Process for preparing gasified ice of improved stability

Claim 1

A process for preparing gasified ice characterized by a high degree of mechanical strength in its frozen state, a high gas content, prolonged storage stability suitable for commercial distribution in its frozen state, and a vigorous, uniform effervesence when placed in water, which comprises: (a) contacting water ice with a conditionally-stable-hydrate-forming gas under conditions of temperature and pressure capable of forming a hydrate complex of the gas, said temperature being below the freezing point of water and said pressure being at least sufficient to enable formation of said hydrate but insufficient to liquefy said gas at the temperature of contact; (b) maintaining said contact for a period of time effective to form gas hydrate complex within said ice; (c) contacting said water ice containing gas hydrate, under conditions of temperature and pressure effective to maintain said hydrate in stable form, with a sufficient amount of aqueous liquid to wet all exposed surfaces of said ice; and (d) freezing said aqueous liquid to enrobe said gas hydrate ice.