Transportation

Oxygen is a popular gas choice for laser welding applications because it offers high cutting speeds for steel. Transportation parts manufacturing will use laser welding to create critical components for automobiles and ships. Welding also plays a role in developing railroads for train travel.

Oxygen is also an essential gas for lithium-ion battery manufacturing. These batteries are becoming popular car power sources as we collectively work towards cleaner energy sources. Oxygen is necessary for oxyfuel combustion, which is useful for processing battery metals and precursor parts.

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In welding applications, argon is typically used as a shielding gas. When argon creates a protective shield around a weld, it prevents the metal from reacting to the oxygen and nitrogen in the air, which reduce the quality. Shielding gases like argon can also increase the strength and corrosion resistance of the weld. Because train, automotive and ship manufacturing require welding, argon is an essential transportation gas. Argon is used alone as well as in various mixtures with CO2, oxygen, helium and other gases depending upon the welding process. It also plays a role in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

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Carbon dioxide is another shielding gas used in welding applications. Much like argon, using a CO2 shielding gas helps improve the weld’s quality by preventing contamination from atmospheric gases. Welding with CO2 shielding gases is common in lithium-ion battery production when manufacturing the cell.

Additionally, carbon dioxide is valuable to transportation after the manufacturing stage. Truck drivers can use CO2 snow to keep items cool in transit when transporting cold goods. This method can be more eco-friendly than chemical-based refrigerants.

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Much like CO2, nitrogen is valuable for transporting cold goods. Liquid nitrogen freezes items rapidly and keeps them frozen for a long time, making it an excellent alternative to traditional refrigerants. Automotive manufacturers also use liquid nitrogen to cool mechanical parts for shrinking and inserting them into different areas with minimal force.

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