Uses of Argon
Argon is an inert (or ‘noble’)
gas, is listed in the periodic table as ‘Ar’, and was discovered in 1894 by Sir
William Ramsay and Lord Rayleigh. Argon is manufactured by distilling the
liquid air, and is one of the most abundant gases (third most abundant) in the
earth’s atmosphere, and therefore inexpensive and environmentally friendly. It has
multiple industrial and business uses.
Uses of Argon in Manufacturing
Industry
Pure Argon, as well as when it is
mixed with other gases, is used in “tungsten inert gas” welding purposes, as
also in casting. Argon is also is used in the making of specialty alloys and for
manufacturing titanium.
During manufacturing of steel in
a converter, addition of argon reduces chromium losses and the desired carbon
content can therefore be achieved at a lower temperature. Further, Argon is
also used as a blowing gas during the manufacturing process of higher quality
steels, so as to avoid the formation of nitrides.
Argon is used in the
manufacturing of aluminum, for the purpose of hydrogen removal (and
degasification in general), as well as other particulates. It is also used as
an inert gas in the manufacturing of titanium manufacturing process, as
titanium can react with nitrogen. Zirconium manufacture also uses argon for providing
an inert atmosphere..
Uses of Argon in Healthcare
Industry
Argon lasers find application in the
treatment of retinal detachment as well as for retinal phototherapy for
diabetics. Also, kidney tumors are treated using cryo-needles, as part of a procedure
in cooled argon cryosurgery. Argon surgery is also used to treat heart
arrhythmias.
Uses of Argon in Food and
Beverages Industry
Argon also finds uses in food and
beverages industry because of its inertness. It is added in wine barrels.
Since, it is denser than air and settles above the liquid, thereby preventing
its oxidation and souring of wine. Similarly, it is also used to provide an
inert atmosphere for open wine and liquor bottles in bars and restaurants.
Uses of Argon in Lighting
Argon is used in neon tubes. When
electricity is passed, it produces a purplish-blue glow. Since it gets charged
and starts emitting light at a much lower voltage, it saves money and is
therefore a preferred gas for this purpose. It has a similar application in fluorescent
lighting as well.
Further, argon (or some other
inert gas) is also used in light bulbs, as it prevents quick oxidation of the
filament and therefore prolongs the life of the bulb.
Other Uses of Argon
Argon gas is used in superior
quality thermal glass window panes. Given the inert nature of the gas, Argon is
also used to give a protective atmosphere for old documents, so as to prevent
their degradation during display and storage. Argon is also used (along with methane)
to provide an inert atmosphere during manufacturing of silicone and germanium
crystals for use in the semiconductor industry.
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