Cryogenic Demonstrations
by
Joe or Mike Higgins
An entertaining and educational presentation is available upon request of schools or other groups in the Olean area. Liquid nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide (dry ice) are used. Approximate time is 60 to 75 minutes including time for questions and answers. A summary of demonstrations are:
1. A Large Poster of a Thermometer relates temperatures of common things to the cryogenic liquids and absolute zero. Also shown are components of air and uses of cryogenics.
2. Pressure, vacuum and states of matter:
- Solids, Liquids and Gases-explain-place dry ice into flask, watch it fill balloon as it sublimes. Do the same with liquid nitrogen showing boiling from liquid to gas.
- Pour liquid nitrogen over air filled balloon. Watch it collapse as the air condenses and then inflate again.
- Pour liquid nitrogen over helium filled balloon and watch what happens.
- Run steam engine with liquid nitrogen.
- Pass liquid nitrogen through rubber hose.
- Place vacuum gauge onto flask and immerse flask into liquid nitrogen to show how cryogenics can simulate the vacuum of outer space.
- Liquid Nitrogen into a tea kettle and listen to it whistle.
3. Cryogenic Processing:
- Freeze flower to show use of cryogenics to make perfume, spices, etc.
- Freeze rubber ball and smash with hammer. Uses are for recycling tires for making material for roads, playgrounds, etc.
- Freeze banana to drive steel and rubber nail with it into wood. Discuss food freezing such as McDonald’s hamburgers, cakes, fruit, semen, and people.
4. Materials: Discuss changes in physical properties of materials and the relationship with everyday life, space research, etc.
- Steel vs. Stainless Steel.
- Shrink fitting.
- Ringing pewter goblet.
5. Oxygen, air, nitrogen and flammable materials:
- Flaming stick in liquid oxygen and nitrogen.
- Burning cotton balls in air and oxygen.
To set up an appointment please Contact Us
Dry Ice
Dry ice is solidified Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Distinct from regular ice, which exists at temperatures of 32° F (0° C) and below, dry ice is extremely cold, -109° F (-79° C). Unlike water ice, dry ice does not melt. Instead, it sublimates (changes directly from solid to gas), releasing CO2. Carbon dioxide vapor is substantially heavier than air. In confined, poorly ventilated spaces it can displace air, causing asphyxiation. It is even possible for CO2 vapor to accumulate in low-lying areas, out-of-doors, under zero or very light wind conditions.
Dry Ice is sold by the pound and it typically available in quantities up to 100#. Please contact us to insure we will have the amount you desire. Also, we only typically store dry ice in Olean, so if you need it in Hornell be sure to call in advance. It is best to bring your own container that is not air tight and best if it is insulated.
How much Dry Ice do I need to keep my food frozen? See the Dry Ice Food Packing Chart (pdf)
Dry is most commonly used for its cold temperatures in freezing and cooling applications.
