Argon is one of the Noble gases. It is a colourless and odourless gas which is inert to other substances. Argon gets its name from the Greek word for ‘lazy’, reflecting how unreactive it is, and forms very few compounds.
This gas is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and the atomic number 18, and it’s the third-most abundant gas in the atmosphere (and the most abundant in the crust). Almost all of the argon found in the atmosphere is radiogenic argon-40 and, in space, the most common argon isotope is argon-36.
Most commonly, argon is one of the elements used in the welding industry as it provides an inert atmosphere in which welded metals will not oxidise. However, argon gas can be used in a wide range of industries for a number of applications.
As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of rent free argon gas, our expert team have compiled a list of the most prominent uses of argon, from being used throughout the healthcare industry to use in deep sea environments. Read on to find out more!
Healthcare Industry
Did you know argon is used extensively within the healthcare industry? Argon lasers are used in the treatment of retinal detachment and retinal phototherapy for those who are diabetic; they are also used in surgeries to weld arteries and destroy tumours. The applications for the argon laser system are mainly in the medical field, as it is capable of targeting areas with extreme precision.
Cryo-needles are used in the treatment of kidney tumours, and as part of the procedure, they are cooled in during argon cryosurgery. This means diseased or abnormal tissue is destroyed or removed by freezing. Argon is also used to treat further problems, such as heart arrhythmias; alterations in the rhythm of the heartbeat.
Uses in Lighting
Argon is used within neon tubes in lighting. When electricity is passed through the argon it then produces a purple-blue glow. As it charges, it starts to emit light at a much lower voltage. As this saves money, it quickly started to become the preferred gas for this purpose.
This is similar with florescent lighting, also. Argon is used in incandescent light bulbs to prevent quick oxidation of the filament. This prolongs the life of the bulb.
Food and Drink Industry
Due to its inertness, argon can be found within the food and drink industry. Within drinks, argon is added to wine barrels to displace air. Being denser than air, it settles above the liquid protecting the wine from souring and oxidation. This is also the same for open wine and liquid bottles within bars and restaurants.
Manufacturing Industry
Argon is used popularly within welding and casting industries, especially in the making of specialty alloys and manufacturing titanium. It is also used as a shield gas during arc welding, seeing as it protects the metal that’s being worked on from oxygen. TIG, which stands for ‘tungsten inert gas’, utilises both pure argon or argon mixtures.
Within the manufacturing of steel in a converter, argon reduces the chromium losses, meaning the desired carbon content can be met at a reduced and lower temperature. Within the manufacturing of aluminium, argon is also used as hydrogen removal and degasification.
Document Preservation
One of the most fascinating uses of argon gas is the preservation of old documentation. The inert nature of the argon gas means it can provide a protective atmosphere. This prevents their degradation and damage during their storage and display.
Home Fixtures
You may not have thought of this gas like that, but argon is incredibly useful around the home as well! It’s used for thermal insulation in energy efficient windows – more specifically, the double-glazed windows that are so common in the UK use argon to fill the space between the panes.
If you want to check that your windows contain this gas, search for two small holes along the spacer material. These holes are needed in production – one for pumping argon in, the other to allow air to be pushed out as the gas comes in.
Scuba Diving
This noble gas may be used as a dry suit insulation for cold-water diving. This is because argon is inert and possesses low thermal conductivity. It can also be used in its argox form, which is the informal name given to a scuba diving breathing gas made of argon and oxygen. However, this application is fairly rare.
Other Common Uses of Argon Gas
Argon has such a wide range of applications that it’s impossible to name them all. The following list includes more uses for this noble gas, although it is by no means comprehensive:
Argon can be used as a carrier gas in cinematography
It offers a blanket atmosphere to grow crystals (and in viniculture, for example)
This noble gas can also be found in cryosurgery, refrigeration, fire extinguishing, spectroscopy, and airbag inflation.
In its liquid form, argon is often used as the target for neutrino experiments and direct searches for dark matter.
Argon is used in fluorescent glow starters as well.
The argon ion laser is used in applications that include forensic medicine, high-speed printing, holography, laser shows in entertainment and microscopy.
Other inert gases can fulfil some of the functions of argon – however, argon is especially attractive because of how cost-effective and abundant it is. This gas makes up almost 1% of the atmosphere and can be obtained through the production of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen.
At Adams Gas, we stock a range of argon gas supplies for your use. Our disposable gas cylinders are a cost-effective alternative to stationary, industrial size gas cylinders, and they are manufactured to the highest quality. For our trade customers, we specifically introduced our rent-free pure argon gas, aimed at businesses who go through a 50L cylinder every 3 months.
If you would like to know any further information about our products and services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 01843 220 596 or emailing sales@adamsgas.co.uk, and we will be happy to help.
