Gas
Equipment
Buyer's
Guide
Belonging to the family of rare inert gases, argon is the most abundant
of the rare gases, making up approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere.
Argon is a nontoxic, odorless, colorless, nonflammable gas, which is
commonly used in its gaseous state. Argon is widely used by the Light Manufacturing Industry for filling bulbs. They may also be combined with several other rare gases for the purpose of filling of special bulbs and tubes that possess special color effects. Other industries using Argon involves the Welding Industry (as shielding gas from oxidation); the Semi-conductor manufacturing Industry (as a purifying gas) and the Stainless Steel Industry (to decrease cost and increase productivity). Argon in gaseous form is stored in Cylinders at high pressure.
Argon is primarily transported in high pressure 'welding bottles'. Several guidelines that must be followed while storing Argon in gaseous form are :-
- An Argon Cylinder must be protected from physical damage.
- It should not be dragged, rolled, dropped or slide at the time of
transit.
- The temperature of the storage area should not be allowed to
exceed 50°C (122°F) and prolonged periods of cold
temperature below -30°C should also be avoided.
- Cylinders should be stored upright with valve protection cap in
place and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over.
- Ensure the complete gas system has been checked for leaks before
use.
- Close container valve after each use and never attempt to repair
or modify container valves or safety relief devices.
- Never strike an arc on a compressed gas cylinder or make a
cylinder a part of an electrical circuit.
- Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap or guard.
Liquid argon is tasteless, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, nonflammable, and extremely cold. It is used primarily for its inert properties in various industries, like, welding, or in a melting furnace. It is basically used to prevent chemical reactions. Though, argon is more commonly used in gaseous state, it is commonly stored and transported as a liquid, affording a more cost effective way of providing product supply.
Liquid Argon Storage
Liquid argon is stored, shipped, and handled in various types of containers, depending upon the quantity required by the user. The types of containers in use are the Dewar, cryogenic liquid cylinder, and cryogenic storage tank. These containers are designed and manufactured according to the applicable codes and specifications for the temperatures and pressures involved.
The rates of vaporization vary depending on the design of the container and the volume of stored product. The base of all the storage tanks is manufactured from corrosion-resistant steel in order to ensure mechanical stability in case, the retention pit is stuck by a liquid argon spill.
