Medical And Industrial Gases #5216452

Argon is used because of its inert properties for protection against the oxidizing effect of air. Argon is widely used as a blanketing or shielding gas in metallurgy and arc welding and cutting. Argon is also used to fill incandescent and fluorescent lamps and windows. Argon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic gas. Argon, along with helium, neon, krypton, xenon and radon is also known as a "rare" gas. Argon forms no known chemical compounds. The gas is 1.38 times heavier than air and is slightly soluble in water. Argon is present in the atmosphere at a concentration of 0.93%. Argon is recovered from air in an Air Separation Unit (ASU) where it is drawn off as a cryogenic liquid at about -303F. Argon can then be distributed as a cryogenic liquid or as a gas in cylinders.

Carbon dioxide has many applications based on its varied properties. It is widely used in food processing for freezing, cooling, preservation or pH control. It is also used to blanket chemicals, control pH in water treatment, shield metal welding, stimulate biological growth, improve oil and gas production and as a fire-extinguishing agent. Carbon dioxide is a slightly toxic, odorless, colorless gas with a slightly pungent, acidic taste. It will not burn or support combustion. It is 1.52 times heavier than air and is very soluble in water, forming carbonic acid. Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) will sublime at atmospheric pressure and -109F to gaseous carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is formed naturally through fermentation. It is also produced as a by-product of many industrial processes such as ammonia, hydrogen, ethylene oxide, natural gas production and combustion processes.

Helium's applications utilize its cold, inert or buoyant properties. As a cooling agent, helium is used in basic scientific research, medical imaging (NMR) and various analytical or production processes. Helium is also used in welding and cutting applications and in lasers. Leak detection, deep sea diving and balloons also rely on helium's special properties. Helium is another member of the group known as "rare" gases and has no color, odor or taste. Helium is the second lightest element, one-seventh as heavy as air. It is chemically inert, has low solubility in water and can not be made to burn or explode. Helium is the coldest known liquid at -452F. Helium is difficult to source. Most helium gas is extracted from natural gas sources containing from 1% to 7% by volume. These type of natural gas deposits are not common and mainly exist in certain areas of the United States, Canada, Australia, Qatar, Poland and Russia.

Hydrogen is used in vast quantities as a raw material for production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen peroxide, polymers and solvents. It is also used to hydrogenate many animal or vegetable oils and in the production of vitamins and other pharmaceutical products. Hydrogen is also used in metal treating, glass, welding and other metallurgical applications as an inert or reducing atmosphere. Hydrogen is also used as a transportation fuel directly, or in petroleum refining processes to improve product quality. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic but flammable gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. The gas burns in air with a pale blue, almost invisible flame. Hydrogen is the lightest of all gases, approximately one-fifteenth as heavy as air. Hydrogen is liquid at -423F. Hydrogen is manufactured industrially by either electrolysis of water, steam reformation of hydrocarbons or partial oxidation of coal or hydrocarbons.