Refrigerant carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used in particular in commercial and industrial refrigeration, such as commercial refrigeration systems, transport refrigeration, heat pumps and process industries where efficient heat transfer and environmentally friendly solutions are required. Its natural origin, low climate impact and good space efficiency make it an attractive alternative to synthetic refrigerants, especially in high-pressure and demanding systems.

Available grades:
Refrigerant carbon dioxide, industrial carbon dioxide, high purity carbon dioxide and food grade carbon dioxide.

Packaging:
Refrigerant carbon dioxide is available in gas cylinders.

Gases behave differently depending on their quality and state. Always consult the product’s safety data sheet before using the product. A safety data sheet is a document that conveys information about the properties, risks and safe use of a substance or mixture for industrial or professional use.

Risk of suffocation
An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe poses a risk of suffocation. Low concentrations may cause increased respiratory rate and headaches. Asphyxiation occurs unnoticed and can be fatal. Vaporised carbon dioxide is very cold. Heavier than air, it can accumulate in drains and basements and cause elevated levels of carbon dioxide in rooms. The maximum permissible concentration of carbon dioxide in working air is 0.5%.

First aid
A person suffering from oxygen deficiency must be immediately evacuated to fresh air. If the victim is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing, administer artificial respiration as quickly as possible and call for help. When rescuing a victim, it is important to remember not to enter an oxygen-deprived area without breathing equipment.

Frostbite
Liquid carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide vapours and carbon dioxide ice are very cold and cause frostbite on the skin. Touching uninsulated parts of the equipment with bare skin can cause the skin to catch and tear. In the event of an accident, rinse the heavily damaged areas with lukewarm water and seek medical attention.

Unsuitable materials
Certain steels are unsuitable for use at low temperatures because they become brittle and lose their resistance to impact. Materials normally suitable for use at low temperatures are stainless steel, aluminium and their alloys.

Use
– When handling the substance, follow the instructions and safe working practices given
– The gas handler must be properly trained
– Use only carefully checked pressure regulators and other operating equipment suitable for this gas. If in doubt, contact Woikoski.
– Open the valve slowly to avoid pressure shock
– The valve is opened and closed by hand. The use of assistive devices is prohibited!
– It takes about one turn to open the bottle.
– The cylinder in use must be properly secured.
– Keep the valve outlets clean!
– Close the cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty.
– Always report damaged valves and cylinders to Woikoske.

Transport
– The driver must be aware of the potential hazards of the load and know his duties in the event of accidents and incidents.
– Cylinders of carbon dioxide must be transported in an upright position
– The load must be secured
– The protective hood on the cylinder valve must ALWAYS be in place during transport or even minor movements
– Cylinders must not be knocked, thrown or dropped from the truck platform
– Observe ADR regulations during transport

Storage
– Observe all legal and local requirements for the storage of cylinders.
– Store cylinders in a well-ventilated area
– Cylinders should not be stored in conditions that promote corrosion
– Cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over
– Valve caps of gas cylinders shall be in place during storage
– Empty and full cylinders should be kept separate