The Carbon Remover
CARBON DIOXIDE: A friend or a foe?
Carbon di-oxide, commonly referred to as CO2 or “Environment Killer”,
is a chemical compound composed of one carbon and two oxygen
atoms. It is formed through many ways. These include volcanic
eruptions, combustion of organic substances (fossil fuels), even after
respiration in aerobic organisms. It is also produced by microorganisms
during fermentation and cellular respiration. Yet, it constitutes only
0.04% of Earth’s Atmosphere.
Despite this, CO2 poses great difficulty in our lives. It gradually displaces
O2 in the atmosphere subsequently making breathing harder. High
levels of CO2 may lead to severe headaches. As for the environment, it
causes the disastrous ‘Acid Rain’ and the ‘GREENHOUSE EFFECT’.
This leads to global warming which has already started showing its
catastrophic effect in the environment. Ice is melting in both polar ice
caps and mountain glaciers. Lakes around the world are warming
rapidly — in some cases faster than the surrounding environment.
Animals are changing migration patterns and plants are changing the
dates of activity. So, considering the gravity of the situation we must
adopt effective measures to minimize the damage.
For this reason, I introduce, “The Carbon Remover”.
This project is based on the Absorption property of KOH. Potassium hydroxide is used in the experiment for the absorption of CO2 from the plant released during respiration. When KOH absorbs CO2, it creates a vacuum in the flask. The air present in the bent glass tube moves into the conical flask. I am thinking of using this on a larger scale. The main machine, ‘The Carbon Remover’ will be built in an open space. It will have KOH filled in the dorsal spherical container. It will begin absorbing the CO2 in large amounts. The amazing fact about this project is that it benefits us in two ways. On one hand, CO2 is being removed from the atmosphere in large amounts whereas, on the other hand, the CO2 being absorbed passes through the tunnel where a turbine is placed. Due to the pressure of the flow of CO2, the turbine will start rotating, thus generating electricity. This energy can be harnessed, thus providing an economical and viable method for future use, consequently transforming the concept of carbon from a formidable foe to a prudent friend.
Thank You