Our atmosphere is all filled up with various gases and chemicals. Some of these gases are helpful for humans and other living things on this planet, while some need to be protected against. Of all these lurking gases in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the one that always attracts attention. This gas is found in the open air and in industries that are always busy emitting this colorless and odorless gas. The gas can pose positive and negative consequences simultaneously, and you better watch out for these. This article will feed your mind about CO2, followed by its formation and detection. Stay with us to know more about it!
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature which is produced in various ways. The compound contains one Carbon and two Oxygen atoms. Of all the greenhouse gases, CO2 is the prominent one. Do you know why it is termed a greenhouse gas? It is because it traps heat energy in the earth's troposphere.
Carbon dioxide is not among the highly toxic gases, but it is harmful if the concentration exceeds the normal range. The greenhouse effect of this gas is probably the dangerous one as it contributes to raising the earth's surface temperature. Moreover, increased emission of CO2 in the atmosphere can lead to ocean acidification, which is harmful to aquatic creatures.
How is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Formed?
When you dig deeper into the sources of CO2, you will find many. From living organisms' respiration to burning fossil fuels, every process and source equally contribute to its formation. Let us shortly discuss some of these sources here.
i) Respiration and decomposition:
The exchange of carbon dioxide and Oxygen between living things and the environment is what we call respiration. When living organisms breathe, CO2 is emitted into the air, which is quite simple and obvious. Cellular respiration also releases CO2 after combining glucose and Oxygen to produce energy.
When living organisms die, they are decomposed by bacteria, and the decomposition process releases carbon dioxide into the air or water.
ii) Carbonate rocks weathering:
Limestones get exposed to the open air due to changes in sea level. This exposure to weathering of rain produces carbonic acid, and CO2 is dissolved into the water. The carbonic acid, in turn, dissolves carbonate rocks and emits CO2 into the air.
iii) Burning fossil fuels and forests:
Industries are often busy burning hydrocarbon fuels such as wood, coal, or natural gas. Carbon dioxide CO2 is released as a result of these burnings. While the fossil fuel combustion process, Carbon reacts with Oxygen in the air and form CO2.
All these methods contribute to CO2 formation, and industries are on top of the list.
What are the Industrial and Health Hazards of CO2?
A major chunk of carbon dioxide is produced during different industrial activities, putting workers and the workplace at risk.
i) Health hazards:
Carbon dioxide has been classified as a toxic containment and has specific occupational exposure limits to be followed. The CO2 exposure limit for an 8-hour work duration is 5000 ppm, and a short-term exposure limit of 15 minutes is 30,000 ppm. However, CO2 at 40,000 ppm is considered highly dangerous to health, and it can cause the following health damages.
Increased respiration
Headache
Lung ventilation increases
Fatigue
Anxiety
Loss of energy
Violent panting
Often lead to irreversible health effects
ii) Industrial hazards:
Industrialists should know the true nature of carbon dioxide toxicity. It affects not only human health but also the workplace. What if it contributes to fire and explosions? It would be best to protect the entire environment by installing gas detectors across the plant. Modern-day sensing technologies can keep the management updated about any potential risk.
How is Carbon Dioxide Detected?
As discussed, carbon dioxide is produced by various natural and human activities. However, nature is contributing as much as the industries do. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on CO2 production at industrial levels. The hazards revealed that this compound could be harmful to health and the environment and hence be detected.
Since CO2 is odorless and colorless, the human eye and senses can't detect it. The best practice is to install efficient gas sensors across the industry. Getting your hands on reliable gas sensors these days is a challenging task, but not if you connect with safety equipment suppliers in Dubai.
How do Carbon Dioxide Detectors Work?
CO2 concentration, when it crosses the threshold, can cause serious damage to your employees and workspace. It is necessary to install and understand how CO2 detectors work, and we will shortly explain the mechanism of action of these detectors.
Working Principle:
The infrared gas detectors work on the same principle as the hydrocarbon detectors. The IR beam emitted by the detector catches CO2 molecules from the ambient air. The amount of absorption can directly be linked to the percentage of carbon dioxide concentration present in the air. A specific wavelength of infrared light will catch CO2 molecules, portraying CO2 percentage in the ambient air.
What are the Features of a CO2 Detection System?
Carbon dioxide detection systems could have various features, hidden and prominent. It takes an expert mind to explore these features, but you don't need to worry as we have the cake on the plate for you. Given are the features of a good CO2 detection system.
i) Multiple detectors:
A robust CO2 detection system will have various detectors in place. Since all the facilities and working conditions will greatly differ, it would be best for a detection system to contain multiple detectors.
ii) Controllers:
Backing the first point, any detection system with multiple detectors requires monitoring and controlling the sensors and outputs. It will help create alarm indications when needed. Controllers are configurable and allow you to make changes to them.
iii) Wireless technology:
Since technology has taken, a good detection system should contain wireless detectors working on batteries. With low-power input and maximum output, these detectors are efficient enough for industrial detection endeavors. Do you want to install such detectors in your industry? Contact safety equipment suppliers today and place your order!
What are the Applications of CO2 Detectors?
Carbon dioxide detectors can be used in a wide range of industries and applications. The list of applications of these modern-day detectors is long enough to spend an entire day discussing. However, we will mention the most obvious applications of these detectors for better performance.
Mining industries
Biogas
Landfilling applications
Indoor air quality control in industries
Controlled atmospheric storage
Process control
HVAC
Gasification
The above-listed activities and industries would be incomplete without having CO2 detectors in place. Make sure you use the best-suited sensor for your industry to enhance the safety of your workers and your workplace.
Find the Perfect CO2 Detector for your Industry!
Making your industry and workers safe should be your primary concern. To avoid any mishap, you better install effective gas detectors all across the plant. Contact us if you are on a hunt for a perfect CO2 detector!