Argon

Argon (Ar) is a Noble Gas categorized under Group 18 of the periodic table. It is the 3rd most abundant gas in the earth’s atmosphere, constituting 0.9%. Argon is a colorless, odorless, and chemically inert gas that can cause asphyxiation at high concentrations. It is primarily produced from an air separation unit (ASU) plant.

Argon has many applications depending on the industry. In the metal fabrication sector, it is commonly used as a shielding gas for arc welding, especially for stainless steel. It provides better arc stability, improved weld quality, and reduces spatter and fumes. Argon can also be used as a mixture with other gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and helium, depending on the welding process.

Argon gas is also used as a filling mixture in fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs to prevent oxygen from corroding the filament material and to increase the lifespan of light bulb products. In addition, it is used in analytical instruments as a carrier gas in chromatography, plasma etching, and other application processes.

In the electronics industry, argon is used as a carrier gas in the production of microchips, transistors, and other electronic components. It provides a protective atmosphere during the manufacturing process, preventing oxidation of the materials and maintaining high purity.

Ace Gases provides various modes of supply for Argon to cater to the different needs of customers. For customers who require a small to medium volume of gas, Ace Gases provides Argon in high-pressure cylinders, low-pressure dewars or tanks, and bundles, which are portable and easy to use. Microbulk solutions are available for customers who require a continuous and uninterrupted supply of Argon. These tanks have a larger storage capacity than cylinders and can be easily refilled by Ace Gases. For customers who require a large volume of gas, Ace Gases provides Liquid Argon (LAR) in bulk quantities, which is stored in vacuum-insulated tanks that can be installed on-site, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of gas. On-site gas generation solutions are also available for customers who require a constant and reliable supply of Argon, eliminating the need for storage and transportation of gas. Ace Gases also provides a pipeline supply of Argon to customers who require a large and continuous supply of gas, which is ideal for customers located near Ace Gases’ pipeline infrastructure.