What is Argon Gas and What Makes It Special?

Argon is a noble gas that is both colourless and odourless, making it undetectable by human senses. It constitutes approximately 1% of the Earth's atmosphere. The element was first discovered by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay in 1894, during their study of air samples. Argon has an atomic number of 18 and an atomic weight of 39.948.

One of the notable properties of argon gas is its inherent inertness. It is considered non-reactive to most elements and compounds, rendering it an indispensable resource in a variety of industries, such as welding, electronics and lighting.

Argon gas is produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air, which separates the various components of air based on their boiling points. It can also be found naturally in mineral springs, volcanic gases, and some rocks.

Along with helium, neon, krypton, xenon and radon, argon is a noble gas. Noble gases are a group of elements that are highly stable due to their full outer (valence) electron shells. When elements have incomplete valence shells, it means they will react with other elements. When an element, such as the noble gases, have full valence shells, it renders them largely inactive. However, argon stands out from the rest due to its abundance in the atmosphere and its relatively low cost compared to the other noble gases.

Argon may be a simple gas, but its unique properties make it an essential component in a variety of industries. Its abundance, stability, and inertness make it a highly valuable element that is utilised in a wide range of applications.

Argon Welding Gas and Its Industrial Applications

Argon is the most commonly used gas in welding because it provides a stable arc, preventing oxidation and ensuring high-quality welds.

In Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, argon is used in combination with other gases such as carbon dioxide and helium to provide the necessary shielding gas. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, on the other hand, uses pure argon gas, which provides a more stable arc and cleaner welds.

The use of argon gas in welding has many benefits. For one, argon provides excellent shielding from atmospheric gases, which can contaminate the weld and result in weakened joints. Argon gas also has a high thermal conductivity, which helps to reduce heat distortion and improve weld quality.

In addition to welding, argon is also used in other industrial applications. In metal fabrication, it is used in the process of plasma cutting, where the gas is used to create a high-temperature plasma that melts and cuts through metal. In electronics manufacturing, argon gas is used in the production of semiconductors, LCD screens, and other electronic components.

The aerospace industry also relies heavily on argon gas, where it is used to pressurise fuel tanks, test rocket engines, and simulate atmospheric conditions for testing purposes. Additionally, argon gas is used in the production of metal alloys and other materials that require a controlled atmosphere to prevent contamination.

Other Practical Uses of Argon Gas

Argon gas has a variety of practical uses beyond welding and industrial applications. One such use is in food packaging, where it is used as a modified atmosphere to help preserve the freshness and quality of perishable foods. 

Also used in lighting and electronics manufacturing, argon is sometimes used to fill certain types of bulbs, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Its inertness and lack of reactivity make it an excellent choice for these applications since it helps prevent oxidation and prolongs the lifespan of the bulb.

In addition to these uses, argon gas also has various medical applications. In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, argon is used as a cryogen to cool the superconducting magnets that create the magnetic field.

As our understanding of argon gas continues to grow, it is likely that even more applications for this valuable gas will be discovered in the years to come.

Argon Gas in Food Packaging

Argon gas is commonly used in food packaging to increase shelf life and preserve the freshness of perishable foods. When added to the packaging, argon gas creates a modified atmosphere that reduces the amount of oxygen in the package. This low-oxygen environment inhibits the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms, preventing spoilage and extending the shelf life of the food. 

The science behind this process is simple. Many bacteria and other microorganisms require oxygen to survive and grow, so by reducing the oxygen levels in the package, their growth is slowed or halted altogether.

Argon Gas in Lighting and Electronics

Argon gas is commonly used in lighting and electronics applications. In lighting, argon gas is often used to fill fluorescent bulbs and neon signs, where it helps to provide a stable and consistent light source. In electronics, argon gas is used in plasma displays and gas lasers, where it aids in providing a bright and high-quality display. 

Argon gas is an ideal choice for these applications due to its inertness and lack of reactivity, which prevents oxidation and prolongs the life of the bulb or display. Its thermal conductivity also helps to dissipate heat and improve performance.

Argon Gas in Medical Applications

Argon has several medical applications, most commonly in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. Here, argon gas is used as a cryogen to cool the superconducting magnets that create the magnetic field. This enables the MRI machine to produce high-quality images that aid in the diagnosis of various conditions.

Argon gas is also used in radiation therapy to treat cancer, where it is used to create a low-oxygen environment that enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. Argon has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties, making it a promising treatment for conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Some of the key benefits of using argon gas in medical applications is its low toxicity, non-reactivity and stability. This makes it a safe and effective choice for use in medical settings, where patient safety, precision and accuracy are of paramount importance.

Buy Argon Gas from Supagas

Supagas is a reliable and high-quality supplier if you’re looking to buy argon gas. We offer a range of argon gas cylinders in various sizes, making it easy to find the right size for your needs. We also offer a blend of argon and hydrogen, Argon H5, for use as a shielding gas blend.

To order, visit the Supagas website and select the size and quantity of cylinders you require. With our commitment to safety and quality, you can trust Supagas to provide you with a consistent and reliable supply of argon gas while reaping the benefits of our exceptional service and quality products. Contact us today for more information.