Carbon dioxide absorbent packet and process

摘要

An absorbent packet for absorbing carbon dioxide at a rapid rate from a closed container, such as a package or can containing coffee and water vapor, including a porous envelope containing calcium oxide and a hydrating agent, such as silica gel with water adsorbed therein. The water vapor from the container permeates the envelope at a relatively rapid rate because of the affinity of silica gel for the water vapor in the container, and the silica gel becomes supersaturated and gives off water. The carbon dioxide from the environment also permeates the envelope because of its concentration outside of the envelope and because of the pressure gradient between the outside and inside of the envelope. The water given off by the supersaturated silica gel combines with the calcium oxide in the envelope to form calcium hydroxide. The carbon dioxide and the calcium hydroxide react to produce calcium carbonate and water. Any other suitable metal oxide may be used, including but not limited to the oxides of sodium, potassium, magnesium and barium. Also other hydrating agents may be used instead of silica gel.