How to get rid of air bubbles in a thermometer?

Question

I got a non-mercury (red liquid; alcohol?) thermometer that I can't get rid of the air bubbles in it. I tried dry ice, but all the liquid doesn't go into the bulb... Thanks,

Answer 1

If you can find someone with liquid nitrogen, that would do it.  However, what will most likely happen is the bulb will crack when you warm it up.  This is because the frozen alcohol in the bottom thaws first, and expands.  Since the alcohol above it is still frozen, there's nowhere for it to go and the pressure in the thermometer bulb cracks the glass.  If you are really careful, you can gently heat the thermometer barrel right above the place where the frozen alcohol is (leaving the bottom part in the liquid nitrogen so the top thaws first and slowly remove the thermometer from the liquid nitrogen.  Thermal stresses might still shatter the glass though.

All in all, it's easier to get a new one.