Industrial Gases FAQs
Oxygen Service Company answers your frequently asked questions about industrial gases.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Gases
What Are Industrial Gases?
Industrial gases are the lifeblood of many industries, from medical and agriculture to metal fabrication and manufacturing. While nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are the three most commonly used industrial gases, there are other common types that can be used in various applications, such as argon, hydrogen, helium, and acetylene.
How Are Industrial Gases Made?
Industrial gases are made using a process called steam reforming. Due to potentially toxic fumes generated during the process, steam reforming typically takes place at a dedicated, secure site. Steam reforming is a highly scientific, complex process, involving a chemical catalyst breaking down the molecular structure of raw materials into gases for industrial use. This is performed by highly trained personnel using state-of-the-art equipment.
What Are Industrial Gases Used For?
The use of industrial gases is incredibly widespread, with nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide being used in various industrial processes. Nitrogen is used in welding, while oxygen is essential for steel production. Carbon dioxide has a number of uses as well, including dry ice blasting, fire suppression, and beverage carbonation.
Are Industrial Gases Dangerous?
Industrial gases can be extremely dangerous to work with if they’re not handled properly, so it’s essential to refrain from handling industrial gases or hazardous chemicals if you don’t have the proper training and experience.
Which Type of Industrial Gas Do I Need?
Industrial gases can be incredibly useful for a wide range of applications, but it can be difficult to know which type of gas is the best for the job. We recommend speaking to one of our experts to help you find the right gas for your needs.
What’s the Difference Between Specialty and Industrial Gases?
Industrial gases are used for some sort of industrial application. Specialty gases, on the other hand, are higher quality gases manufactured for specific applications. They are prepared using laboratory analysis and other precise processes to quantify, minimize, or eliminate unknown or undesirable characteristics.
How Do You Handle Industrial Gases?
Before beginning any job involving industrial gases, read the safety data sheets and familiarize yourself with the gas type, its properties, and safety measures. Wear all necessary protective equipment, such as a face mask, gloves and goggles. It’s also important to make sure there’s proper ventilation in the area you’re working in, since some gases can be hazardous when inhaled. You should also make sure gases are secure and stored away from any sources of heat or flames. Industrial gas containers should also be properly labeled and sealed to prevent any leaks. If one occurs, leave the area immediately and report the incident to your supervisor.
Are Medical Gases Flammable?
Yes, many medical gases can be flammable, so we recommend practicing extreme caution when handling them or using them. If you don’t have experience with medical gases, one of our professionals can assist you. Usually, only those with specific skills can handle and administer medical gases.
What Are Medical Gases?
Medical gases are used for a variety of purposes in the healthcare industry, from breathing assistance to pain relief. They are delivered via a medical gas line pipe system for ventilators and incubators in hospital settings.
The following types of gases are typically used in the healthcare industry:
- Nitrogen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Nitric Oxide
- Oxygen
- Argon
- Nitrous Oxide
- Medical Air
- Helium
What Industrial Gases Are Used in the Food and Beverage Industry?
A wide range of industrial gases are used in the food and beverage industry for different purposes:
- Carbon Dioxide is used to protect the taste and texture of food products, reduce the need for preservatives, and add carbonation to beverages.
- Argon helps manage the headspace of wine containers and protects against oxidation and spoilage.
- Carbon Monoxide enhances meat quality by maintaining red coloring and reducing lipid oxidation and microorganism growth.
- Nitrogen preserves food during shipping by reducing spoilage, discoloration, and poor flavor.
What Gas Is Best for MIG Welding?
To produce the best results, a shielding gas is used to protect MIG welds from contamination by oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. For metals like aluminum, argon or helium are often used as shielding gases for MIG welds. However, pure argon is not enough to provide deep penetration when welding steel. Pure carbon dioxide is effective for deeper penetration but causes excess spatter and oxide formation, which weakens the weld. To achieve a balance between penetration and oxidation prevention, an argon/carbon dioxide shielding gas is used.
Choose OSC for Your Industrial Gas Supply
Our on-staff chemist tests your industrial gases to ensure high quality, so you get only the best products from OSC.
An Experienced Industrial Gas Supplier
Gone are the days of relying on multiple vendors for your industrial gas needs. With OSC, you can be sure you’re getting a reliable supply of industrial gas from a single source you can trust. We offer a comprehensive selection of industrial gases that can be tailored to meet your needs. Whether you need oxygen, acetylene, nitrogen, or other industrial gases, OSC has what you need to get the job done. We can even provide specialty gases like hydrogen, helium, and argon. Our team of specialists understand the importance of using the right gas for the job. That’s why we help you select the best gas for your needs and provide testing and delivery services. That way, you can rest assured that you’re getting the right gas for your project.
