Advantages And Disadvantages Dry Ice

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Dry ice also known as card ice is the frozen form of carbon dioxide. It has unique properties which define its uses. While these uses are its advantages, it also has disadvantages all which are discussed below.

This ice has very low temperature-negative 78.5 degree Celsius. Because of this, it is often preferred for use as a preservative. It does not leave any residue. The unique feature of this form of ice is sublimation. This means that, in every 24 hours, it turns directly into carbon dioxide without going through the liquid phase at the rate of 5 to 10 pounds and at a temperature of negative 109.3 Fahrenheit or negative 78.5 degree Celsius. This extremely cold temperature of card ice and its ability to sublimate make it ideal for refrigeration.

There are many known uses for this ice. Doctors use it in freezing warts in order to facilitate their safe removal. Dermatologists use it to treat acne in what is commonly referred to as slush therapy. Dentists use it to reduce swelling after dental procedures and tooth extractions. This ice is used in shipping bone marrow to keep it frozen. In case you do not have a refrigerator or it is broken, card ice can be used as an alternative to keep the contents of the freezer frozen. This ice has been used for speeding up the growth of plants. Research has shown that the use of this form of ice improves the growth rate of plants because of its ability to turn directly into carbon dioxide that is essential in photosynthesis. After fishing or hunting, the trophy animal can be preserved by putting the card ice at the bottom of the cooler and covering it with paper then placing the animal on top to ensure that it does not come into direct contact with the ice. This ice is used extensively in the beverage and soda industry. When it is added to liquids, it sublimes and becomes gaseous carbon dioxide vapor. The liquids absorb the carbon dioxide becoming carbonated liquids. The fastest growing application of card ice is in blasting. In dry ice blasting, a jet nozzle and compressed air are used to shoot small pellets of this ice with incredible results. The extreme cold allows easier removal of the targeted material as it causes it to shrink. Another great use of this ice is luring mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes bite humans as well as animals because they are attracted to the small amounts of carbon dioxide that we exhale. When card ice sublimes to carbon dioxide gas, it expels 100% pure carbon dioxide gas which is equivalent to 1000 people breathing at the same time in close proximity. Place about 5 to 10 pounds of this ice near where people are congregated and watch how it works efficiently in drawing away the mosquitoes.

Card ice has its disadvantages. Due to its extremely low temperature, it can burn the skin within seconds. The skin cells die within seconds of direct contact with it. It is recommended to use insulated gloves when handling this ice. It also restricts respiration and can make one unconscious if it is present in the air at 7% concentration. This is the reason why cargo aircraft exclusively ship goods containing this ice. Its ability to sublime reduces the oxygen concentration in enclosed and poorly ventilated areas.
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