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2018-09-23

What To Learn About Cryogenic Gases

By Laura Williams


Cryogenic liquids refer to gasses that have been liquefied and stored in their liquid state at extremely low temperatures. There are other names that are used to refer to these substances, which include cryogenic liquefied gasses, refrigerated liquefied gases, and deeply refrigerated gases. Cryogenic gases are usually formed from cryogenic liquids that have been vaporized. These substances have very many applications in industrial and commercial settings.

In one case, these gasses are used because of their low temperature properties. For instance, very low temperatures in the gases are used to contract components in machinery to allow them to form tight joints with other components. Another application is that freezing gasses makes it possible to transport it in extremely large quantities. For instance, between 690 and 850 liters of the gas only forms a single liter of the liquid, which can then be transported with much ease.

These gasses usually have a boiling point below -150 degree Celsius but this rule has a few exceptions. For instance, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are counted as cryogens even though they boil at higher temperatures. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide boil at -78.5 and -88.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Helium boils at -269 degrees with a lot more other cryogens boiling at considerably lower temperatures.

Cryogens have several properties that make them both useful and hazardous to human and animal life. For instance, given the low temperatures of these gasses, they cause severe cold burns immediately they come in contact with bare eyes or skin. If one makes contact with uninsulated pipes or equipment that is used to store or transport cryogens, tissue damage will occur immediately.

One experiences tissue damage similar to damage generated by heat. Freezing will happen immediately if a stream of the gas is sprayed on the eyes or skin. Therefore, wearing proper protective gear while these gases are being handled is very vital. The bad impacts which these substances cause on the body can be avoided through wearing protective gloves and clothing.

The bad effect of cryogens also occurs on plastic, steel and certain kinds of rubber. These materials become brittle when exposed to cryogens, rendering them vulnerable to failure when subjected to the least amount of pressure. On the other hand, some materials are allowed to preserve their ductility since they do not experience brittle transition when subjected to low temperatures. Aluminum, brass, stainless steel, copper and certain plastics are such materials.

Cryogens usually cause blockages in pipes, vessels, and equipment as a result of freezing of moisture and humidity inside. The freezing results from the cold nature of cryogens. As a result of the formation of ice, instrument lines, stop valves, pressure gauges, and safety valves among other apparatus may stop to operate correctly. If not corrected, this could cause a major safety hazard or accident.

Cryogens are known for causing catastrophic failure or rupturing of equipment and containers. The rupture is caused by a buildup of pressure caused by vaporization of cryogenic liquid. The liquid vaporizes as it absorbs thermal energy from the surrounding, causing a buildup of pressure.




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