CO₂ purification and liquefaction: turning emissions into a resource for industrial refrigeration

The management of CO₂ emitted by industrial processes today represents one of the most dynamic frontiers of the circular economy and environmental sustainability .

In addition to its function as a natural refrigerant, CO₂ can be captured, purified, and liquefied from process emissions , transforming it from waste into a raw material for new technical applications. This approach also opens up interesting scenarios for the industrial refrigeration sector, where CO₂ can be reintroduced as a refrigerant, generating both environmental and economic benefits .

From emissions capture to liquid CO₂

The CO₂ purification and liquefaction processes involve a series of technical steps aimed at separating the gas from the emission system, eliminating impurities, and bringing it to temperature and pressure conditions that allow it to be stored in liquid form. This process requires advanced gas treatment technologies, compression circuits, and cooling systems that allow for efficient and controlled operation.

The CO₂ thus obtained can be used for various industrial applications, including use as a natural refrigerant in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems , reducing dependence on synthetic fluids and encouraging a more sustainable production model.

Opportunities for the refrigeration sector

The integration of CO₂ purification and liquefaction plants into the production cycle has technical and environmental advantages:

• Reduction of climate-altering emissions by capturing CO₂ that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
• Recovery of raw materials , transforming CO₂ into reusable refrigerant, with significant savings in resources.
• Reduced reliance on high-GWP synthetic refrigerants , aligning with decarbonisation trends in the HVAC/R sector.
• Sustainability integrated into the life cycle of systems , promoting a circular approach to refrigerant gas management.

For industrial refrigeration professionals, these developments require greater attention to gas treatment technologies, material compatibility, and system management strategies; skills that are becoming increasingly crucial for designing high-performance, reliable systems that comply with emerging regulations.

Towards circular refrigeration

The ability to recover and reuse CO₂ captured from industrial emissions is not just a technological opportunity, but a key element for the sustainable development of supply chains using natural refrigerants. Adopting purification and liquefaction technologies means looking at refrigeration not as an isolated system, but as an integrated component of an energy and production model that enhances every resource, reduces environmental impact, and maximizes overall efficiency .

In a market increasingly oriented towards sustainability and innovation, the ability to seize these opportunities can represent a competitive advantage for companies, designers, and operators in the industrial refrigeration sector.