Atmospheric Gases :: Argon

Argon (Ar) is an inert gas that comprises 0.93 percent of the earth's atmosphere.

Argon is Colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic, argon forms no known chemical compounds. A specific gravity of 1.38 makes argon 25 percent heavier than air. At atmospheric pressure, it becomes a liquid at -302°F (-186°C). Non-corrosive and non-flammable, argon also exhibits low thermal conductivity and slight solubility in water.
 

Argon is used in diverse applications covering a number of industries, including:

• Aluminum to replace air or nitrogen, creating an inert atmosphere conducive to manufacturing aluminum; to assist in the removal of unwanted soluble gases during degasification; and to remove dissolved hydrogen and particulates from molten aluminum.
   
• Steel to displace gas or vapors and prevent oxidation during processing; to obtain temperature consistency and homogenous composition by stirring molten steel; to assist in the removal of unwanted soluble gases during degasification; as a carrier gas, to determine the composition of a sample through gas chromatography; and to flush out carbon monoxide and reduce chromium losses in the Argon-Oxygen Decarburization (A.O.D.) used during stainless steel refining.
   
• Metal Fabrication to create an inert gas shield during welding; to provide an oxygen- and nitrogen- free environment for annealing and rolling metals and alloys; and to flush molten metals to eliminate porosity in castings.
   
• Electronics to provide a protective atmosphere and heat-transfer medium for growing germanium and silicon crystals for ultra-pure semiconductors.
   
• Lighting to fill incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs; to create a blue light in neon-type lamps.
   
• Windows and Doors Because of its low thermal conductivity, argon provides window manufacturers with the gas barrier they need to produce double-pane insulated windows. During the production process, argon gas is injected between two window panes. This insulation barrier greatly improves the window's energy efficiency.

USW offers its customers a variety of argon supply options including:

• Bulk liquid delivery in cryogenic tanker trucks
• Bulk gas delivery in high pressure tube trailers
• Portable liquid cylinders
• High pressure gas cylinders