Commercial Laboratories 

Carbon Dioxide

Current cultivation methods of cannabis and industrial hemp utilize Carbon Dioxide (CO2) enrichment to increase plant growth and development. CO2 is classified as an asphyxiant gas, which can potentially reduce or displace normal Oxygen concentrations in the air.

• CO2 can be stored as liquefied compressed gas in vacuum-jacketed cryogenic liquid cylinders or steel or aluminum cylinders.
• It can also be produced onsite by Carbon Dioxide generators. If CO2 is generated using fossil fuel combustion, Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) can be produced. Both CO and NO2 are toxic gases that can cause significant health effects or even death for exposed individuals.

The two categories regarding gas detection include explosion/fire fueled by combustible gases and asphyxiation due to Oxygen (O2) displacement from Carbon Dioxide (CO2) leaks. The choices involving the source of CO2 can impact what is needed to properly design a Life Safety System.

Combustible Gas

If the release of a hazardous or combustible gas can cause immediate harm to a person or property, a means to mitigate the gas should be provided. Combustible liquids and compressed gases used in

extraction or processing in these facilities should be vented in accordance with International Fire and Mechanical Codes. Utilizing a gas detection system can activate an exhaust system and shut down the extraction process to prevent a dangerous event.

CBD Concentrate is produced by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. The solvent-based concentrate is the most common, and the process involves passing gas through a solvent extraction device filled with cannabis plant matter.

• Commonly used combustible gas solvents include Butane (C4H10), Propane (C3H8), Hexane (C6H14), and Ethanol (C2H6O).
• Hypercritical (Carbon Dioxide) CO2 is another rising popular solvent, which adds the risk of asphyxiation to the extraction process.