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The Dry Icer
The Dry Icer is compact and portable dry-ice fogger. It is made of a durable corrosion resistant polyethylene that will
give trouble-free use while producing a thick white low-lying fog.
The ‘Dry Ice’ Fogger Principal
‘Dry-Ice’ is a solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). The term dry-ice is used because of its ability to sublimate; the process
of transforming from a solid directly to a gas without any liquid formation. Dry ice reaches a temperature of minus
87.5C. When immersed in hot or boiling water, it sublimates and violently agitates the water, which throws up many
water droplets into the air. The released cold CO2 gas causes the water vapor in the air to form more droplets. This
great expansion of gas and moisture pushes its way out of the machine. Because it is cold it sinks to the floor. Due to
the droplets in the air this creates the effect we see as fog.
Operation
1. Place the machine on a firm level surface where it will be used. Take off the lid and fill with water (hot or cold) with
about 5 gallons (20 litres) until the red light comes on.
2. Plug the cord into a grounded 15-amp receptacle. A ground fault interrupted receptacle would be preferred. The
heater draws 12 amps at 120 volts.
3. While the machine is heating up (may take up to 60 minutes), raise the basket to its highest level with the black
handle on the side of the machine and lock it in the highest stop.
4. When the water is steaming after approximately 45-60 minutes the machine is now ready for use.
5. Using protective gear load the basket with up to 20lbs of dry ice. The basket size has been designed to give one
large ‘show’ from each bag or block of dry-ice if filled to approximately 1-1 ½ “ from the basket rim. The loading
of the dry-ice should be done at the last possible moment. Due to the steamy atmosphere in the machine, it will
evaporate if put in too long beforehand.
6. Remove any ice chips on the lid seal and place the lid on. Secure the lid by turning the two arms inward on the lid
and push down on the levers to latch.
7. When the ‘fog’ is required, grasp the basket lever and slowly lower the handle. A full basket should not be plunged
into the hot water. This would result in dangerous pressure build up due to the violent action of the dry-ice
sublimating. A ratchet stop is provided to allow the basket to be stepped into the water. As the CO2 is immersed a
‘fog’ will be produced in thick clouds from the front nozzle. To increase the rate, lower the handle to the next stop.
Raising the handle fully will quickly stop the effect, thus it is possible for an ON & OFF type of effect.
8. After your first effect top up the water and allow the unit to heat up. Take the CO2 block/pieces from its storage
container and load in the basket.
9. When the machine is to be emptied allow it to cool. Empty the machine into buckets where it stands rather than
carrying it to the drain. Do not move the machine with hot or boiling water in it.
Warnings
• Water temperature can reach boiling point therefore touching or spilling the hot water can result in burns.
• An overfilled machine will eject water. Never fill with unit plugged in.
• Moisture and water poise electrical hazards use caution around this equipment. Ground fault circuits will trip from
excess moisture.
• Only handle dry-ice with proper skin and eye protection.
