Argon Gas | What is Argon? | Ar

Sepehr Gas Kavian: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708

Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It’s the third most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere, making up about 0.934% of the air we breathe. Ar is a noble gas, which means it’s colorless, odorless, and chemically inert. This inertness makes it useful in a variety of applications.

Argon properties

Here are some of the important properties of Ar :

• Color: Colorless
• Odor: Odorless
• State: Gas at room temperature
• Atomic number: 18
• Symbol: Ar
• Melting point: -189.3°C (-308.7°F)
• Boiling point: -185.9°C (-302.6°F)
• Density: 1.784 g/L

Ar isotopes

Argon has 26 known isotopes, ranging from argon-29 (²⁹Ar) to argon-54 (⁵⁴Ar), with one metastable isomer, argon-32m (³²mAr). Out of these isotopes, only three are stable:

• Argon-36 (³⁶Ar) – makes up about 0.337% of natural Ar
• Argon-38 (³⁸Ar) – constitutes about 0.063% of natural Ar
• Argon-40 (⁴⁰Ar) – the most abundant isotope, accounting for about 99.6% of natural Ar .

The remaining 23 isotopes are radioactive, with varying degrees of stability. The longest-lived radioactive isotopes are:

• Argon-39 (³⁹Ar) with a half-life of 269 years
• Argon-42 (⁴²Ar) with a half-life of 32.9 years
• Argon-37 (³⁷Ar) with a half-life of 35.04 days

Industrial perparation of Ar gas

Ar isn’t prepared in a traditional chemical sense because it’s mostly extracted from the atmosphere. The most common method used for large-scale production of Ar is fractional distillation of liquid air. Air is made up of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0.93% argon, with trace amounts of other gasses.

Here’s a breakdown of the fractional distillation process:

1. Liquefaction of Air: Air is compressed and cooled significantly, reaching temperatures around -196°C (-321°F), which liquefies most of the air.
2. Distillation: The liquefied air is then fed into a distillation column. As the pressure is lowered in the column, the components begin to boil based on their boiling points. N2 boils at -195.8°C (-320°F), O2 boils at -183°C (-297°F), and Ar boils at -185.9°C (-303°F).

By carefully controlling the temperature and pressure in the column, the various components can be separated and collected. The Ar fraction is then further purified to remove any remaining traces of nitrogen and oxygen.

There are other methods for extracting Ar, but they are less common and typically used for smaller scale operations. These methods include:

• Chemical absorption: Certain materials, such as magnesium, can react with oxygen and nitrogen at high temperatures, removing them from the air and leaving behind Ar .
• Membranes: Special membranes can be used to selectively allow Ar to pass through while blocking other gasses.

uses of Ar

Some of the common uses of Ar include:

• Inert atmosphere: Because Ar is unreactive, it is often used to create an inert atmosphere around materials that would otherwise oxidize or react with air. This is important in a number of industrial processes, such as:
  • Welding: Argon is used to protect the weld area from oxygen, which can cause the weld to be weak or brittle.
  • Metal production: Argon is used to protect reactive metals, such as titanium and zirconium, from oxidation during production.
  • Food preservation: Argon is used to displace oxygen in food packaging, which can help to extend the shelf life of food.
• Incandescent and fluorescent lights: Ar is used in incandescent and fluorescent lights to prevent the filament or electrodes from oxidizing. This helps the lights to last longer and burn more brightly.
• Inert gas for instruments: Ar is used in a variety of instruments, such as Geiger counters and analytical instruments, because it is unreactive and does not interfere with the operation of the instrument.
• Other uses: Ar also has a number of other uses, including:
  • Inert gas for airbags: Ar is used to inflate airbags because it is non-flammable and expands rapidly.
  • Fire extinguishers: Ar is used in some fire extinguishers to displace oxygen and extinguish fires.
  • Medical applications: Ar is used in some medical procedures, such as cryosurgery, to freeze and destroy tissue.
  • Scuba diving: Argon is sometimes used as an inert gas for deep-sea diving because it is less narcotic than nitrogen.

Ar hazards and safety

Here are some of the hazards associated with Ar exposure:

• Asphyxiation: Ar can displace oxygen in the air, which can lead to suffocation. Symptoms of argon exposure can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
• Rapid cooling: the gas can cause rapid cooling of the skin and eyes, which can lead to frostbite.
• High-pressure injuries: Ar is stored in high-pressure cylinders. If a cylinder is not handled properly, it can rupture and cause serious injuries.

Here are some safety precautions that should be taken when working with Ar :

• Always work in a well-ventilated area: This will help to ensure that there is enough oxygen in the air to prevent suffocation.
• Use a continuous oxygen monitor: to monitor the oxygen level in the work area.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): such as safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator.
• Handle argon cylinders with care: Do not drop or bump cylinders, and never tamper with the safety devices.
• Be aware of the location of exits: in case of an emergency.

By following these safety precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of hazards associated with argon exposure.

Supply

In Sepehr Gas Kavian company – with ISO17025 certificate and standard department reference laboratory – Ar sales and Ar gas charging are carried out in cylinders with different volumes according to the needs of the consumer. It should be noted that the volume of cylinders available for sale and charging of argon gas includes: 5-liter, 10-liter, 20-liter, 40-liter, and 50-liter capsules, along with DIN6, BS3 argon gas capsule valves. Argon gas is charged or sold in carbon steel or aluminum capsules according to the customer’s needs and requests.

To buy Ar gas, Ar cylinders, and other gases such as helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, etc., from Sepehr Gas Kavian, please contact these numbers: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708