Dry Ice Production CO₂ Recovery System
How the Dry Ice CO₂ Recovery System Works
The recovery system captures CO₂ released during dry ice production and converts it back into liquid CO₂ for reuse.
1. CO₂ Revert Gas Collection
During the production of dry ice blocks, pellets, or other forms, part of the supplied CO₂ is released as gas. This CO₂ revert gas is collected instead of being discharged into the atmosphere.
2. CO₂ Buffer System
A dedicated CO₂ buffer balloon provides temporary storage and stabilizes the pressure and flow of the recovered gas.
The buffer system is designed using suitable food-contact-compatible materials and provides a stable gas supply to the recovery compressor. Depending on local operating conditions, a gas reheating system can also be incorporated.
3. CO₂ Compression
The recovered CO₂ is compressed using a water-cooled, dry-running, oil-free two-stage CO₂ piston compressor.
Separate cooling between compression stages helps maintain stable operating conditions. The recovered gas can be compressed to approximately 18–20 barg, depending on the system design.
4. CO₂ Reliquefaction
The compressed CO₂ enters the refrigeration and liquefaction system, where it is cooled and converted back into liquid CO₂.
The reliquefied CO₂ is then returned to the liquid CO₂ storage tank for reuse in dry ice production.
5. Automatic Control
A centralized PLC control system automatically manages the recovery process, including compressor operation, refrigeration, pressure control, monitoring, and system protection.
The automated design allows the recovery system to operate continuously with the dry ice production line.
Why Recover CO₂ from Dry Ice Production?
- Improve CO₂ Utilization
Dry ice production naturally generates CO₂ losses. Recovering this gas allows more of the purchased CO₂ to be utilized in the production cycle.
- Reduce CO₂ Consumption
Recovered CO₂ is reliquefied and returned to the storage tank, reducing the amount of fresh liquid CO₂ required for the same dry ice output.
- Reduce Production Costs
By recovering and reusing otherwise wasted CO₂, dry ice producers can reduce raw material consumption and improve overall production economics.
- Reduce CO₂ Emissions
The system minimizes CO₂ released during dry ice production, supporting more efficient resource utilization and improved environmental performance.
- Improve Production Efficiency
Continuous recovery and reuse of CO₂ helps maximize the output obtained from each unit of CO₂ supplied to the dry ice production line.
YTC Dry Ice CO₂ Recovery Solution
YTC provides integrated CO₂ revert gas recovery, compression, reliquefaction, and control systems for dry ice production facilities.
The recovery system can be integrated with existing dry ice pelletizers, block machines, and other CO₂-based dry ice production equipment. System capacity and configuration are selected according to dry ice production capacity, CO₂ consumption, operating conditions, and site requirements.
With 20+ years of experience in CO₂ treatment and recovery and 200+ CO₂ projects completed worldwide, YTC provides engineering, equipment manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and technical support for complete CO₂ recovery solutions.
By recovering CO₂ that would otherwise be lost during dry ice production, YTC helps producers recover more, consume less, and improve the overall economics of dry ice manufacturing.
