Carbonation  [ Return towards  Applications  ]

Getting technical

Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide is added to a water-based liquid. The carbon dioxide reacts chemically with the molecules to form carbonic acid.

 

CO₂ + H₂O => H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid)

 

This reaction works well when the water is under pressure, but at normal atmospheric pressure, the reaction tends to reverse. This is why carbonated beverages fizz when a bottle or can are opened but eventually go flat.

 

The beverage industry, which typically mass-produces its products, requires a large-scale, supply-chain solution for its carbon dioxide needs.

 

Parameters for proper carbonation

The following parameters of water or a treated liquid influence the efficiency of carbonation:

• Temperature (Increase in temperature > Decrease in CO₂ solubility)
• Concentration of dissolved substances (Increase in dissolved substances > Increased solubility)
• Pressure of the liquid (Increase in pressure > Increase in solubility) 
• Level of O₂ dissolved in the liquid (For efficient carbonation, a low concentration of dissolved O₂ (as well as N₂) is recommended. This explains why CO₂-deoxygenation is carried out prior to the actual carbonation, mainly for producing soft drinks, carbonated water and beer)

Carbonation can be carried out at two different places:

Within the factory where both the beverage process (soft drinks, carbonated water, beer, wine) and bottling take place

 

Due to the high quantities of beverage in such industries, a special supply chain is set up to supply the carbon dioxide required. To specially cater for this market, we have a range of ALIGAL^TM DRINK solutions. These consist of product traceability, special distribution chain and delivery procedures, and a vast range of specialized services such as consumption optimization, cross-plant carbon dioxide quality control, mutual audits, and whatever is necessary to meet the client’s quality needs.

At the place of consumption (typically bars, fast foods outlets, hotels and restaurants)

 

In order to provide the customer with ready-to-drink beverages and cost savings, the supply chain is simplified. The drinks are prepared by mixing syrup, water and carbon dioxide together. Depending on the volumes needed, carbon dioxide will be distributed in minibulk (100 to 200 liters of liquid carbon dioxide) or in cylinders.