Debunking the Myths Around CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

With more and more food retailers switching to CO₂, we address and disprove common misconceptions about the natural refrigerant.

By Scott Martin | Senior Director of Industry Relations and Compliance

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been used as a safe and reliable refrigerant since the Industrial Revolution. Now, modern food retailers are adopting CO₂ as their preferred refrigerant – and for good reason. The list of advantages using CO₂ is comprehensive. However, that hasn’t stopped the spread of myths about CO₂.

Myth: You Can’t Use Transcritical CO₂ Below the CO₂ Equator

Because ambient temperatures get higher the closer you get to the equator, a misguided argument was created that you shouldn’t use transcritical CO₂ systems below the so-called “CO₂ Equator.”

Reality:

The “CO₂ Equator” myth is no longer relevant, thanks to advances in refrigeration system technology. Even if there ever was any truth to it, those days are long gone.

Myth: CO₂ Requires Significantly More Energy vs. Traditional Refrigerants

Many operators will mistakenly size their CO₂ system according to HFC-system parameters, but the inherent differences in the two types of systems mean an improperly designed CO₂ system can be much less efficient than an R449A system.

Reality:

When you properly design the CO₂ system and add components – adiabatic gas coolers, parallel compressors, parallel compressors with high pressure ejectors and electronic expansion valves (EEVs) – a CO₂ system can be more efficient than the R449A system.

Myth: Pressure in a CO₂ System Is Dangerously High

Some people fear the pressure that may exist on a hot summer day – up to 1,600 psi – is dangerous to anyone who comes into close contact with the coolers or freezers. Some critics go as far as saying the pressure can be a serious risk to shoppers on the floor.

Reality:

The pressure in a CO₂ system located inside a grocery store is actually lower than the pressure used to power paintball guns and scuba tanks, and we don’t think twice about playing paintball or scuba diving.

Myth: Refrigerant-Grade CO₂ Isn’t Widely Available in North America

In 2020 and 2021, outside factors contributed to this myth – contaminated wells and a shortage of CO₂ cylinders chief among them. There were also notorious supply chain issues.

Reality:

CO₂ supply worries are largely a thing of the past. Refrigerant-grade CO₂ is widely available from many suppliers in North America, and both Refrigerant- and Coleman-grade CO₂ are now acceptable for refrigeration systems.

Debunking CO2 Myths

Debunking CO2 Myths

Debunking the Myths Around CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

With more and more food retailers switching to CO₂, we address and disprove common misconceptions about the natural refrigerant.

Myth: You Can’t Use Transcritical CO₂ Below the CO₂ Equator

Reality:

Myth: CO₂ Requires Significantly More Energy vs. Traditional Refrigerants

Reality:

Myth: Pressure in a CO₂ System Is Dangerously High

Reality:

Myth: Refrigerant-Grade CO₂ Isn’t Widely Available in North America

Reality:

Send us a message!

Debunking CO2 Myths

Debunking CO2 Myths

Debunking the Myths Around CO2 Refrigeration Systems

With more and more food retailers switching to CO2, we address and disprove common misconceptions about the natural refrigerant.

Myth: You Can’t Use Transcritical CO2 Below the CO2 Equator

Reality:

Myth: CO2 Requires Significantly More Energy vs. Traditional Refrigerants

Reality:

Myth: Pressure in a CO2 System Is Dangerously High

Reality:

Myth: Refrigerant-Grade CO2 Isn’t Widely Available in North America

Reality:

Send us a message!

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Debunking the Myths Around CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

With more and more food retailers switching to CO₂, we address and disprove common misconceptions about the natural refrigerant.

Myth: You Can’t Use Transcritical CO₂ Below the CO₂ Equator

Myth: CO₂ Requires Significantly More Energy vs. Traditional Refrigerants

Myth: Pressure in a CO₂ System Is Dangerously High

Myth: Refrigerant-Grade CO₂ Isn’t Widely Available in North America