Useful And Essential Facts About Cryogenic Gases

By Jason Clark


The term cryogenic is usually used to refer to something that produces or is related to very low temperatures. As such, the term cryogenics refer to gases that have been subjected to very low temperatures to form liquids or solids. The boiling point of these gasses is usually below -150 degrees centigrade. Nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide usually have higher boiling points but are also classified under cryogenic substances. Here are facts regarding Cryogenic gases.

These substances exist in the form of gas at room temperature and pressure. Before they are subjected to elevated pressure so as to liquefy them, they should be cooled below the room temperature. The turning of cryogens into liquid can occur under different conditions. There are two properties that are common in all cryogens. One of them is that they are extremely cold and the second one is that small quantities of liquid change into huge amounts of gas when they evaporate.

The released gas or vapor is normally extremely cold. The moisture around the gas is condensed by the low temperatures. As such, this leads to visible mist being formed. Should cryogens be stored in poorly insulated tanks, they cause condensation of the surrounding air, forming a liquid mixture of air.

There are risks associated with working with cryogens. For this reason, any person that handles cryogens needs to understand all the risks involved with the job clearly. In addition, they are supposed to implement various precautions in order to prevent and overcome accidents in case they occur. There are standards that have been formulated and are in use. These standards are meant to ensure safety of people who work with these substances.

The three major categories of cryogens in existence are oxygen, inert gasses, and flammable gasses. They are all categorized under the three groups named above but each cryogen possesses its own unique qualities. Inert gasses are characterized by inability to undergo any kind of chemical reaction. They are incapable of supporting combustion and do not burn. Neon, krypton, argon, nitrogen, and helium are some of the gasses that fall under this group.

Flammable gases as the name suggests are usually flammable and can burn in the air. Some common examples of gasses in this category are liquefied natural gas, methane, and hydrogen. Oxygen is usually classified in its own category of cryogens because it has great ability to support combustion. Most materials that are considered incombustible usually burn in the presence of liquid oxygen. This makes it necessary to consider oxygen separately when discussing cryogens.

Given the dangers that are associated with cryogens, it is important that they are stored carefully. Storage is usually done in thermally insulated containers. The containers used are usually designed in a way that they can withstand extreme temperature differences. They can also withstand rapid changes in temperature.

There exist a number of medical conditions that the body may suffer from as a result of getting in contact with cryogens. For example, extremely cold gases are able to burn the skin the same way that heat does. Being exposed to extremely cold substances normally leads to frostbites. This makes the skin to have a waxy-yellow look. Individuals experience a lot of pain when the area that has been in contact with cryogens begins to thaw.




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