Useful Information Regarding Cryogenic Gases

By Laura Cox


Cryogens are the kind of gases which can undergo condensation at very low temperatures to become liquids and later solidify into solids. All cryogenic liquids exist in gaseous forms at room temperature. The reason behind changing the gases to liquids or solids is to make transportation and storage easier. This does happen because a huge amount of the gas normally turns into a very small amount of liquid when it undergoes condensation. This is what Cryogenic gases are all about.

When condensed, the gases reduce in volume by between 600 and 900 times of the liquid. That implies that about 900 liters of gas only condenses into a single liter of the liquid. It is this form of convenience that makes it economic to condense. Once condensed, it can be transported easily and with more convenience before being evaporated back into gaseous form for use.

Cryogenic tanks are manufactured following strict standards. They come in a wide range of capacity and size. They can withstand pressure levels that are very high. Their design also allows them to withstand huge temperature differences and quick changes in pressure. They are capable of withstanding extreme pressures while keeping their contents at a constant temperature.

The manufacturing process of cryogenic tanks maintains a high level of standards. Strict quality assurance standards are usually maintained throughout the manufacturing process. The tanks are tested vigorously at various stages of the production process. Each tank must pass a specific set of tests before it can be commissioned fort use. Tanks that fail to pass the test are taken back into the company to be recycled and remanufactured.

The quality and superiority of tanks are normally measured depending on how long the cryogen can be stored in them without problems. There is low loss of the product if the tank is of high quality because it can keep the cryogen for a long period of time. A quality tank should keep the product for a minimum of 25 days but up to several months. This is essential because it is very expensive to keep changing the storage of the gase often.

Valves that allow the flow of pressure are usually a part of the tank design so as to ensure safety. For instance, the gas is released into the air by the valve in cases where excessive pressure has accumulated inside the tank. This is possible because of the presence of sensors for detecting such situations. Identification of leakages is important in order to contain the situation properly and in advance.

There are several hazards that are associated with cryogens. In one case, they can cause asphyxiation. Asphyxiation occurs when there is a lack of sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere or a body organ. This may be caused by the presence of some of the denser gasses such as nitrogen, which displace oxygen since it is lighter. This only happens when the denser gas exists in very large volumes.

The presence of too much oxygen in the air usually causes excessive combustion. Oxygen supports burning and it can lead to catastrophic fires if it is present in a place in large volumes. Frostbite, hypothermia, over pressurization, and cold burns are some of the other effects of cryogens.




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