Industrial gases are specialized gaseous materials produced and sold for diverse applications across numerous industries. These gases are manufactured to meet specific purity and volume requirements for industrial processes. They serve as components in a wide array of manufacturing, scientific, and commercial operations worldwide.
What Makes a Gas Industrial?
Gases are classified as “industrial” based on their high purity, large-scale production, and specific application in industrial processes. Unlike natural gas or propane used primarily for heating homes, industrial gases are tailored for specialized functions rather than general energy. They are often supplied in compressed gas cylinders or in liquid form.
These gases are distinct from common fuels due to their precise chemical properties and stringent purity levels. Their application focuses on enhancing processes, modifying environments, or acting as raw materials in chemical reactions.
Key Industrial Gases
Oxygen (O2) supports combustion and is broadly utilized in various applications. It plays a role in metal processing for welding and cutting, where it boosts combustion efficiency. In healthcare, medical-grade oxygen is used for respiratory support and in surgical procedures.
Nitrogen (N2) is recognized for its inert properties, making it valuable for preventing unwanted reactions. It is used in food packaging to extend shelf life by displacing oxygen, and in electronics manufacturing to create contaminant-free environments for sensitive components like semiconductors. Nitrogen also finds use in metal fabrication to prevent oxidation during processes.
Argon (Ar), another inert gas, is frequently employed as a shielding gas in welding to protect molten metals from atmospheric contamination. Its non-reactive nature also makes it suitable for creating controlled atmospheres in electronics manufacturing and for insulation in modern windows.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) has a variety of industrial uses, including carbonating beverages and producing dry ice for cooling and transport. It acts as an inerting agent in the food and chemical industries to prevent product oxidation. In welding, CO2 can serve as a shielding gas.
Hydrogen (H2) is a versatile gas used in petroleum refining, chemical production such as ammonia synthesis, and as a clean energy carrier in fuel cells. It is also utilized in certain welding processes.
Acetylene (C2H2) is known for its role in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting due to the high flame temperatures it can achieve. It also serves as a raw material in chemical synthesis processes. Helium (He) is used as a cooling agent for superconducting magnets in MRI machines, for leak detection, and in the production of semiconductors.
How Industrial Gases Are Obtained
Many industrial gases are derived from the atmosphere through a process called air separation. Air Separation Units (ASUs) use cryogenic fractional distillation to separate atmospheric air into its main components: nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. This process involves compressing and purifying air, then cooling it to extremely low temperatures until it liquefies.
The liquefied air is then distilled in tall columns based on the different boiling points of its constituent gases. Nitrogen, having the lowest boiling point, vaporizes first, followed by argon, and then oxygen. These gases are collected separately, achieving high levels of purity.
Hydrogen production largely relies on steam methane reforming (SMR). This process involves reacting methane, often from natural gas, with steam at high temperatures in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction yields hydrogen and carbon monoxide, with subsequent steps converting the carbon monoxide into more hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide can also be obtained as a byproduct from various industrial processes or extracted from natural gas fields.
Where Industrial Gases Are Used
Industrial gases are used across a broad spectrum of industries, supporting operations and product development.
In manufacturing, these gases are integral to processes like welding, cutting, and metal fabrication, improving efficiency and product quality. They are also used in steel production and to shield molten metal from contamination.
The healthcare sector relies on industrial gases for therapeutic and operational needs, including respiratory support, pain management, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
In the food and beverage industry, gases play a role in preservation and quality, such as extending shelf life, carbonating drinks, and for cooling.
Electronics manufacturing depends on high-purity gases to produce sensitive components like semiconductors, creating ultra-clean, inert environments. The energy sector utilizes gases in fuel cells and for petroleum refining, contributing to cleaner energy solutions and chemical production.
Ensuring Safety with Industrial Gases
Working with industrial gases requires adherence to safety protocols due to their pressurized nature and specific chemical properties. Proper storage is important, meaning cylinders must be secured upright in well-ventilated areas, and incompatible gases should be stored separately. Clear labeling of all containers is also important for identification.
Adequate ventilation is necessary when using industrial gases to prevent the accumulation of potentially hazardous concentrations in enclosed spaces. Understanding each gas’s properties, such as flammability, inertness, or toxicity, guides appropriate handling procedures. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, face shields, and gloves to guard against exposure or injury.