Liquid Carbonic

Liquid Carbonic: A Legacy in Environmental & Water Treatment Acquired by Praxair

Liquid Carbonic, a name synonymous with carbon dioxide (CO2) solutions for decades, has played a significant role in various industries, including environmental and water treatment. The company's acquisition by Praxair, Inc. in 2006 marked a pivotal moment in its history, bringing its expertise under the umbrella of a global industrial gases leader.

Liquid Carbonic's Environmental & Water Treatment Applications:

Liquid Carbonic's product line offered a range of CO2-based solutions for environmental and water treatment, including:

Carbonation: This process involves injecting CO2 into water to lower its pH and increase its acidity. This is crucial in:
- Water Treatment: Reducing alkalinity, controlling corrosion, and improving the effectiveness of disinfectants.
- Environmental Remediation: Extracting heavy metals from contaminated water sources and promoting the precipitation of dissolved metals.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): CO2 is injected into oil wells to displace and extract more oil, increasing production efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation: CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies use CO2 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes.

Product Line Acquired by Praxair, Inc.:

With the acquisition of Liquid Carbonic, Praxair inherited a valuable asset in the form of a robust product line. This included:

CO2 Supply: Liquid Carbonic offered high-purity CO2 in various forms, including liquid, gaseous, and solid, catering to specific industrial needs.
Delivery Systems: The company provided efficient delivery systems for CO2, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted supply to customers.
Technical Expertise: Liquid Carbonic's technical expertise in CO2 applications was crucial in offering tailored solutions and supporting customers in optimizing their processes.

The Legacy Continues:

Following the acquisition, Praxair further expanded the reach and capabilities of Liquid Carbonic's product line. Today, under the umbrella of Linde (following the Praxair-Linde merger in 2019), the legacy of Liquid Carbonic lives on. Its expertise in CO2 applications continues to be crucial in addressing critical environmental and water treatment challenges globally.

Conclusion:

Liquid Carbonic's contribution to environmental and water treatment through its CO2-based solutions was significant. The acquisition by Praxair and subsequent integration into Linde ensured the continuation of this legacy, solidifying the company's position as a global leader in industrial gases and environmental solutions. As CO2 technologies continue to play an increasingly crucial role in sustainability efforts, the expertise and legacy of Liquid Carbonic remain vital for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Test Your Knowledge

Liquid Carbonic Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What was the primary focus of Liquid Carbonic's product line? a) Industrial chemicals b) Carbon dioxide (CO2) solutions c) Water purification systems d) Heavy metal extraction

Answer

b) Carbon dioxide (CO2) solutions

2. Which of the following is NOT an application of Liquid Carbonic's CO2 solutions in environmental and water treatment? a) Carbonation for pH control b) Enhanced Oil Recovery c) Wastewater treatment d) Production of biofuels

Answer

d) Production of biofuels

3. How did the acquisition of Liquid Carbonic by Praxair benefit the acquiring company? a) Access to new markets in the automotive industry b) Expansion of its expertise in CO2 applications c) Diversification into the renewable energy sector d) Increased market share in the fertilizer industry

Answer

b) Expansion of its expertise in CO2 applications

4. What key element of Liquid Carbonic's legacy continues to be relevant today? a) Its proprietary CO2 capture technology b) Its expertise in CO2 applications c) Its historical role in the industrial revolution d) Its founding team's entrepreneurial spirit

Answer

b) Its expertise in CO2 applications

5. Which company currently encompasses the legacy of Liquid Carbonic following a merger? a) Air Products b) Praxair c) Linde d) Air Liquide

Answer

c) Linde

Exercise:

Imagine you are a representative of a water treatment facility. You are researching potential solutions for reducing the pH of your water supply to optimize disinfection effectiveness. Based on the information provided, how could Liquid Carbonic's CO2 solutions benefit your facility?

Exercice Correction

Liquid Carbonic's expertise in CO2-based solutions can be highly beneficial for your water treatment facility. Their carbonation process, involving injecting CO2 into water to lower pH and increase acidity, would directly address your need to optimize disinfection effectiveness. The process is specifically mentioned as being crucial for water treatment, reducing alkalinity, controlling corrosion, and improving the effectiveness of disinfectants. Liquid Carbonic's technical expertise and robust product line, now further expanded under Linde, offer a reliable solution for your pH control needs.

Books

Industrial Gases: Production and Applications: This book covers a comprehensive overview of industrial gases, including CO2, and their various applications, including environmental and water treatment.
Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage: A Global Perspective: Provides detailed information on CO2 capture and storage technologies, discussing its role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
The Chemical Engineer's Handbook: A valuable resource for chemical engineers, with sections on CO2 properties, handling, and applications in various industries.

Articles

"Praxair Completes Acquisition of Liquid Carbonic" (2006): A news article reporting on the acquisition of Liquid Carbonic by Praxair, Inc.
"Linde's Acquisition of Praxair Creates Global Industrial Gas Giant" (2018): An article outlining the Praxair-Linde merger and its implications for the industrial gas market.
"Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage: A Review" (2019): A scientific review article on CO2 capture and storage technology, its potential, and challenges.
"Carbonation for Water Treatment: A Review" (2015): A detailed review of carbonation technology for water treatment, its mechanisms, and applications.

Online Resources

Linde Website: Offers information on their various product lines, including CO2-based solutions for environmental and water treatment.
Liquid Carbonic Historical Archive: (If available) This could be a valuable source for archival information on the company's history, products, and contributions to the industry.
American Water Works Association (AWWA): A professional organization for water treatment professionals, offering resources and information on various water treatment technologies, including carbonation.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Provides resources and information on environmental regulations, technologies, and research related to CO2 capture and storage, and water treatment.