Properties of dry ice

1.

Dry ice is mere, solid CO2
It sublimates (evaporates) without any residue, going directly from solid to gas. The gas is inodorous and normally colorless resp. invisible.

2.

Dry ice handling
Dry ice is extremely cold -78°C- causes serious burns if touched without gloves. Safety goggles must be worn when crushing it.

3.

1 kg of dry ice releases approx. 500 liters of CO2 gas.
It can only be kept in well-insulated containers, specially designed so that the CO2 can vent without any problem. If not available, Dry ice must be wrapped into several layers of paper or cardboard to reduce sublimation.

4.

Carbon dioxide is 1.5 times heavier than air.
CO2 gas spreads out on the ground accumulating in hollows. Dry ice must not be stored in insufficiently aired rooms, e. g. cellars.

5.

Carbon dioxide may trigger unconsciousness
The CO2 gas is anesthetizing, triggering unconsciousness at a 7% concentration in the air. At a higher CO2 concentration, unconsciousness can be lethal. A 3% CO2 concentration in the air may not be exceeded for an exposure of 15 minutes. Consequently, rooms and vehicles for storing and transporting dry ice must be sufficiently aired before entering into them. A CO2 measuring instrument is recommended.

The data on dry ice is general and not comprehensive. Safety regulations issued by manufactures and legislation must be strictly observed when using the refrigerant dry ice.