The use of technical gases in industry allows for increased safety, optimization of production processes, or improvement of the quality of final products. They are used in over a hundred different production processes, from steel and plastic production to food processing and energy production. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of the most commonly used technical gases and their functional properties.
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Basic classification of technical gases
Technical gases used in industry can be divided into several categories depending on their applications and physical and chemical properties.
Division of technical gases:
- Compressed gases – stored under high pressure, used in various industrial processes (e.g. welding, metal cutting, food preservation);
- Liquefied gases – obtained by the action of pressure and low temperature. In the case of liquid air, distillation results from its separation into components by means of different temperatures;
- Cryogenic gases – used at very low temperatures. Cryogenic gases are used, for example, for storing biological tissues or in scientific research.
The most commonly used technical gases
Various technical gases are used in industry. Due to their properties, each performs a specific function.
Below we present the most important of them:
- Carbon Dioxide – Carbon dioxide is widely used in the food industry, where the gas is used in the production of carbonated drinks. It is also used in welding processes and in fire extinguishers.
- Nitrogen – Nitrogen is widely used in the chemical and metallurgical industries. Due to its chemical properties, nitrogen is used to protect against oxidation in various production processes and for cooling. Nitrogen is used to protect against corrosion, create a protective atmosphere, produce fertilizers, and in the food industry for food packaging.
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Argon – Argon is widely used in welding and metalworking. As an inert gas, it protects welded materials from unwanted reactions with oxygen and hydrogen. - Oxygen – Oxygen is essential in combustion processes, which is why it is widely used in metallurgy and the chemical industry. In medicine, oxygen is used, among other things, to ventilate patients.
- Acetylene – Primarily used for cutting and welding metals, acetylene is one of the most commonly used gases in the metallurgical industry.
- Hydrogen – Hydrogen is mainly used in chemical processes (e.g. synthesis) and as a fuel in modern energy technologies. Interestingly, as much as 96% of all hydrogen comes from fossil fuels. Only 4% of this gas is produced by electrolysis occurring in water.
- Helium – Helium is used in industry for cooling, as well as in low temperature technologies.
- Chlorine – used primarily in chemical production and in the paper industry. Chlorine is a highly reactive gas that requires appropriate precautions.
- Propane – Propane is commonly used as a fuel in various industrial processes and for heating. It is worth adding that when using propane, you should purchase explosive gas sensors .
What impact do industrial gases have on industrial efficiency?
The use of technical gases contributes to significant improvements in efficiency and safety in various sectors. The most commonly used technical gases in industry support processes such as welding, metal cutting, chemical production or cooling in cryogenic systems . In the food industry, for example, gas is used in the production of carbonated drinks, which affects the quality and attractiveness of the drinks.
It is also worth noting the importance of gas and exhaust gas alarm systems , which monitor the state of the environment and warn of dangerous leaks. In industry, explosive gas sensors used in places where there is a risk of explosion are also extremely important. The use of such systems significantly increases the level of work safety.
Safety when using technical gases
Some technical gases can pose a threat to health and life, so special care should be taken when storing and using them. Gases such as chlorine or acetylene are dangerous, and their improper use can lead to explosion or poisoning. Therefore, in workplaces where compressed or liquefied gases are used, gas and exhaust gas alarm systems and a gas detector are important to quickly detect gas leaks.
Proper use of gases contributes to increased efficiency of production processes and improved safety. It is important that installations related to technical gases are equipped with appropriate protection measures, minimizing the risk of failure or even explosion.
Onninen Wholesale offers a wide range of devices and accessories that enable safe use of technical gases . Check out the wholesale offer today to ensure the highest level of safety in your workplace.