Argon is mainly used in gaseous form. It is an inert gas, which is colourless, odourless, and heavier than air. It constitutes 0.93% of atmospheric air and is a product of cryogenic air separation and does not support life. This is particularly important to remember when working in confined spaces with argon. Click here for more information on oxygen deficiencies It has a boiling point of -185.86°C and therefore similar cryogenic properties to liquid nitrogen.
Liquid industrial argon is available in some urban areas It 2% oxygen which when mixed with varying proportions of Carbon Dioxide, gives better penetration as a shielding gas for MIG welding.
Link to Liquid Argon Safety Data Sheet
The most useful property of argon is its total inertness to almost all substances at all temperatures and pressures.
Some of the common applications where gaseous argon is used are:
Gaseous argon also has a very low thermal conductivity relative to air or nitrogen and therefore gives rise to its use in:
Please Note:
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