Liquid Carbon Dioxide

High Quality Products That Are Cryogenically Stored And Used In A Variety Of Applications

Liquid Carbon Dioxide

Liquid carbon dioxide is characterized as nonflammable, colorless, and odorless in both its gaseous and liquid phases. It constitutes a minor yet crucial component of the atmosphere, typically averaging approximately 0.036% or 360 parts per million (ppm) by volume. Additionally, carbon dioxide serves as a routine end-product of human and animal metabolism.

Dry carbon dioxide is generally considered an inert gas. However, in the presence of high moisture concentrations, carbonic acid may form, necessitating the use of materials resistant to this acid. Rapid depressurization or high flow rates in a system can lead to temperatures approaching its sublimation point (-109.3°F or -78.5°C). Below 76 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) or 61 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), carbon dioxide can directly transition from a liquid to a solid phase. Therefore, materials prone to brittleness at low temperatures should be avoided in applications where temperatures below -20°F (-29°C) are anticipated.

Manufacture of Liquid Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide in its gaseous state is colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect. It is 1.5 times denser than air, resulting in higher concentrations at lower levels. Ventilation systems should be engineered to exhaust air from the lowest levels and facilitate the entry of makeup air at higher levels.

Uses of Liquid Carbon Dioxide

Liquid carbon dioxide finds extensive applications across various industries:

Food Industry: Used for freezing meats, poultry, vegetables, and fruits. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is employed to cool meats before grinding and to refrigerate meat and poultry during transportation.
Beverage Production: Gaseous carbon dioxide is crucial for carbonating soft drinks, wines, and beers.
Water Treatment: Utilized to neutralize alkaline water in water treatment processes.
Oil and Gas Recovery: Liquid carbon dioxide enhances recovery from oil and gas wells.
Industrial Applications: Includes the production of chemicals, plastics, rubber, metals, and electronic components.
These diverse applications highlight the versatility and importance of liquid carbon dioxide in modern industrial processes.

Containers

Large-scale storage of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) typically utilizes cryogenic storage tanks. These tanks are insulated with polyurethane foam and coated with a vapor barrier, providing weather protection. The tanks are constructed from carbon steel in accordance with ASME Standards. Carbon Dioxide is maintained under pressure of 305 psig by a refrigeration unit and above 245 psig by a pressure booster coil, enabling indefinite storage without the need for disposal. In contrast, cryogenic liquid cylinders are vacuum-jacketed and can store the product for extended periods without venting. Cryogenic liquid cylinders can dispense the product in either liquid or gas form.

Liquid carbon dioxide tanks are engineered with specific features to safely store and manage CO2 under its required conditions. While sharing similarities with tanks for other cryogenic liquids, LCO2 tanks are uniquely designed to meet the storage and safety demands of carbon dioxide in liquid form across various industrial applications.