How it works
A CO2 jet is a valve and nozzle connected by a high-pressure hose to a cylinder of liquid carbon dioxide. When the valve opens, the liquid expands and cools instantly, making a bright white column of vapour that disappears within seconds.
Jets are usually triggered by a lighting console over DMX or by a hand controller, so they can fire on the beat. Variants include handheld guns, cryo jets on a stand and CO2 confetti or streamer launchers.
Good to know
- CO2 displaces oxygen. Indoors, the number of blasts, the room size and the ventilation all need to be checked.
- Each jet needs its own cylinder with a siphon tube so liquid, not gas, reaches the nozzle.
- The blast is very cold. Aim jets away from faces and keep a safe distance from the audience.
- Cylinders run out faster than people expect, so the number of cues decides how many you need.
