Applications

What is a cryogenic liquid gas?

These are gases that are cooled to liquid form. This enables them to be safely transported in a non-pressurised state and to be stored. We call them bulk gases because the main supply mode is Bulk.

When defining cryogenic liquefied gases, it should also be noted that they are odourless, colourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive substances. Their main hazards are flammability after vaporisation, freezing and asphyxiation by inhalation.

How are cryogenic liquid gases contained?

Cryogenic liquefied gases are transported in different thermally insulated containers, which are specially designed to withstand the rapid and extreme temperature changes to which they are subjected. These containers include:

Dewar flasks are non-pressurised containers, with a loose lid or stopper that serves a dual function; to prevent the entry of air and moisture and, at the same time, to ensure venting of excess pressure. Liquid Dewars for laboratories, on the other hand, have no cover and are mainly used for temporary storage.

Liquid cylinders are pressurised containers used for cryogenic liquids. They have a valve for filling and dispensing the liquid, and another for pressure control. They can be for gas only, liquid only or both.

Everything you should know about the main liquid gases:

Each of the liquefied gases has its own specific characteristics, but we can fit them into one of these main groups:

• Inert gases, which do not react chemically for the most part, such as helium or nitrogen.
• flammable gases, which can burn in air, such as hydrogen or liquefied natural gas
• Liquid oxygen, in the presence of which some organic materials may burn or explode.

LIN: Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is odourless, colourless, non-toxic, non-flammable and relatively inert. It is also slightly lighter than air at room temperature. It is stored in special containers, vented to prevent pressure build-up.

Uses of liquid nitrogen include freezing and transporting food, cryopreservation of biological samples, refrigeration for superconductors, and cryotherapy treatments for skin.

LOX: Liquid Oxygen

Liquid oxygen is extremely cold and has high oxidising power, although it is not flammable. It is a liquid that requires special equipment for handling and storage, such as a cryogenic storage tank.

LAR: Liquid Argon

Argon is a noble gas, colourless, odourless and inert to other substances. It provides an atmosphere that prevents welded metals from rusting. Its main uses include health care treatments, lighting and the food industry, among others.

LCO2: Liquid Carbon Dioxide

LCO2 is used in the manufacturing process of soft drinks across the world. Since purity is a health concern, a speciality of pure gas LCO2 is needed to calibrate instruments that are used to examine the cleanness of the bulk LCO2.