Important Applications Of Cryogenic Gases

By Nancy Edwards


Cryogenics is a term that is used to refer to the process of producing of materials at extremely low temperatures. It may also refer to any process or material that relates to low temperatures. On the other hand, the term cryogenic liquid refers to a liquefied gas that is stored in a liquid state.Cryogenic gases usually have extremely low boiling point.

Often, these gases will register boiling points that are as low as 150 degrees below zero. As a result of this, they exist as gases at room temperature and pressure. In spite of the differences, there are two common properties among cryogens. First of all, they all have extremely low temperatures. Secondly, large gas amounts are formed when small amounts of the liquid evaporate.

Resultant gases and majority of cryogenic liquids are majorly grouped into three categories. These are namely, oxygen, flammable gasses, and inert gasses. For inert gases, they hardly go through any chemical reactions, as such, they are non-flammable and do not support combustion. Examples of substances classified as inert gases include neon, krypton, nitrogen, argon, and helium.

Flammable gasses are gasses that can burn in air and are produced from cryogenic liquids. Examples of these gasses include methane, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gasses. Lastly, liquid oxygen is capable of causing mot materials that are viewed as non-combustible to burn in its presence. In fact, some materials such as organic materials undergo explosive reaction with liquefied oxygen.

A number of applications for cryogenics exist. The medical and industrial fields are some of the major users of these gasses. The electrical resistance of many metals reduces with decrease in temperature. Therefore, cryogens find a lot of use in decreasing the electrical resistance of metals. Food preservation and freezing industries also make great use of cryogens. Foods that require immediate preservation to prevent them from getting spoilt are preserved using cryogens.

In the field of medicine, cryogens are is put into application through the process of cryosurgery. Here, a specific body part is subjected to extremely low temperatures intended to kill any undesirable or malfunctioning tissues in the body. In a case where the body cells and tissues are cancerous, the process can be used as a cancer treatment option. The rate at which this method is gaining popularity and being put into application has risen tremendously.

Another major use of cryogens is in blood banking. Low temperatures are necessary in the storage of certain rare blood groups. The temperatures may have to be as low as -165 degrees Celsius. Liquid nitrogen has been used in certain cryogenics technology incorporated in night club effect systems. These systems produce a chilling effect and white fog, which is then illuminated using colored lights.

In working machines, cryogenic cooling can be used to cool off components at the end of the machine. Such cooling is essential in prolonging the lifetime of the tools in use. Cryogens are also used as propellants in rockets with the cryogens in most use being liquid oxygen, hydrogen, and methane.




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