Liquid Carbon Dioxide - LCO2

LIQUID CARBON DIOXIDE

The low-pressure liquid is an alternative method of storing CO2 and is produced either by expanding high-pressure CO2 to a lower pressure or by refrigeration. It is held in specially constructed storage tanks, heavily insulated and equipped with refrigeration units to hold the internal tank pressure at or below 21 bar (304,58 psi) and -18 °C (-0.4°F) temperature. Pressure switches are incorporated to control the refrigeration units and safety mechanisms and electrical alarms are fitted to release the tank pressure and raise an alarm in the event of refrigeration malfunction.

Low-pressure liquid CO (sometimes referred to as “bulk”) is transported to one place from another in insulated road tankers or trailers (or, in some countries, by rail tank wagons), the liquid is simply transferred from mobile to static tank by pumping or gravity feed.

Carbon dioxide is nonflammable, colorless, and odorless in the gaseous and liquid states. Carbon dioxide is a minor but important constituent of the atmosphere, averaging about 0.036% or 360 ppm by volume. It is also a normal end-product of human and animal metabolism.

Dry carbon dioxide is a relatively inert gas. In the event moisture is present in high concentrations, carbonic acid may be formed and materials resistant to this acid should be used. High flow rates or rapid depressurization of a system can cause temperatures approaching the sublimation point (–109.3°F [–78.5°C]) to be attained within the system. Carbon dioxide will convert directly from a liquid to a solid if the liquid is depressurized below 76 psia (61 psig). The use of materials which become brittle at low temperatures should be avoided in applications where temperatures less than –20°F (–29°C) are expected. Vessels and piping used in carbon dioxide service should be designed to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or Department of Transportation (DOT) codes for the pressures and temperatures involved.

Carbon dioxide in the gaseous state is colorless and odorless and not easily detectable. Gaseous carbon dioxide is 1.5 times denser than air and therefore is found in greater concentrations at low levels. Ventilation systems should be designed to exhaust from the lowest levels and allow make-up air to enter at a higher level.

We offer the full range of Tanks, Portacryo Tanks and on-site solutions to meet all volume and purity requirements.