Temporary Her, Permanent Fix

摘要

Carbon dioxide (CO_2) is used as a refrigerant in many food processing applications. It has a number of advantages over the alternatives, including environmental acceptability, nontoxic-ity and nonflammability. Historically, CO_2 also has been inexpensive and widely available. However, when sourced as a byproduct of refineries, the supply of CO2 is highly dependent on the productivity level of these refineries. If a refinery stops production, whether planned or unplanned, CO_2 production also stops. When this occurs, food processing companies that purchase CO_2 from industrial gas companies may fall victim to force majeure, sometimes having to pay double the cost with a curtailment of supply.