What is carbon monoxide (CO) gas?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, flammable, and highly toxic gas with the chemical formula CO. It is a key component of syngas (synthesis gas) and is widely used in industrial processes despite its hazardous nature. CO is naturally produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels and is a major air pollutant57.

What are the physical properties and critical parameters of CO gas?

• State: Colorless gas (liquefies at –191.5°C under pressure).

• Density: 0.97 (vs air), making it slightly lighter than air.

• Flammability Range: 12.5–74.2% in air.

• Boiling Point: –191.5°C; Melting Point: –205.1°C.

• Solubility: 0.0026 g/100g water at 20°C, but highly soluble in organic solvents.

  
  

     Key Parameters:

• Molecular Weight: 28.01 g/mol.

• CAS Number: 630-08-0; UN Number: UN1016 (Class 2.3 Toxic Gas, Class 2.1 Flammable Gas).

• Purity: Industrial grades range from 98% to 99.99% for specialized applications like semiconductor manufacturing.

  
  

What are the primary industrial uses of CO gas?

CO is indispensable across sectors due to its unique properties:

1. Chemical Synthesis: Key feedstock for methanol, formaldehyde, and acetic acid production.

2. Metallurgy: Reduces metal oxides (e.g., iron ore to metallic iron) in blast furnaces.

3. Fuel & Energy: Component of syngas for power generation and hydrogen production.

4. Environmental Monitoring: Used as a calibration gas for air quality detectors and industrial safety systems.

5. Laser Technology: Powers CO lasers in medical and industrial cutting applications.

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How is CO gas transported internationally?

Global transport adheres to stringent safety protocols:

• Packaging: High-pressure steel cylinders or ISO tanks with anti-corrosion coatings.

• Regulatory Compliance: Classified under IMDG, IATA, and DOT regulations (UN1016). Requires hazard labels for toxicity and flammability.

• Safety Measures: Transport vehicles must avoid heat sources and carry emergency leak-detection systems. Escorts are mandatory for high-risk routes.

  
  

What are best practices for CO gas storage?

Safe storage demands:

• Facility Design: Ventilated, fireproof areas away from oxidizers and moisture. Temperature-controlled to ≤30°C.

• Material Compatibility: Stainless steel containers; avoid plastics for high-pressure storage.

• Safety Systems: Install gas detectors, emergency scrubbers, and PPE (respirators, acid-resistant gloves).

  
  

What are emerging trends in CO gas applications?

Innovations include:

• Carbon Capture: Integration with CCS (carbon capture and storage) technologies to reduce industrial emissions.

• Sustainable Chemistry: CO as a raw material for synthetic fuels and circular economy models.

  
  

Expert Insight:
Dr. Li Wei, a chemical safety consultant, warns: “CO’s toxicity and flammability require rigorous monitoring. Even low concentrations (50 ppm) can be lethal—proactive leak detection and staff training are critical”.

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