A device designed to produce thick, white fog effects utilizes solid carbon dioxide and water. The solid carbon dioxide, at a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius, sublimates (transitions directly from solid to gas) upon contact with warm water. This process rapidly cools the surrounding air, causing water vapor to condense and form a dense fog. A typical unit consists of a water tank, a heating element to maintain water temperature, and a chamber where the dry ice is introduced. An internal fan or pump then propels the resulting fog outward.
These fog-generating devices offer several advantages. The produced fog is low-lying, non-toxic, and dissipates quickly without leaving residue. This characteristic makes them suitable for various applications, including theatrical productions, concerts, haunted houses, photography, and even certain industrial processes requiring visualization of airflow. Historically, atmospheric effects in entertainment relied on less convenient and potentially hazardous methods. This technology represents a significant advancement in creating safe and visually compelling special effects.