The global merchant market has been defined to be ‘around 20 million metric tons per year’ in capacity over the last few years. However, I would estimate this market to exceed 20 million metric tons annually.
In some respects, there are essentially two camps, when it comes to global carbon dioxide (CO2) market types, which are highly driven by raw gas sourcing capabilities, and the range of applications for the product. Then, as markets have been for many years, in many developing countries such as significant regions of Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, the merchant trade is primarily catering to the soft drinks and alcoholic beverages business; and then cylinder gas for welding, fountain use, and welding and cylinder applications.
Many developing countries, including prosperous Middle Eastern countries, are striving to expand their applications well beyond soft drink demands, such as into food processing, dry ice blasting, and a range of industrial demands.
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