Microbulk Gases

Argon

IndustryApplicationDescription
Analytical LaboratoriesPlasmaSupply for Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) units for analyzing non-organic materials
ElectronicsCrystal GrowthUsed as an inert atmosphere for silicon crystal growth
ManufacturingBody – WeldingWelding processes use argon for steel.
ManufacturingWeldingMost commonly used shielding gas, and is the only truly inert gas commonly used in welding.

Carbon Dioxide

IndustryApplicationDescription
BiotechnologyMetabolic GasesProcess Requirement, Performance, Reliability
ChemicalCooling of Exothermic ReactionCooling chemical reactions in a jacketed reactor.
FoodInjectionWastewater pH adjustment of discharge cleaning water
FoodDeboningDeboning of beef and/or chicken by cooling the meat on the bone to embrittlement temperature and fracturing off
ManufacturingWeldingCO2 decomposes to CO and O2 at welding temperatures, producing an oxidizing effect similar to a combination of argon plus 0-5% O2.
WastewaterTreatmentAllows much more accurate pH control than any acid system

Nitrogen

IndustryApplicationDescription
Analytical LaboratoriesSpecimen PreparationPreparation of some specimens prior to testing
Analytical LaboratoriesCold TrapsLiquid nitrogen is used in a cold trap to capture impurities in a gaseous line.
ChemicalInertingInerting of chemicals in tanks and in transport
ChemicalCooling of Exothermic ReactionCooling chemical reactions in a jacketed reactor.
ChemicalVapor RecoveryRecovery of volatile vapors from processes by cooling the vapor to below its boiling temperature and turning it to liquid, them recovering the liquid.
ChemicalPipe freezingLiquid nitrogen is put through custom jackets on the outside of a pipeline to freeze the liquid inside and create a plug. These plugs are located on either side of a break to stop flow so the line may be serviced.
ChemicalVacuum BreakingGas is used to break vacuums in reactor tanks to prevent oxygen from contaminating the chemical
ElectronicsCleaningNitrogen is used to clean the surfaces of fiber optic strands prior to connecting to one another
ElectronicsSolderingICB (Interconnecting Circuit Boards) are soldered under a nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxygen contamination
FoodSpargingSparging non-carbonated drinks with nitrogen to remove dissolved oxygen
FoodPressurizingPressurizing of non-carbonated beverages in aluminum cans
FoodDeboningDeboning of beef and/or chicken by cooling the meat on the bone to embrittlement temperature and fracturing off
FoodSausage CoolingCooling sausage blending operation so fat does not liquefy.
FoodBatch CoolingBatch cooling of ground beef, pork or poultry to retain fat content.
FoodCryo-GrindingCryogenic grinding of high oil content or difficult to grind spices
FoodExtrusion CoolingCooling of extruded foods to increase production
FoodPneumatic CoolingLiquid nitrogen is injected into a bulk products transfer line to cool products such as flour.
FoodMold CoolingCooling of molded candy and gum for quick release from mold
ManufacturingVulcanization-TiresVulcanization is a curing process that makes natural and synthetic rubber harder and more wear resistant.
ManufacturingBody – Heat TreatingHeat treating processes use hydrogen and nitrogen in annealing furnaces to strengthen and improve formability of the steel.
ManufacturingHeat TreatingNitrogen-based protective atmosphere for their furnaces.
PharmaceuticalsReactor & Fluid CoolingChemical Synthesis, Process Development, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
PharmaceuticalsLyophilization / Freeze DryingSteriles, Vaccines, Process Development & Manufacturing
PharmaceuticalsVent-gas RecoveryEnvironmental Compliance, Cost Reduction
RefiningProductionUsed to inert hydrocarbon systems

Oxygen

IndustryApplicationDescription
BiotechnologyMetabolic GasesProcess Requirement, Performance, Reliability
EnergyProductionCost-effective and reliable means to decrease NOx emissions
ManufacturingBody – CombustionCombustion processes use oxygen to melt scrap, refine the steel, and heat the furnaces that reheat steel slabs.
ManufacturingBody – Heat Treating, Welding & CombustionWelding processes use carbon dioxide for auto bodies.
ManufacturingOxy-FuelOxy-Fuel Conversion of Glass Furnaces
ManufacturingWeldingO2 is added to shielding gas, where it helps produce a more stable arc, improves wetting of the weld edges and reduces weld spattering.
PharmaceuticalsFermentationProductivity, Yield
RefiningProductionOxygen is used inside refineries to enhance combustion processes
WastewaterTreatmentRespiration of the micro-organisms that convert organic wastes into harmless carbon dioxide and water
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