Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is colorless. At low concentrations, the gas is odorless. At higher concentrations it has a sharp, acidic odor. At standard temperature and pressure, the density of carbon dioxide is around 1.98 kg/m3, about 1.5 times that of air. Dry ice is commonly used as a cooling agent, and it is relatively inexpensive. Moist carbon dioxide is generally corrosive by its formation of carbonic acid.

Chem. Formula CO2
Molecular Weight 44.0
CAS No. 124-38-9
Grade Beverages

Specification

Parameters         Average Chemical Analysis
Appearance/ Color Normal/Colorless gas (Liquid in cylinder/Bowser)
Purity 99.9 % min
Taste None
Odor None/Characteristics
  • Carbon dioxide is used to produce carbonated soft drinks and soda water.
  • Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers as a desirable alternative to water for most fires, especially those designed for electrical fires, contain liquid carbon dioxide under pressure. Carbon dioxide also finds use as an atmosphere for welding, although in the welding arc, it reacts to oxidize most metals.
  • Large quantities of solid carbon dioxide (i.e. in the form of dry ice) are used in processes requiring large scale refrigeration.
  • It is a constituent of medical gases as it promotes exhalation.
  • Carbon dioxide is used as an ingredient in the production of urea, carbonates and bicarbonates, and sodium salicylate.

It is supplied in Steel cylinders, bulk supplied in bowsers.
Use local exhaust to prevent accumulation of high concentrations in storage area so as to reduce the oxygen level in the air to less than 19.5% and the carbon dioxide concentration below the exposure limit. Full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for emergency use.

Moist carbon dioxide is generally corrosive by its formation of carbonic acid.

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