Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Detection With Entec

Despite the fact that we breathe out carbon dioxide and that it is present in the atmosphere (about 400 ppm), this may vary due to location, temperature and humidity, its maximum safe level is 5000 ppm (0.5% by volume). It is a product of complete combustion, and is found in brewing and other fermentation processes. CO2 along with methane are the primary components in landfill and sewage treatment digester gas.

CO2 is used to carbonate beer, and possesses a hazard in the brewing and wine industry particularly because CO2 is heavier than air and collects at low levels. There is some degree of risk in crowded, badly ventilated places, and an oxygen deficient atmosphere often accompanies this problem.

Wineries use carbon dioxide and oxygen monitors in the fermenting cellars where the casks of wine are placed during the fermentation process. These monitor for increased levels of carbon dioxide as well as decreased levels of oxygen. The main purpose of them is to alert workers, of a potentially hazardous condition.

During the brewing process, yeast is used to ferment the beer. A by-product of the fermentation process is CO2. In large breweries, high concentrations of carbon dioxide can be produced. Workers in these areas of the breweries are susceptible to exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide as well as low oxygen levels that is a result of the CO2 displacing the breathing air.

Food storage industries use carbon dioxide to help preserve foods such as dairy, fruit and meats. Carbon dioxide in its solid form, dry ice, is used to displace the oxygen in the containers in which the items are stored, which allows the food products to stay fresher during shipment and storage.

The hazards associated with carbon dioxide reach far beyond the industrial marketplace. These hazards are everywhere from the places we work, to the malls and grocery stores we shop in, to the casinos and concert halls where we go for entertainment. With proper monitoring, notification, and ventilation, the risks of overexposure are greatly reduced and minimized. Monitoring with both fixed mounted and portable gas detectors are tools used to help identify and mitigate these situations.

Effects of Various CO2 Levels

Carbon Dioxide Level in PPM Resulting Conditions on Humans

300  (0.03% vol.)  Nothing happens, normal concentration in air
3,000 -  5,000   Low concentrations cause increased respiration and headache
5000  (0.5% vol.)  Lung ventilation increases by 5%. PEL
10,000  (1.0% vol.)  Symptoms may begin to occur, such as feeling hot and clammy, lack of     attention to detail, fatigue, anxiety, loss of energy, weakness in the knees    commonly known as (jelly legs).
20,000  (2.0% vol.)  Lung ventilation increases by 50%, headache after several hours of exposure
50000 (5 to 10% vol) Violent panting and fatigue to the point of exhaustion merely from     respiration & severe headache. Prolonged exposure at 5% could result in    irreversible health effects.

For more information please visit the Entec website at www.gasdetectors.co.nz .