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CO2 Mechanics Blog

Practical knowledge, tools, tips and techniques for developing and implementing innovative CO2-enabled clean manufacturing processes, products, and production lines.

CO2 Backstory 1.2

Posted by David Jackson on Aug 8, 2020 7:50:15 AM
David Jackson
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CO2 is Part of the Solution

Recycled CO2

Chapter 1 - Figure 1.4The human part of the Earth’s carbon cycle comprises our societal and industrial activity - our so-called carbon footprint.   This issue has fostered a contentious and controversial global debate regarding the connection between increasing human-based CO2 emissions and alleged global warming. It is noteworthy that based on analysis of polar ice and sediment core samples dating back millions of years, the Earth was much warmer and richer in atmospheric CO2 (and plant life). In a relatively recent geological past, absent most modern humans and all industrial activity, atmospheric levels of CO2 were nearly 18x higher than today, 7,000 ppm compared to 400 ppm, and vast green forests and jungles flourished across the planet. In fact, the current atmospheric levels of CO2 are much less than optimal for healthy plant growth [6].

Nonetheless, without having to wade into this scientific, political and social sand trap, this guidebook makes the case that CO2 technology is good for the environment, people and businesses alike. Recycled CO2 CO2 derived from both natural and industrial processes, and which is already accounted for in the overall carbon mass balance is an extremely useful manufacturing agent that actually reduces the human carbon footprint. How is this possible?

Using recycled CO2 reduces manufacturing waste and CO2 generation. Following are just a few examples covered in this guidebook. Recycled CO2-based industrial cleaning and cooling processes use no water - eliminating the energy needed to produce deionized water, pump water, heat water, sonicate water, filter water, treat water, and dry wet parts. Recycled CO2-based processes are performed in a much smaller space or within the same space as value-added manufacturing processes – eliminating the energy needed to operate and manage separate manufacturing operations. Recycled CO2-based processes perform their basic cleaning and cooling functions more efficiently and cleaner – eliminating the energy needed to treat and haul waste by-products and spent processing agents.

The significance of these outcomes is that recycled CO2-based manufacturing processes use less electrical power which is a major contributor of human CO2 emissions. As such, CO2-enabled manufacturing practices reduce the carbon footprint of a conventional production line. Most importantly, using recycled CO2 as an alternative to solvent and water-based cleaning and cooling agents preserves other natural resources - water, crude oil, and coal – and allows for more efficient use of cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar energy [7].

Finally, it is undebatable that CO2 is foundational for all living functions. Without CO2, no life is possible on Earth. Perhaps the case will be made in this guidebook that CO2 is likewise nature’s perfect solution for manufacturing.

 

References:

  1. 1-6. The Positive Impact of Human CO2 Emissions on the Survival of Life on Earth, Patrick Moore, Frontier Centre for Public Policy, June 2016
  2. 1-7. Setting the Record Straight: CO2 Technology is Part of the Solution, David Jackson, EHS Today, August 2009, pp 39-41
  3.  

    DOWNLOAD EHS TODAY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED ARTICLE AUG 2009

 

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Topics: The CO2 Backstory