CARBON DIOXIDE

General

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a slightly toxic, odorless, colorless gas with a slightly pungent, acid taste. Carbon dioxide is a small but important constituent of air.

Applications

Carbon dioxide is used on a large scale as a shield gas in MIG/MAG welding, where the gas protects the weld puddle against oxidation by the surrounding air. It is also used in the manufacture of casting molds to enhance their hardness.

• Fire Extinguishers: CO₂ extinguishes fires.
• Beverage: This gas is used to make carbonated beverages including beer and sparkling wine to add effervescence.
• CO₂ Laser: The CO₂ laser, a common type of industrial gas laser uses CO₂ as a medium.
• Oil Wells: Carbon dioxide is commonly injected into or next to producing oil wells to draw lost traces of crude oil .
• Solvent: Liquid CO₂ is considered as a good dissolving agent for many organic compounds. Here it can be used to remove caffeine from coffee.
• Chemical Industry: It is used as a raw material in the chemical process industry, especially for urea and methanol production.