What To Learn About Cryogenic Gases

By Laura Williams


Cryogenic liquids refer to gasses that have been liquefied and stored in their liquid state at extremely low temperatures. There are other names that are used to refer to these substances, which include cryogenic liquefied gasses, refrigerated liquefied gases, and deeply refrigerated gases. Cryogenic gases are usually formed from cryogenic liquids that have been vaporized. These substances have very many applications in industrial and commercial settings.

In one occasion, the application of these gasses comes from their property of having low temperatures. A good example is in machinery where very low temperatures of the gasses are applied to let them form tight linkages with other gears. Transporting frozen gasses in extremely large amounts is another application made possible by cryogens gasses. For example, between 690 and 850 liters of gas can be transported easily because it only condenses into a single liter of liquid.

Cryogenic gasses have the typical boiling point below -150 degree Celsius but handful exceptions exist to this rule. For example, the boiling points of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are at much higher temperatures. However, they are still considered as cryogens. The boiling point of carbon dioxide is -78.5 degrees Celsius. Nitrous Oxide boils at -88.5 degrees Celsius. Several other cryogens boil at temperatures that are much lower. Helium boils at -269 degrees.

The properties of cryogens render them both dangerous and useful to animal and human life. These gasses for example trigger serious burns the instant they come in touch with bare skin and eyes due to their low temperatures. Tissue damage occurs immediately someone makes contact with un-insulated pipes or equipment used in transporting and storing cryogens.

One experiences tissue damage similar to damage generated by heat. Freezing will happen immediately if a stream of the gas is sprayed on the eyes or skin. Therefore, wearing proper protective gear while these gases are being handled is very vital. The bad impacts which these substances cause on the body can be avoided through wearing protective gloves and clothing.

Cryogens also have bad effect on carbon steels, plastics, and some types of rubber. When these materials are exposed to cryogens, they become brittle, making them susceptible to failure when exposed to the slightest amount of stress. On the contrary, some materials do not undergo brittle transition when exposed to low temperatures, allowing them to retain their ductility. Such materials include aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steels, and certain plastics.

Blockages in vessels, pipes, and equipment are normally caused by cryogens. This is because of freezing of humidity and moisture inside them. The cold nature of cryogens is the source of freezing. Other apparatus including stop valves, instrument lines, safety valves, and pressure gauges can stop to function properly due to ice formation. Huge accidents or safety hazards can occur when not rectified.

Cryogens are known for causing catastrophic failure or rupturing of equipment and containers. The rupture is caused by a buildup of pressure caused by vaporization of cryogenic liquid. The liquid vaporizes as it absorbs thermal energy from the surrounding, causing a buildup of pressure.




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