Where Did Dry Ice Come From?
This blog discusses the history of where dry ice came from.
How did dry ice come about? It is said that French chemist Thilorier was the first individual to record the solidification of carbon dioxide, known as dry ice. In 1835, Thilorier opened a cylinder containing a significant amount of liquid carbon dioxide. However, once some of it evaporated, it left behind a solid dry block at the bottom of the container. Keep reading to learn further more about the history of dry ice.
Experiments, Experiments, and More Experiments!
After the discovery, others conducted experiments and commercialized dry ice. In 1897, a patent for the solidification of carbon dioxide was granted to Herbert Samuel Elworthy. He was a doctor in the British Army Medical Corps, and his goal was to create a soda water mix with his whiskey!
Even though liquid carbon dioxide operated fine, carrying them in trips in metal cylinders was heavy. Additionally, 100 pounds of liquid carbon dioxide cylinder can carry on the 50 pounds of the gas. The commercialization of dry ice was becoming popular. From there, many doctors have utilized it to eliminate warts.
Commercial Uses of Dry Ice
Prest Air Devices was the U.S. company to commercialize solid carbon dioxide invention in 1925. Based in Long Island City, New York, Prest Air Devices was also the first company to create a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Additionally, they attempted many uses for compressed carbon dioxide like a tire pump, producing soda water at home, and powering a grease gun. However, the market successfully received only the fire extinguisher.
In 1924, Prest Air Devices also attempted to sell frozen carbon dioxide to numerous railroad companies for cooling instead of regular ice. Due to its cooling power, the railroad companies built the dry ice production plant in 1925. Soon after, the company became Dry Ice Corporation of America and trademarked “dry ice.”
Dry Ice Corporation’s Journey
Moreover, its first testing for railroad cars was a successful venture by the newly Dry Ice Corporation. Twelve vehicles had insulation to handle the solid carbon dioxide in 1932. Plus, about 80 cars were designed with mechanical refrigeration, and 180,000 railroad cars with designs to utilize regular ice. Despite it, mechanical refrigeration became more popular.
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 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 number 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, Pinterest, and Twitter.
