Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a chemical compound of two oxygen atoms that have a covalent bond with a single carbon atom. As a gas, CO2 is colorless and odorless and harmful to human health in concentration higher than 5,000 ppm. The first person to discover CO2 in gas form was Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmond in the 17th century, and the properties of CO2 were further researched by Scottish physician Joseph Black in the 18th century. Today CO2 gas has many industrial uses and it can be found in many everyday products.
Welding
CO2 gas is used as a shield gas in welding to prevent the weld puddle from reacting with oxygen when it comes into contact with air.
Oil Discovery
CO2 gas is used in oil wells to increase oil discovery and maintain the pressure in the formation. CO2 gas partially dissolves into the oil and reduces its velocity making the oil flow more easily from the bedrock and therefore increasing the amount of oil being extracted.
Beverages
CO2 gas is used to carbonate soft drinks, soda water, beers and wine. Before artificial carbonation, beer and wine were carbonated through natural fermentation, but it is more convenient to use CO2 gas instead.
Foods
CO2 gas is used to prevent fungal and bacterial growth in food products.
Aerosol Products
CO2 gas is used as a propellant in aerosol cans instead of other gases that are more harmful to the environment.
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