Pure Argon Cylinder
Argon is an inert, odorless, tasteless and colorless monatomic gas (the chemical formula is Ar). Argon is the third most abundant component of air after nitrogen and oxygen, its average content in the Earth's atmosphere is almost 1%, it is the most abundant inert gas in the Earth's atmosphere, 1 m2 of air contains 9.34 liters of argon. At normal pressure, the boiling point of argon is -185.9 °C, which is slightly lower than that of oxygen, but slightly higher than that of nitrogen. Pure argon gas (volume fraction of argon not less than 99.987%) is obtained from atmospheric air as a by-product of its separation by low-temperature rectification into oxygen and nitrogen with its subsequent condensation and purification, as well as from residual gases of ammonia production facilities.
APPLICATION:
• as a protective medium in welding, cutting and melting of active and rare metals and alloys on their basis, aluminum, aluminum and magnesium alloys, stainless chromium-nickel heat-resistant alloys and alloyed steels of various grades; • in metal refining in metallurgy; • in argon lasers, in incandescent lamps and when filling the inner space of insulating glass units; • as an extinguishing agent in gas fire extinguishing systems; • in medicine during operations to clean air and incisions, as argon does not form chemical compounds at room temperature; • in chemical synthesis to create an inert atmosphere when working with air unstable compounds; • in the food industry as a propellant and packaging gas. Requirements for transportation, storage and use of cylinders for pure argon gas are established by the Federal standards and regulations in the field of industrial safety "Regulations of industrial safety for hazardous facilities using equipment operating under excessive pressure", GOST 26460-85 "Products of air separation. Gases. Cryoproducts. Packaging, labeling, transportation and storage", GOST 10157-2016 "Argon, gaseous and liquid. Technical Conditions (as amended)", fire safety standards, as well as other laws and regulations and international agreements in force on the territory of the Russian Federation.Cylinders are not hazardous cargo until they are taken into use, but in any case they should be transported in conditions that exclude mechanical damage. Cylinders filled with pure argon gas shall be transported by all modes of transport in accordance with cargo carriage regulations applicable to this mode of transport, as well as safety rules for transportation of dangerous goods by rail. Cylinders may be transported in special containers, as well as without containers in an upright position, always with spacers between them and secured against possible falling. The cylinders must be transported with caps screwed on.
Cylinders designed for storage and transportation of pure argon gas must not be used for storage and transportation of other gases, and it is prohibited to perform any operations that may contaminate their internal surface and degrade the physical and chemical properties of the gas. It is forbidden to make any modifications to the cylinder bodies using welding or mechanical tools, which can lead to damage to the integrity or appearance of defects that degrade the technical characteristics of the cylinders. When using cylinders for pure argon gas it is not allowed to install them in the places of people passage, movement of goods and passage of vehicles. Cylinders must be located at least 1 m away from radiators and other heating devices and at least 5 m from heat sources with open flame. When working in an argon atmosphere, it is necessary to use oxygen insulating devices or a hose gas mask. The nominal pressure of pure argon in a full cylinder at 20°C should be 14.7 MPa (150 kgf/cm2) or 19.6 MPa (200 kgf/cm2). The gas in the cylinders must not be completely consumed when in use. The residual gas pressure in the cylinder must be at least 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). Also, when using, it is always necessary to remember that the pressure of pure argon in the cylinder changes with the temperature. For example, a cylinder filled with pure argon at a temperature of +20 °C to a pressure of 150 kgf/cm2, when the temperature rises to +30 °C will have a pressure of 157 kgf/cm2, and when lowering to 0 °C - 136 kgf/cm2, to -20 °C - 121 kgf/cm2, to -40°C - 107 kgf/cm2.
Cylinders with pure argon gas can be stored both in special rooms and in the open air, in the latter case they must be protected from atmospheric precipitation and sunlight. Cylinders filled with pure argon gas may be stored in open areas together with other air separation products provided that the storage areas are separated from each other by non-combustible barriers with a height of 1.5 m, joint storage with cylinders filled with combustible gases is also allowed, provided that the storage areas are separated from each other by non-combustible protective walls not less than 2.5 m high. Storage of cylinders should be carried out with the caps screwed on.