CO2
What is it?
CO2 or Carbon Dioxide, is a second co-product of the ethanol production process, and is given off in large quantities during fermentation. As a gas, CO2 is colorless, odorless and incombustible. In its liquid form, CO2 reaches an extreme minus 17 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it an excellent source for cooling and freezing applications. This clean, healthy by-product is produced at a food-grade level here at Utica.
How is it made?
CO2 is produced during the fermentation process in the making of ethanol. The CO2 is first collected and run through a series of water scrubbers which filter out all impurities. From here, a liquid ammonia compressor is used to compress this pure gas to a liquid form. It is then held in our two CO2 tanks to await loading and distribution.
What are its benefits?
CO2 has a wide spectrum of important uses in today's economy. The food industry relies heavily on CO2 for many applications. With its extreme cold temperature in its liquid form, CO2 is an excellent source as a food refrigerant. It is also used to freeze wrap products to ensure freshness for the consumer. And of course, beer and soda wouldn't have their taste and appeal without CO2 for carbonation. CO2 is used to produce dry ice, which has a recent application as a cleaner, healthier substitute for sand in the sandblasting process. Looking to the near future, CO2 will be an environmentally friendly replacement for the current cooling agents used in car air conditioners.