Ep 20. CO2 Cartridges and Pretzels

CO2 Cartridges and Pretzels are the stars of the show in season 4, episode 20 of How It's Made. We'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these two items are made in their respective manufacturing plants.

The first segment of the show takes us to a CO2 cartridge factory, where we'll witness the step-by-step process of creating these pressurized containers. The show starts with shots of the factory floor, with workers busy at different stages of the manufacturing process. We'll see large sheets of cold-rolled steel being fed into a machine that shapes them into small, cylindrical containers.

Next, the newly-created containers move through a series of dies which shave off any jagged edges and punches out a tiny hole in the top of each container. Workers then position each container upside-down on a conveyor belt, where it is cleaned using a high-pressure air hose. Once clean, it's off to another machine where pressurized CO2 is added. We'll see rows upon rows of these tiny cartridges whizzing past, each one growing steadily more pressurized.

The final step in the process is to package the cartridges for shipping. The show will give us insight into the engineering behind the specially-designed packaging which keeps the cartridges both safe and easy to transport.

The second segment of the show takes us to a pretzel factory. This segment kicks off with impressive shots of a huge pretzel oven, with dozens of pretzels baking away on its many trays. We'll then follow the pretzel-making process from start-to-finish, beginning with the mixing of ingredients.

The pretzel dough is made using flour, water, yeast, and a dash of salt. A massive mixer blends the ingredients together until the dough is the right consistency. Once the dough is made, it's rolled out into long, tapered pieces. These are then formed into the classic pretzel shapes by machines that deftly twist each piece into the cherished knot.

Next, the pretzels are boiled for a few moments in a special solution that gives them their unique crust texture. Back to the oven they go for about 10 minutes, where they bake to a golden brown hue. Finally, the pretzels are packaged and sent out to eager snackers everywhere.

Throughout each segment of this episode, we'll get a sense of the intricate machinery and engineering that goes into the manufacture of these everyday items. The show is careful to explain each step of the process in a way that is accessible to viewers, so we can fully appreciate the impressive technology that lies behind the products we use every day.

Overall, season 4, episode 20 of How It's Made is a fascinating look into the manufacturing of two extremely different products, each with their own unique challenges and quirks. Whether you're a fan of pretzels or CO2 cartridges, there's something for everyone in this episode.