Industry and business use a lot of different gases to do their work, so much so that certain gases manufactured specifically for industrial use have come to be known as “industrial gases”. Among these are a subset known as “specialty gases” due to features that set them apart from their peers. There’s a lot to be said about industrial gases, specialty gases, and what sets them apart, so let’s look at those differences by highlighting two specific gases that see a ton of use in commerce: argon and carbon dioxide.
The Role of Argon
Argon is the 18th element on the periodic table. Industries produce it by separating out the elements found naturally in the air we breathe. While typically in small concentrations, argon is certainly present and is one of the main products of this process, along with nitrogen and oxygen.
Industrial uses for argon vary. For the most part, it’s valued for its non-reactivity even at high temperatures. Argon can be used as a major component of an atmosphere when working with certain materials in high-heat environments, preventing them from reaching a point of reactivity and combusting. Argon is also used for welding, as the non-reactivity or argon protects welds from the detrimental effects of oxygen and nitrogen.
The Role of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common gases around. It’s a byproduct of many biological processes (breathing being one most are familiar with), with large concentrations found in the environment. Businesses can create carbon dioxide in many ways, from separating it out from the air to burning materials and capturing the released gases.
Carbon dioxide has numerous industrial uses, from fire suppression to food preparation to chemical reactions. One such use is with welding, as CO2 is a largely inert gas. That means that CO2 gas can often be used as a welding atmosphere to prevent combustion and metal oxidation, though it can sometimes react with oxygen if temperatures are high enough. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to employ CO2 as part of a blend of gases.
Differentiating Factors Between Industrial and Specialty Gases
“Industrial gases” as a term refers to any of a selection of gases produced for industry use. Both argon and carbon dioxide are industrial gases. The term “specialty gases” refers to a specific type of industrial gas set apart due to its purity. To be considered a specialty gas, the substance that fills a canister must be nearly 100% pure and free of contaminants.
A specialty gas can be a single gas or a mix of gases, those gases/gas mixtures all being different industrial gases. As mentioned, though, the specialty gas has a higher purity level compared to the standard product. This is why specialty gases are so often used in industries like medicine, aviation, and similar, as the highly specific conditions under which these gases are produced leave little room for error and improve safety for those using them.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Argon + CO2
Industrial gases vary wildly, with specialty gases being the more refined form they take when carefully produced for specific tasks. Argon and carbon dioxide are both industrial gases that are often produced as specialty gases, either on their own or mixed together (potentially with other gases, too). Through this method, suppliers can ensure the safety of tasks carried out using their gases, be it food preparation, laboratory work, or welding.
To learn more about industrial and specialty gases, as well as the specific combinations of argon and carbon dioxide in industrial work, contact VS Carbonics today.
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