process
Used paper serves to cover the empty space in the container.
Step 5. Close the container as tightly as possible
The more open the container, the more warm air enters. The warm air increases the sublimation process, which means your dry ice will melt faster.
Step 6. Place the cooler in a cool area
If the weather is cold, place the cooler outside, and if the weather is warm, place the cooler in a cold corner of the room. Try to keep the outside temperature of the cooler cool to reduce the sublimation rate of dry ice.
Step 7. Watch out for burning
The burning sensation that only causes redness of the skin will heal on its own. However, if your skin starts to blister and crack, call your doctor.
Method 2 of 2: Avoiding Side Effects
Step 1. Store dry ice in a place with good air circulation
Dry ice will sublimate to carbon dioxide. Therefore, dry ice can be dangerous to humans if stored in an enclosed space. Make sure the dry ice is stored in a place with sufficient air. Otherwise, dry ice can cause suffocation in humans and animals.
Keep in mind that an enclosed car has no ventilation, especially if the air conditioner is off. Do not leave dry ice in a parked covered car. When moving dry ice, open the car window, or make sure you turn on the air conditioner to let fresh air in. Also, keep dry ice out of sight when driving
Step 2. Do not use an airtight container to carry dry ice
Dry ice doesn't melt, it sublimates. This means that dry ice will emit carbon dioxide. Because carbon dioxide turns into a gas, it needs space to move. If you use an airtight container, the gas will not escape. In extreme cases, the gas can expand too much, causing an explosion.
Step 3. Do not put dry ice in the freezer
Freezers are airtight, and may cause dry ice to explode. Also, if you try to store dry ice in the freezer, you may damage the freezer because the thermostat in the machine is not designed to handle dry ice temperatures.
Step 4. Use a face shield and lab goggles when breaking ice to protect your eyes
Otherwise, shards of ice can get in the eyes and cause burning.
Step 5. Keep the ice away from the places that lie below
Carbon dioxide generally settles in a room because it is heavier than the air you breathe. Therefore, carbon dioxide will collect in places that are lower. Don't try to go into such places.
Step 6. Be careful when placing dry ice
Dry ice can damage many types of surfaces, such as floors or tables, due to its extreme temperatures.
