How to Make Dry Ice

Dry ice can serve many purposes–anything from preserving organs for transport to creating a foggy punch for Halloween. For purchase, however, dry ice is often available by the pound, and even then only from reputable dealers. Smaller amounts of dry ice, however, can be obtained with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy gloves
• Goggles
• Liquid CO2 tank
• Cloth bag

Instructions

1. Don heavy working gloves and goggles. Dry ice is incredibly cold, and can cause frostbite after prolonged contact with the skin.

2. Place a cloth bag over the nozzle of the liquid CO2 tank. Hold the opening of the bag tightly over the nozzle with one hand, or have another person hold on with both hands.

3. Turn the spigot, and vent the CO2 from the tank into the bag, for about 5 to 15 seconds.

4. Turn off the spigot, and remove the bag. A small amount of dry ice should have collected on the inside of your bag.

5. Shake or scrap the dry ice into an open container. Do not keep small amounts of dry ice in a closed container--the evaporating gas may cause undue pressure, causing the container to burst.

Tips & Warnings

• Any and all CO2 tanks should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure their safety.