“Why is the ice in the “Ice Ribbon” so white?

Thread Content

On February 5, the speed skating events of the Beijing Winter Olympics began. The first time one sees the athletes at the **Speed Skating Oval “Ice Ribbon”**, they’re always drawn to that milk-smooth ice surface, and then start taking photos as souvenirs. Smooth as a ribbon, flat as marble, and transparent like a mirror, the ice surface, white as milk, makes the Olympic emblem of the Beijing Winter Olympics and the inscription “BEIJING2022” stand out prominently on the warming-up track. Since its opening on January 27th, the “Ice Ribbon” has received countless praises. Why is the ice surface, which should be as shiny and clear as a mirror, such white? **Wu Xiaonan, director of the speed skating rink operation team, provided answers at a press conference held some time ago. Wu Xiaonan said that the white color of the ice surface is not due to the addition of milk, but rather because an environmentally friendly ice coating is used in the ice-making process. “Before the ice rink was built, I also wondered whether milk was used. Later, according to those who had more experience, it was indeed milk that was poured in at first, but now it’s an eco-friendly ice coating that is used instead. ”Wu Xiaonan said. 　　 It is said that the ice surface of the \"Ice Ribbon\" is generally 2.5 to 3 centimeters thick, and it consists of bottom ice, ice paint, and top ice. Among them, the bottom ice determines the hardness of the entire ice surface, which is an important factor affecting the skater’s sliding experience. 　 Wu Xiaonan briefly described the ice-making process. “First, the ice maker sprays water on the base ice multiple times; different water ratios result in different conductivities, which is very important for the base ice as it needs to ensure the hardness of the ice. Subsequently, applying an eco-friendly ice paint on the bottom ice results in the bright white color that everyone sees. On top of the ice paint, a layer of water used for making surface ice is applied, along with the logo and various markings being painted on it. A clean, white ice surface that resembles marble has been essentially created. ” In addition, to produce this \"whitest ice,\" the ice-making system is also crucial. It is a carbon dioxide transcritical refrigeration system designed by various professionals over a period of four years; it has a nine-layer structure and represents the most environmentally friendly method of ice production. It is said that ice production using carbon dioxide has three advantages: being environmentally friendly, producing an even surface on the ice, and saving energy. The efficiency of ice production using carbon dioxide is 20% higher than that of traditional refrigerant-based ice production methods. “In other words, to produce the same amount of ice, the improved cooling efficiency results in less electricity consumption, allowing for a 20% reduction in energy use throughout the process. ”Wu Xiaonan said. 　　“We hope that this aesthetic beauty will bring athletes a pleasant mood and a better sliding experience. I hope they achieve good results, so that the ‘Ice Ribbon’ can truly live up to its reputation as the ‘fastest ice’. ”Wu Xiaonan said. 　　During the Beijing Winter Olympics, a total of 14 gold medals will be awarded on the milk-white ice surface of the “Ice Ribbon”.