Carbon dioxide scrubber

Carbon dioxide scrubber is a device that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. It is used in various applications, including submarines, spacecraft, and diving equipment, where it is essential to remove CO2 from the breathing environment to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.

Function

A carbon dioxide scrubber works by passing air through a scrubbing solution or material that absorbs CO2. The most common scrubbing solutions are alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). These substances react with the CO2 in the air to form a harmless salt and water.

Types

There are several types of carbon dioxide scrubbers, including chemical scrubbers, biological scrubbers, and physical scrubbers.

Chemical Scrubbers

Chemical scrubbers use a chemical reaction to remove CO2 from the air. The most common type of chemical scrubber is the amine scrubber, which uses a solution of amines to absorb CO2.

Biological Scrubbers

Biological scrubbers use microorganisms to absorb CO2. These scrubbers are often used in wastewater treatment plants and other industrial applications.

Physical Scrubbers

Physical scrubbers use a physical process, such as adsorption, to remove CO2 from the air. These scrubbers are often used in industrial applications where large volumes of air need to be treated.

Applications

Carbon dioxide scrubbers are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Submarines: Submarines use carbon dioxide scrubbers to remove CO2 from the air and prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.
• Spacecraft: Spacecraft use carbon dioxide scrubbers to maintain a breathable atmosphere for astronauts.
• Diving equipment: Diving rebreathers use carbon dioxide scrubbers to remove CO2 from the breathing gas.
• Wastewater treatment: Some wastewater treatment plants use biological carbon dioxide scrubbers to remove CO2 from the air.
• Industrial applications: Many industrial processes produce large amounts of CO2, which can be removed using physical or chemical carbon dioxide scrubbers.

See also

• Carbon capture and storage
• Carbon sequestration
• Air scrubber
• Soda lime