Industrial gas or industrial grade gases are gaseous materials made and manufactured for the sole purpose of being used in industries and other production plants. The industries that produce these gases deal with a wide range of chemical elements like oxygen, helium, nitrogen, argon, acetylene, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. In Australia, they have been manufacturing these special gases since the dawn of the industrial age and the sudden rise in advancements leading to effective solutions for industries and manufacturing.
The market for industrial gases in the country is expected to grow in revenue within the next four to five years. Various factors such as the rise in demand for various industries such as automobiles, food processing, healthcare, and petrochemical are expected to drive these special gases’ demand.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Industrial Gases:
Industrial gas is gaseous at room or ambient temperature and has a lower molecular weight than other gaseous elements. These special gases can be either organic, non-organic, elemental or a mix of individual gaseous compounds. Commonly used in their basic gaseous forms, these gases can also be stored or transported in cylinders as liquid forms and are highly dynamic in their utility. The distinct chemical properties of these gases make them highly suitable for a wide range of industrial applications and production lines and hence, are sought after across the country by many industries.
Industrial Gases and Their Applications:
These are the common types of industrial gases widely used in every industry:
- Acetylene
- Hydrogen
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen
- Helium
- Oxygen
- Butane
- Argon
- Propane
These types of special gases have a wide range of applications across every industry in Australia. Medicine, transport, petroleum, space and electronics are but a few industries with high demands for such gases. They are commonly used in industries for processing and manufacturing steel, oils, semiconductors and fertilisers. Besides, they also have other applications besides manufacturing and are an important ingredient in the following products.
- Coolants, cryogenic fuels and cryogenic applications.
- For cutting metal parts or welding joints.
- For the production of dielectric gases.
- Manufacturing of aerosol propellants and making of air guns and paintball guns.
- Food industries for processing and preservation of consumables.
- Instrumentation applications like metrology and laboratory work.
- As a suppressant for fire fighting.
- Water treatment plants and underwater diving equipment.
- Production of rubber, paint and plastic materials as well as ceramics and glass.
- Used in the manufacture of rocket propellants and fuels.
- Making packaging gas and lifting gas.
- Providing enhancements to the creation of advanced electronic circuits or products.
Things To Consider When Working With Industrial Gases:
In any industry or manufacturing area, safety should be the number one priority for employees and on-site workers. Many industrial gases are highly flammable and are compressed and stored in cylinders. So extra precautions must be taken when handling them.
- Always be conscious and alert regarding what is being handled and the contents of the cylinder.
- Do constant safety checks on these cylinders at all times to ensure that they are sturdy and in pristine conditions before handling. Safety checks will also ensure that there aren’t any leaks or damage to the cylinder body.
- Proper storage and ventilation should be prioritised during their handling.
- Maintain the best transport and handling schedules.
Always wear the best safety equipment and gear during the process of transport and storage.