Argon is the third noble gas in the periodic table, accounting for around 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Argon has a solubility similar to oxygen but is 2.5 times as soluble in water than nitrogen. Both the liquid and gaseous forms of this chemically inert element are colourless and odourless.
Production
Industrial grade argon gas can be bought from argon gas suppliers. The argon gas suppliers produce and supply argon in both compressed gas and cryogenic liquid forms. Argon gas is produced to exacting standards, with purity levels guaranteed as specified in each product’s certificate of conformance. It is available in two grades: industrial and laboratory. The industrial extraction of argon is done by fractional distillation of liquid air in a cryogenic air separator. This process separates the argon, which boils at -185.8°C, from liquid nitrogen, which boils at -195.8°C, and liquid oxygen, which boils at -182.9°C. Every year, around 700,000 tonnes of argon are produced globally.
Argon gas is stored in upright cylinder tanks in a dry and cool storage area with good ventilation.
Application
Argon is deployed in industrial operations wherever normal non-reactive materials become reactive. As an example, in graphite electrical furnaces, an argon envelope is used to prevent the graphite from burning.
Several of those processes might cause flaws within the material because of the presence of oxygen or nitrogen gases. Argon is used in gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and titanium processing. An argon atmosphere is also used for making crystals of germanium and silicon.
Argon is frequently used to put out fires when water or foam might damage costly equipment.
Argon, which does not react with the filament in a lightbulb even at high temperatures, is utilised in lighting and other applications where diatomic nitrogen is ineffective. Argon is also used to inflate the drysuit in technical scuba diving because of its non-reactive, heat-insulating properties.
Because argon is a weaker conductor of heat than conventional air, it provides superior insulation. The most exotic application of argon is in luxury car tyres.
Argon is used as a preservative because it replaces oxygen and humid air in packaging materials, allowing the contents to last longer. Hydrolysis, airborne oxidation, and other degrading chemical processes are slowed or stopped totally. Argon is used to seal and pack chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Argon is used in wineries for various reasons, including forming a barrier against oxygen, which can cause the wine to deteriorate by stimulating microbial activity. Argon is also used as a propellant in aerosols. Argon is employed as a preservative for paint, varnish, and polyurethane by displacing air within a can.
The preservation of old documents is one of the most exciting applications of argon gas. Because of its inert properties, argon gas can be used to create a protective environment. This keeps them from deteriorating and being damaged during storage and exhibition.
Cryoablation uses liquid argon to kill cancer cells. It’s used in a sort of argon plasma beam electrosurgery known as Argon-enhanced coagulation.
The effects of argon on the environment
The effects of argon on animals and plants are unknown at this time. It is not expected to have any negative effects on aquatic life. Argon hasn’t been found to cause any environmental harm.
There will be no negative environmental consequences. Argon gas is a naturally occurring gas in the environment. In well-ventilated areas, the gas will quickly dissipate.
Argon doesn’t contain any ozone-depleting chemicals and isn’t classified as a pollutant in the ocean.
