CO2: High Demand in the Cooling Industry

CO2 act as a natural refrigerant in the cooling industry as it has many advantages over other substances, such as:

• Low dynamic viscosity

• Low kinematic viscosity 

• Small volume

• Small pressure ratio

• Physical stability

CO2 is becoming hot research globally these days due to its preferable performance in heating and cooling. There is no doubt that CO2 is becoming the perfect refrigerant in the 21st century. Nowadays, carbon dioxide is applied in heat pumps, automobile air conditioning, and multi-stage refrigeration system.

Physical properties of CO2

At normal temperature and pressure, CO2 works as a natural working medium, colorless and tasteless. The critical temperature and pressure of CO2 are 31 ℃ and 74 bar respectively.

• CO2 has large evaporation latent heat and, the refrigerating capacity per unit volume is 5 to 8 times as compared to traditional refrigerants. 

• And the kinematic viscosity of CO2 is also very low and can stay at low temperatures.

• The ratio of liquid density to vapor density of CO2 is low, while its thermal conductivity is high. After throttling, the refrigerant can be distributed equally in the refrigeration pipes.

Advantages of CO2 over other refrigerants: 

Environment protection

The global warming potential of CO2 is one and, the ozone depletion potential is zero. And it`s less than of the refrigerants’ CFCs and HCFs. However, most of the carbon dioxide used for refrigeration is chemical. 

Thermophysical Property

CO2 is perfectly suitable for refrigeration cycles and equipment from the thermophysical properties of the working medium.

Chemically stable

The chemical properties of carbon dioxide are stable. Additionally, it`s harmless, non-toxic, non-combustible, and at high temperatures, it will not decompose into gases. Also, it`s economical, cheap, and easy to obtain. 

Innovations in CO2 Compressors

Many initiative manufacturers have joined in the development of research and carbon dioxide refrigeration compressors. Many big manufacturers from all over the world not only have launched carbon dioxide compressors but are also providing CO2 solutions for different commercial sectors.

Features of CO2 compressors: 

High efficiency

The process of compression, suction, and discharge of scroll compressors are non-stop and unidirectional. As a result, the danger of overheating suction gas is small, while the pressure difference between the two neighboring chambers is low.

Minimum noise and vibration

The compression and exhaust are continuous at the same time during the suction procedure of a scroll compressor. The pressure increases slowly and, torque change is relatively small, so there is little noise and vibration. 

Easily discharge of pressure

It allows liquid compression due to screw compressors adopting a gas support mechanism. The end faces of the moving plate and the static plate can be separated, and the pressure can be released immediately when the pressure in the compression chamber is too high.

Final remarks

Lastly, CO2 is harmless, environment friendly, and non-toxic and, due to its physical nature, it`s highly demandable in the cooling industry. Additionally, it`s used in refrigeration compressors because it has better properties than other refrigerants. There is no doubt about the promising future and market of CO2 in the coming time when the voice of environmental protection is rising. Moreover, if you want to know more about Waters CO2 Equipment, stay connected with us through our latest informative blogs and articles. Thanks!

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CO2 Extraction Services for Hemp and Botanicals: Top 5 Advantages

For the extraction process, the CO2 hemp extraction method uses carbon dioxide in the subcritical and supercritical states as a solvent. First of all, the hemp biomass is harvested, cleaned, and tested to identify its botanical identity as the cannabis plant. Additionally, it is tested to confirm THC levels below the federally required threshold of 0.3%. And also to include biomass that contains high levels of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides.

After that, the material of the plant is processed to definite particle size and moisture content and placed in an extraction vessel. CO2 is subjected to a specific temperature and high pressure. Both pressure and temperature variations put the CO2 into a subcritical or supercritical state. After these two steps, it flows through the biomass in the extraction chamber.

Advantages of CO2 extraction services: 

Deliver a pure extract:

Consumers give importance quality of the product in the health, Nutraceutical, and personal care market. The supercritical fluid extraction method creates hemp extracts and CBD products that provide on purity guarantee by eliminating harmful solvent residues and stopping rising unwanted compounds in the finished product.  

 

Highly tunable solvent:

Subcritical as well as supercritical CO2 can be fine-tuned, unlike hydrocarbons solvents with the adjustment of pressure and temperature. Additionally, this helps to make processing fast and efficient while targeting only the desired compounds in the hemp biomass.

High-quality CBD extract obtain:

As hemp growers make investments in labor-intensive agriculture practices and high-quality seed to produce the most CBD-rich botanicals possible. Similarly, CO2 processing`s CBD isolation ability just makes sense to capture the target potential from top-quality hemp biomass. Moreover, customers purchase CBD products for their cannabidiol. 

Recoverable and nontoxic:

You may get wonder after knowing CO2 extraction is safe or not. The CO2 used for hemp extraction and is recovered collects and, recycled and leaves no chemical solvent residue. It is not only crucial consideration from an operational and environmental standpoint. It helps to create definite green brand attributes that are often associated with hemp products.

Eliminate some post-processing steps:

Speed to shelf can make a make or break aspect in the success of branded hemp extract product line. CO2-based techniques not only extract more botanical compounds faster and also eliminate the need for some post-processing steps. Moreover, this gets you CBD extract into the final product and blends.  

Lastly

These supercritical and subcritical CO2 extraction services are used to target and extract essential oils, bioactive compounds, and herbal products such as vanilla, lavender, and many other wood-waste-based products. Hopefully, the information shared through this blog regarding Supercritical Fluids will help you a lot. Thanks!

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