What neutralizes carbonic acid in the CO2 absorber?

What neutralizes carbonic acid in the CO2 absorber?

• A. Hydroxide Salts in Soda Lime
• B. Sodium Bicarbonate
• C. Calcium Carbonate
• D. Potassium Hydroxide

Answer: (A)

Neutralizing carbonic acid in the CO2 absorber is done by the hydroxide ions released from the soda lime. As CO2-laden gas passes through the absorber, CO2 dissolves in the absorber’s water to form carbonic acid. The hydroxide ions in the soda lime attack this acid, converting it to bicarbonate (and water), and with more hydroxide to carbonate as needed. This reaction is what removes CO2 from the breathing circuit. Sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide are products or separate components that come into play later in the chemistry, but the essential neutralizing agent that drives the absorber’s CO2 removal is the hydroxide present in the soda lime.

Neutralizing carbonic acid in the CO2 absorber is done by the hydroxide ions released from the soda lime. As CO2-laden gas passes through the absorber, CO2 dissolves in the absorber’s water to form carbonic acid. The hydroxide ions in the soda lime attack this acid, converting it to bicarbonate (and water), and with more hydroxide to carbonate as needed. This reaction is what removes CO2 from the breathing circuit.

Sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide are products or separate components that come into play later in the chemistry, but the essential neutralizing agent that drives the absorber’s CO2 removal is the hydroxide present in the soda lime.