The History Of Dry Ice
Dry ice, invented in 1835, has a fascinating history.
While dry ice is currently one of the most popular shipping and packaging materials on the market, it has only been around since 1835. Interested in finding out more about the cool history of dry ice? Read on!
The Discovery
Dry ice was first discovered by the French chemist Thilorier. He discovered dry ice when attempting to observe carbon dioxide in liquid form. Of course, now we know that carbon dioxide doesn’t have a liquid form because it sublimates. Thilorier opened the canister of carbon dioxide to make his observations and noticed that the only material inside was a solid dry ice block at the bottom. While he noted his findings in a journal, there wasn’t any immediate practical use for the substance.
Laboratory Use
For the next few decades, dry ice was commonplace in university labs but not used for much else. At the turn of the century, a doctor in the British Medical Army Corps received a patent for solid carbon dioxide or dry ice. His theory was that it would make a great substance for creating soda water. While it served its purpose, the containers required to transport it were far too heavy. The dry ice also didn’t keep his drinks cool for very long, since it began to sublimate the second that it made contact with the air.
Commercial Dry Ice Becomes Mainstream
In the 1920s, dry ice finally found a true commercial home with Prest Air Devices. They created a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and other mechanisms that worked using dry ice technology. They attempted to market dry ice to railroad companies, and found a great deal of success under the name DryIce Corporation of America.
Over time, dry ice grew in popularity and usage as more purposes were discovered. Today, dry ice can be found making the ice cream at an ice cream shop, keeping fruits and vegetables cool on a camping trip, or in fun science experiments. How do you use dry ice?
Dry Ice for All of 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.
