Food and beverage safety begins with clean carbon dioxide (CO₂). In the beverage industry, quality is essential – every sip of soda, sparkling water or beer reflects a commitment to consistency, safety and trust. Behind the scenes, CO₂ plays a vital role in carbonation, preservation and shaping the sensory profile of countless beverages. Yet, when its purity is compromised, the impact can extend well beyond taste.
Every bubble carries your brand’s reputation, which is why our gas chromatographs (GC) can detect impurities as low as two parts per billion (ppb). Even what you can't see or taste matters.
As supply chains evolve and consumer expectations for transparency grow, beverage-grade CO₂ is under increased scrutiny. Trace contaminants – often undetectable by human senses – can threaten both product safety and brand integrity.
For producers, the question is no longer whether to test for impurities, but how to ensure every bubble meets the highest purity standards.
The Hidden Risks in Beverage-Grade CO₂
On the surface, CO₂ seems simple. It’s colorless, tasteless and essential for everything from fizz in sparkling water to head retention in beer. But beneath this simplicity lies a complex challenge: contaminants measured in parts per billion can alter flavor, create off-odors or even pose health risks.
Consumers cannot detect hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, benzene and other trace compounds until it’s too late. A contaminated batch can lead to recalls or regulatory penalties, potentially impacting the consumer trust that producers have worked hard to build. Shifting sourcing trends have only magnified that risk. As ethanol plants and biomass facilities increasingly supply beverage CO₂, variability can grow. Without rigorous testing, brands may be left vulnerable to quality swings beyond their control.
Beverage companies that fail to align with these trends risk exposure not only in the marketplace but also in compliance audits. In this climate, adhering to ultra-pure standards is not just aspirational, but essential.
Low-Detection Limits
The difference between acceptable and exceptional quality often lies at the molecular level. That’s why detection thresholds are so important. Industry-leading gas analyzers like the new Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer from AMETEK MOCON are capable of identifying contaminants down to ten parts per billion (ppb).
Record-Keeping as Risk Management
Detecting impurities is only part of the process; documenting those findings is equally important. In an era where liability exposure and supply chain transparency are of the utmost importance to the C-suite, robust record-keeping can mean the difference between swift resolution and prolonged crisis.
Modern GC systems now include advanced data transfer and reporting capabilities, creating a clear, auditable trail of compliance. Should questions arise from regulators, partners or consumers, beverage companies can produce verifiable evidence of testing rigor. This not only minimizes legal and financial risks but also reinforces trust with stakeholders across the value chain.
Accurate record-keeping minimizes your risk of liability exposure. With AMETEK MOCON gas chromatographs, you can transfer any data that is recorded.
Real-Time Data Drives Operational Efficiency
Beyond safety and compliance, purity monitoring also delivers operational benefits. Analyzers like the BASELINE® CHA Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer provide real-time graphing, which gives operators a live window into the production environment. Instead of waiting for periodic reports or retrospective analysis, they can identify process issues as they happen and address them accordingly.
This proactive view allows for quicker corrective actions, reduced waste and optimized use of resources. Over time, identifying process trends can reveal hidden inefficiencies, opening doors to energy savings, improved throughput and higher margins. In other words, testing for purity isn’t just about avoiding risk – it’s about creating opportunities for performance gains.
Equity Earned by Excellence and Experience
Trusted by major global gas refiners and beverage brands, our industry-leading gas chromatographs detect impurities down to two ppb, so you can be confident your CO₂ meets the highest safety and sensory standards. As the beverage industry navigates new supply sources, stricter regulations and rising consumer expectations, the importance of carbon dioxide purity has never been greater.
When it comes to CO₂ purity, the industry’s leaders already know where to turn. Hundreds of producers worldwide rely on gas analyzers from AMETEK MOCON to safeguard the unseen ingredient that defines their products.
With a pedigree built on decades of technical leadership, AMETEK MOCON provides more than detection – it delivers confidence. Our analyzers combine ultra-low detection limits, intuitive interfaces, real-time visualization and automated reporting into scalable systems designed for global operations. Whether installed at a CO₂ refinement site or across global facilities, the result is the same: confidence that every bubble is backed by science and built on trust.