Water Dispensers
Carbonation
Term from the vending glossary
Introducing CO₂ into water under pressure to produce carbonated water. In POU dispensers, this is achieved using replaceable CO₂ cartridges (600 g ≈ 60 L sparkling water) or stainless steel bottles (2–10 kg). Consumption depends on carbonation intensity and water flow rate.
Carbonation is the process of dissolving carbon dioxide under pressure into cold water. Cold water is a necessity, not an option: the lower the water temperature, the more gas remains dissolved, which is why sparkling water dispensers always include a cooling stage before carbonation.
The CO₂ comes from a pressurized bottle, and this is what creates requirements for the installation space. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and accumulates at floor level; for installation in small or below-grade rooms, there are therefore regulations regarding room size, ventilation, and bottle securing. Anyone planning to install a sparkling water dispenser in a storage room should verify these requirements beforehand.