Thursday 25 July 2019

Useful Information Regarding Cryogenic Gases

By Jason Clark


Anything that generates or is related to low temperatures is usually referred to by the term cryogenic. Gases that have been subjected to extremely low temperatures to turn into liquids or solids are referred to as cryogenics. Most of these gasses boil at a temperature that is low than -150 degrees centigrade. Two particular gases usually have greater boiling temperatures, but are still classified as cryogenic substances. These are nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. This is worth knowing about 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 vapor or gas that is released from cryogenic liquid is usually very cold. The low temperature of the gas usually allows it to condense moisture in the air around it. This results in the formation of a highly visible fog. If the cryogen is stored in tanks that are poorly insulated, it condenses the air around to form a liquid air mixture.

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.

Very importantly, cryogens should be stored carefully given the dangers associated with them. Thermally insulated containers are usually used for storage. Usually, these containers are designed to be able to withstand huge temperature differences. They can also tolerate temperature changes that occur rapidly.

Cryogens can cause several medical effects to the body. Burns on the skin similar to those caused by heat can also be caused by very cold gases. Frostbites that cause waxy yellow color in the skin are usually caused by exposure to materials that are extremely cold. One experiences extreme pain when tissues at the point of contact with cryogens thaws.




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