CRYOGENIC GASES
Cryogenic Gases are cryogenic liquids that have been vaporised and may still be at a low temperature. Cryogenic liquids are used for their low temperature properties or to allow larger quantities to be stored or transported. They are extremely cold, with boiling points below -150°C (-238°F).
LIQUID OXYGEN
LOX
Liquid oxygen is a cryogenic liquid with a boiling point of 297.4°F (-183.0°C) and Freezing Point of –361.9°F (–218.8°C). Oxygen is often stored as a liquid, although it is used primarily as a gas. Liquid storage is less bulky and less costly than the equivalent capacity of high-pressure gaseous storage. The primary uses of oxygen relate to its strong oxidizing and life-sustaining properties. Oxygen is commonly relied upon in health and medical applica- tions. Liquid oxygen is used as an oxi- dant for liquid fuels in the propellant systems of missiles and rockets.
LIQUID NITROGEN
LIN
Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid with a boiling point of –320°F (–196°C) and Freezing Point of –346.0°F (–210.0°C).
The types of containers used in the handling of LIN are the dewar, cryogenic liquid cylinder, and cryogenic storage tank. The cryogenic tank is constructed like, in principle, a vacuum bottle. It is designed to keep heat away from the liquid that is contained in the inner vessel. Vaporizers convert the liquid nitrogen to its gaseous state. A pressure control manifold controls the pressure at which the gas is fed to the process.
LIQUID ARGON
LAR
Liquid argon is a cryogenic liquid with a boiling point of –302.6°F (–185.9°C) and Freezing Point of –308.8°F (–189.4°C). Argon is produced at air separation plants by liquefaction of atmospheric air and separation of the argon by continuous cryogenic distillation. The argon is then recovered as a cryogenic liquid. The welding industry uses argon as a shielding gas to protect metal from oxidation during welding. Argon is also used extensively in the semiconductor manufacturing process as a purge gas.
LIQUID NATURAL GAS
LNG
LNG is a clear, colourless and non-toxic liquid which forms when natural gas is cooled to -162ºC (-260ºF). The cooling process shrinks the volume of the gas 600 times, making it easier and safer to store and ship. In its liquid state, LNG will not ignite.
When LNG reaches its destination, it is turned back into a gas at regasification plants. It is then piped to homes, businesses and industries where it is burnt for heat or to generate electricity. LNG is now also emerging as a cost-competitive and cleaner transport fuel, especially for shipping and heavy-duty road transport.
NITROUS OXIDE
N2O
Nitrous oxide is used in liquid form to create a source of cold in cryotherapy. The product is delivered as a liquid through extention tubes. It is used by specific devices in medical techniques involved in the cryotherapy with nitrous oxide. These devices provide the control of flow rates.
HELIUM
HE
Helium is valued as a gas for lifting, breathing, leak detection, shielding, its inert properties and as a liquid for cooling. Many industries can benefit from its unique properties to optimize performance and productivity, reduce labor costs, and make operations safer.