Where Can I Find Dry Ice?
If you know about dry ice, then you may know all of the fascinating ways that it can be used. Particularly as school is starting up, teachers can perform dry ice experiments for teaching children about sublimation. While the weather is warm, anyone can use dry ice to keep provisions cold when hiking, camping, or fishing, besides many other uses for around the house. If you can see dry ice in your future, you might ask, where on earth could you possibly find dry ice? Here’s the list below.
On Mars
Fun fact: scientists have found dry ice on Mars! If you’ve ever studied the planet, you may have noticed that Mars has northern and southern poles. During its months farther away from the sun, Mars develops more “snow.” This white substance on Mars is actually dry ice, or frozen carbon dioxide. Anyhow, a trip to Mars would probably be a hassle for you, so let’s take a look at where you can find dry ice on earth.
At Home
One way to procure dry ice is to make some yourself. You won’t have the pressurizing equipment that manufacturers use to turn carbon dioxide into a gas, but you can purchase a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher for over $100. With a fire extinguisher labeled “carbon dioxide,” cover its nozzle with a cloth bag, like a pillowcase. Securing the cloth around the nozzle, release the carbon dioxide for 5-10 seconds. Some of the gas may escape, but in the cloth, you will find the dry ice remains. Handle these pieces with a thick glove, since dry ice is -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores around the country sell dry ice. In Maryland, you may be able to find dry ice at your local Walmart, Safeway, Aldi, or another food store. If you decide to go out and buy dry ice, make sure you are prepared with the equipment to properly transport it. Bring a hard cooler to carry the dry ice. Keep the windows cracked so that the gas coming from the dry ice does not build up in the car and cause suffocation, especially if driving for more than 15 minutes.
From a Manufacturer
Another place to find dry ice is from a manufacturing company. A dry ice manufacturer knows how to best advise on how much dry ice you should get for your needs and how to package it. A dry ice company, like Dry Ice Corporation, can also save you the hassle of having the prepare and make the trip yourself. All you need to do is call or order your frozen carbon dioxide online.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.