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Industrial Gases 101

welding robot cell

Industrial gases have played an important role across multiple industries for decades. Many industries require a steady supply to ensure daily operations. Read more about the types of industrial gases available and how compressed gas is used.

Types of Industrial Gases

Industrial gases are produced for specific industrial uses. Here are the types of industrial gases used today:

Acetylene

Acetylene is a highly-flammable product and is the hottest and most efficient fuel gas available. It provides high productivity because it offers reliable localized heating with minimal thermal waste.

Argon

Argon is a colorless, non-toxic gas that provides an inert and clear environment that’s nitrogen- and oxygen-free. It’s frequently used as a shielding gas in welding applications.

Does your business require a consistent supply of industrial gas? Oxygen Service Company offers a bulk gas delivery system that brings gas right to your doorstep. Learn more today.

Our Bulk Gases

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a popular industrial gas because it provides solutions for various industries. Carbon dioxide can be utilized as a solid, liquid, or gas, and is generally used for refrigeration, suppression, and as a cleaning agent.

Helium

Helium is the second lightest industrial gas. It’s colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and chemically inert. Helium is a commonly used product because it’s non-flammable and possesses a high thermal conductivity.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest of all pure gases. It’s colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and exists as a gas at atmospheric pressures and temperatures. Many manufacturing processes combine hydrogen with argon to increase production speed and improve the color match.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a colorless, non-toxic gas that comprises 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere. It’s a non-flammable gas at atmospheric temperatures and is often used to purge gas after heat treating operations.

Oxygen

Oxygen is an odorless and tasteless gas that makes up 21 percent of the earth’s atmosphere. The presence of oxygen makes combustion possible, making it a key component in many oxy-fuel cutting processes.

Propane

Propane is a colorless, flammable liquefied gas that has a distinct odor. It’s a cost-effective fuel for processes that don’t require a quality weld cut.

Propylene

Propylene is a colorless, flammable, liquefied gas with a slightly sweet odor. It has a moderate BTU capacity and combines the qualities of an acetylene flame with the secondary heating capacity of propane.

Common Industrial Gas Uses

Industrial gases are the fuel that helps businesses maintain productivity. Here are some common industrial gas uses:

Construction

The construction industry requires a steady supply of industrial gases to maintain on-site welding operations. These include:

  • Argon: Enhances arc welding processes
  • Acetylene: Maintains cutting, welding, and brazing performance in welding
  • Oxygen: Used as a heating accelerant for welding torches
  • Propane: Improves flame cutting and serves as fuel for machinery

Healthcare

Pharmaceutical companies use nitrogen to reduce oxygen and humidity packaging medicine. Medical facilities use dry ice to maintain the quality of medical samples during transport, and oxygen plays an important role in inhalation therapy at hospitals.

Food and Beverage

Nitrogen is one of the most important industrial gases in the food and beverage industry. It maintains a food’s integrity by reducing spoilage, discoloration, and off-flavors. Liquid nitrogen is also used in the flash-freezing process, which allows for food transport over long distances.

Carbon dioxide is also a common gas used in the food and beverage industry. It preserves packaged foods and retains the shelf life of beer and soda through carbonation.

Metal Fabrication

The metal fabrication industry relies heavily on industrial gases to maintain productivity. Some of the common gases used include:

  • Argon: Protects the welding environment and stabilizes arc performance
  • Carbon dioxide: Combines with argon to prevent atmospheric contamination
  • Hydrogen: Mixed with argon to protect from gas in welding

Energy and Chemical

The energy and chemical industries need a consistent supply of industrial gases to improve productivity while minimizing their environmental impact. Some of the industrial gases used include:

  • Carbon dioxide: Replaces hazardous solvents in many biological processes
  • Helium: Detects leaks in refinery equipment
  • Hydrogen: Used in the chemical industry to manufacture insulation materials

Energy and Chemical

The energy and chemical industries need a consistent supply of industrial gases to improve productivity while minimizing their environmental impact. Some of the industrial gases used include:

  • Carbon dioxide: Replaces hazardous solvents in many biological processes
  • Helium: Detects leaks in refinery equipment
  • Hydrogen: Used in the chemical industry to manufacture insulation materials

Industrial Gas Solutions Offered By Oxygen Service Company

We understand that the amount of industrial gases available is overwhelming. Thankfully the experts at Oxygen Service Company are available to help you find the best gas product for your needs. OSC offers a complete line of industrial and compressed gases for various industries. Some of the services we offer our clients include:

Quality Assurance

Our team knows that many businesses require an uninterrupted supply of industrial gas. That’s why we have an onsite chemist test our gases before they’re sent to your facility. Our quality assurance systems guarantee you’ll receive the high-quality gas you need.

Dry Ice Delivery

The food and beverage and healthcare industries rely on dry ice to maintain product quality during delivery. OSC offers industry-leading dry ice delivery services that provide high-quality products to your facility. Our dry ice is never more than a few hours old, and we provide emergency services that quickly deliver the product when you need it.

Oxygen Service Company: Providing High-Quality Industrial Gas and More Since 1959

OSC has been the upper Midwest’s leading distribution company since 1959. Along with our wide selection of industrial gases, we also provide a comprehensive line of welding supplies and machines, robotic platforms, and automated cutting and welding equipment. We’re a 100% employee-owned business committed to helping our clients grow. We act as a partner to deliver the best solution for your business needs and always live by our five core values:

  • Getting things done
  • Maintaining professionalism
  • Having a customer-focused mindset
  • Bringing a positive attitude
  • Doing the right thing

Contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of industrial gases.

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