Carbonation  [ Return towards  Applications  ]

• Getting technical...

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

CO2 + H2O => H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

This is the acid that stimulates your tongue when you drink a carbonated beverage. 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 quantity of dissolved carbon dioxide can reach 8 g/liter.

• The 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. Which is 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, there is a need for large-scale carbon dioxide, and this requires a special supply chain.

We work in partnership with the beverage industry to assist in the manufacture of the highest quality drinks. It is for this reason that we have developed our ALIGAL™ DRINK special offer. This consists of a very high quality product, with an HACCP plan guaranteeing 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). To provide the customer with ready to drink beverages, simplify the supply chain and ensure cost savings, 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.

> For more information see our Beverage dispensing offer.