What are commercial and industrial uses of carbon dioxide?
Most people primarily know carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. And it is true that carbon dioxide - CO2, as it is also known, harms our environment when it is released into the air. But what if it isn’t? In that case, it is a highly useful and very versatile material that has many different uses across a wide range of industries.
One of carbon dioxide’s most universal applications is as a way to carry energy, mostly as a refrigerant or coolant. This not only applies to its liquid and gaseous forms but also to solid CO2, which is better known as “dry ice.” In addition, because of its inert qualities, which means that it does not react well (or at all) with other materials, it is also used as an inertization agent in the chemical and food industries. As such, it can help prevent the oxidization of products in the manufacturing sector.
Carbon dioxide uses in industry applications
In addition, plants use CO2 in many specific applications and industrial processes in individual industries.
Carbon dioxide used in Food and Beverage
CO2 has a wide range of applications in this industry.
- The most obvious is the gas used for carbonating beverages, in particular beer, soft drinks, and wine. This prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Carbon dioxide can also be used for de-caffeinating coffee.
- Thanks to its aforementioned cooling properties, CO2 keeps food products cold while they are being transported. In addition, it can also be used for quick-freezing and, in combination with ethylene oxide, for cold sterilizing food.
- Furthermore, CO2 is a highly effective inert blanket that protects food items during their production, it can displace air in the canning process, and it can be used to propel or extract food products from their containers.
CO2 uses in Agriculture
- In the grain treatment process, CO2 is pumped into silos or other storage facilities in order to kill insects and protect the products.
- It also plays an important role in the manufacture of some fertilizers.
- Furthermore, the air in greenhouses can be enriched with carbon dioxide to allow the crops there to optimize their photosynthesis potential.
CO2 used in Manufacturing
- In MIG/MAG welding, CO2 serves as a so-called shield gas, which means that it protects the weld puddle from oxidation.
- In addition, in combination with argon, carbon dioxide is used to achieve an improved welding rate and to reduce the need for post-welding treatment.
CO2 used in Chemical industry
Very large quantities of CO2 are used as a raw material for the production of methanol and urea.
CO2 used in Metalworking
Carbon dioxide not only has anti-corrosive features, but it can also be used to harden the casting molds used in this industry.
Carbon dioxide used in Petroleum industry
Carbon dioxide can be pumped into oil wells in order to optimize their yield. During this process, the CO2 partially dissolves, which makes the oil less viscous and easier to extract from the bedrock.
CO2 used in Construction
Dry ice pellets consisting of carbon dioxide are used for removing paint from surfaces. This process is replacing sandblasting because it lowers the cost of disposal and cleanup.
Carbon dioxide used in Health care
When added to medical-grade oxygen, CO2 can help stimulate respiration.
Carbon dioxide used in Environmental uses
This one may be most surprising because of the role carbon dioxide plays in climate change. However, when used as a propellant in aerosol cans, CO2 is actually better for the environment than many other alternatives.
