Purification and liquefaction of CO₂: from emissions to a resource for industrial refrigeration

In the context of industrial refrigeration and cold processes, CO₂ is no longer just a natural refrigerant or a byproduct to be managed, but can become a technical and economic resource.

CO₂ purification and liquefaction technologies now allow the recovery of carbon dioxide generated by industrial processes or energy production plants, transforming it into a fluid suitable for multiple applications. This approach is fully consistent with circular economy models and the industry's growing focus on sustainable, high-value solutions.

From raw CO₂ to liquid CO₂: the process

The CO₂ valorization process starts by separating the gas from the impurities present in the process flows.

Through dedicated treatment systems , the CO₂ is purified from humidity and unwanted components until it reaches high levels of purity, compatible with various industrial uses.

The subsequent liquefaction phase , made possible thanks to technologies typical of the refrigeration and cryogenics world, allows for the production of a stable, storable, and easily transportable product. This step is particularly important for the refrigeration sector, where the control of low temperatures and thermodynamic cycles is a consolidated skill.

A technical opportunity for the refrigeration sector

For refrigeration professionals, CO₂ purification and liquefaction represent an area of system innovation that complements the traditional use of R744 refrigerant in refrigeration systems. These systems allow for:

• reduce direct emissions by intercepting CO₂ before it is released into the atmosphere;
• valorize a process by-product , transforming it into a usable fluid;
• integrate advanced refrigeration skills , related to the management of low temperatures and high pressure gases.

From an operational standpoint, liquefied CO₂ can be used in various industrial sectors, becoming part of a supply chain that combines gas production, recovery, and use more efficiently and sustainably.

Towards more circular refrigeration models

The integration of CO₂ purification and liquefaction systems is part of a broader vision of circular refrigeration, in which cold is not just a process tool, but an enabler for the recovery and valorization of resources.

For designers, plant builders, and industry operators, these solutions open up new perspectives in the design of complex, integrated systems capable of combining energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and new opportunities for using CO₂ within industrial chains.