This characteristic makes it very suitable for any process that require a non-reactive atmosphere such as blanketing, inerting, and as shielding gas when welding. Argon provides an inert atmosphere which prevents wielded materials from undergoing oxidation. It helps wielders because it protects the wielded areas and incandescent light bulbs from oxygen entering and corroding the filament. It is sometimes used to produce titanium and other reactive elements in an inert atmosphere.
Argon gas suppliers aim to help in many applications, like fluorescent tubes, low-energy light bulbs, double-glazed windows to fill the space between the panes, and tires of cars to protect the rubber and reduce noise while driving.
Aside from the welding industry, argon is also used in:
- Health care. Argon lasers are very useful in treating retinal detachment and retinal phototherapy, especially those diabetic people. They are often used in artery welding and tumour destruction operations. The argon laser system is very capable of targeting areas with great precision and accuracy. Argon is also used to treat other heart problems like arrhythmias, which alter the heartbeat’s rhythm.
- Lighting. As mentioned before, argon is also very useful in light bulbs. It is used in lighting together with neon. Most argon gas suppliers recommend this gas. After all, it can prolong the bulb’s life because it prevents the bulb’s filament from oxidizing. Having argon is also cheaper because the light that is emitted has a lower voltage.
- Food and Beverages. Air is less dense than argon. Because of this, argon is also added to some wine barrels for the air to displace. The gas stays on top of the liquid, which protects the wine from souring and oxidizing.
- Manufacturing. As mentioned, argon is widely used in the welding and casting industries, particularly in manufacturing alloys and titanium. During arc welding, it is also used as a shielding gas, since it protects the metal that is being worked on from oxygen. Both pure argon and argon blends are used by TIG or tungsten inert gas. Aside from preventing oxidation, argon also reduces the loss of chromium in the manufacturing of steel in a converter, which means that the manufacturer can achieve the desired carbon content at a low temperature. In terms of aluminium manufacturing, argon is also helpful in removing and detoxifying hydrogen.
Argon is very useful in various applications. It may be in large industries, but it also widely applied in our households. There are many argon gas suppliers than can supply if need be.
Argon can easily evaporate in the air, which means it can cause air saturation, which can be worse in confined and tight areas; it can cause suffocation. When someone accidentally inhales or is exposed to argon, he can feel symptoms like dizziness, headache, dullness, and suffocation. Frostbite can also occur when liquid argon comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Aside from being inert, argon is also considered a simple asphyxiant. When inhaled in massive concentrations, the worst case that may happen is death.
In the environment, argon has minimal effect. Since argon gas naturally occurs in the environment, there is no serious ecological damage to be expected. There is also no known effect of argon on plants and animals. The marine life is also not affected.
