Carbonated ice process and product

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved process for preparing carbonated ice directly from finely divided water ice or snow. According to the process, water ice is contacted with carbon dioxide gas at a temperature within the range of from about -20.degree. C. to about 0.degree. C. at a pressure of about 0.3 times the carbon dioxide vapor pressure at the respective temperatures, the pressure being at least sufficient to cause formation of carbon dioxide hydrate, but insufficient to liquefy the carbon dioxide, at the temperature of contact; and maintaining contact for a period of time effective to form carbon dioxide hydrate in the ice. At the preferred temperatures of from -14.degree. to -2.degree. C., the reaction rate increases dramatically.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.