Argon is one of the most abundant gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. This gas is non-flammable, has the same solubility in water as oxygen and is more than two times more soluble than nitrogen. Argon is a noble gas and shares the same characteristics as other materials in this classification. It is colorless, odorless and inert to other substances.
When you work with Meritus Gas Partners, our independent distributors will supply your business with industrial-grade argon gas that can add value to your manufacturing operations.
Argon is available in high-pressure cylinders for pickup or delivery. Retail locations typically have some industrial-grade argon cylinders on hand. Call our closest location to check the availability of specific sizes and grades.
Argon is available in liquid dewars for delivery. For most applications, the 230 psig dewars are sufficient. There are also 350 psig dewars available. Call your closest location to check the availability of specific sizes and grades.
Source: https://cyl-tec.com/downloads/CylTec-Titan-Liquid-Cylinders.pdf
Argon is available for delivery in bulk directly to your facility. Bulk and microbulk services typically require the installation of a concrete pad in an area that can accommodate a tractor-trailer-sized delivery unit. We will perform a site survey to assist in site selection and determine appropriate unit sizing before providing a proposal.
Argon is available in a broad range of grades ranging from industrial grade (99.998% pure) up to research grade, which is 99.9999% (aka “six nines”) argon, where impurities are measured in parts per billion quantities. Combinations of argon with other gases in two-part and three-part mixtures are frequently used in MIG and TIG welding applications. Argon specialty gas mixtures are also available, where argon is a minor component or the balance gas. Contact us for more information about the grades and mixtures your Meritus Gas Partners distributor has available in your market.
Argon makes up approximately 1% of the earth’s atmosphere and it is produced as part of the air separation process (cryogenic distillation of air) that also produces oxygen and nitrogen.* The larger the Air Separation Unit (ASU), the more argon can be potentially produced. Not all ASUs capture the argon, and not all liquid argon is produced as fully refined argon.
There are some plants that produce “crude argon,” which is either sold as-is as an oxygen-enriched welding mixture or shipped to another ASU with a large enough argon refinery to clean up the crude to industrial grade (99.997%). Air separation by cryogenic distillation uses tens of thousands of horsepower of electric motors to drive massive compression equipment. This means that the primary argon cost driver is electric power. Labor and transportation expenses, including diesel fuel, also play a role in the cost of delivered argon.
Argon is one of the few industrial gases that is also moved by rail from large individual air separation plants and multi-plant pipeline complexes to regions served by ASUs too small to produce enough argon to satisfy local demand. Rising rail costs and declining rail service levels add to the cost of argon in many parts of the country.
* Rare gases, including krypton, neon and xenon, are also produced by the air separation process but only at the largest plants (typically >2000tpd of capacity).
Argon is an essential gas for a wide range of industries and processes.
Welding and casting operations can use argon gas when working with specialty alloys or manufacturing titanium. Argon can also act as a shield during arc welding processes by forming a barrier between the metal and atmospheric oxygen. In steel manufacturing, the gas can minimize chromium losses, allowing the manufacturer to achieve the desired carbon content at a lower temperature.
Optical professionals use high-purity argon gas lasers to treat detached retinas and for phototherapy with people with diabetes. Surgeons also use them for welding arteries, cauterizing tissues and destroying cancerous and benign tumors. The advantage of argon lasers is their ability to target areas of the body with extreme precision.
Health care settings can also use argon gas for quality control and analysis.
Argon is one of several gases that can improve performance and function when used to fill lightbulbs and neon lighting products. Placing argon gas between the panes of glass in double-glazed windows and doors can improve their thermal properties by minimizing convective and conductive heat loss.
Argon can help prevent various reactions that negatively impact glass formation. Using argon gas can eliminate defects and protect the equipment used for the process. It can also fill finished glass items to improve their performance and functionality.
Leaving air in wine barrels can lead to oxidation and spoilage. Because argon gas is denser than air, vineyards sometimes use it to displace that air. The gas settles above the liquid and prevents souring. Argon can also have a similar effect on open wine bottles in restaurants and bars.
Argon’s inert properties can create a protective atmosphere for historical documents and other paper items. The gas prevents degradation when storing these materials for extended periods or displaying them in museums or other venues.
The neon tubes found in many lighting fixtures contain argon. When electricity passes through the gas, it generates a purplish-blue glow. As the charging process occurs, the light operates at a lower voltage, which conserves energy and lowers utility costs. A similar result happens with fluorescent lighting, as the argon gas prevents oxidation within the filament.
Argon serves as insulation in the dry suits worn by scuba divers during cold-water diving. The gas’s low thermal conductivity and inert structure create these insulative properties. Argox, which is a combination of argon and oxygen, is a form of rarely used scuba-breathing gas.
Argon is defined as Hazard Class 2.2 by OSHA. Know your risks of handling, storing and using argon. Access our argon SDS sheet here.
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At Meritus Gas Partners, our members can provide reliable delivery for argon gas products that meet your company’s unique requirements. Offerings include industrial-grade argon 5.0 and argon 6.0. These high-purity products work well as shielding gas for welding and other metal processing applications and in various surface preparation and finishing techniques.
We work with independent gas distributors to offer our customers increased access to gases and equipment while maintaining incredible customer service on an individual level. Our partners maintain their independence, so they offer the customer experience you expect from a local, family-owned and -operated company. However, our federation supports our distributors’ growth with resources that help small businesses achieve big-company capabilities. We help our distributors keep up with rising costs and maintain compliance so you can feel confident in their services.
Discover how buying argon gas and related equipment from a Meritus Gas Partners distributor can help your company improve operations. Our independent distributors specialize in providing gases and hardgoods, uniquely positioning us to source and supply the resources you need. Take the next step and return our online contact form today or see where to purchase industrial-grade gas cylinders in your area.