Argon

Argon is valued for its total inertness, in particular at high temperature. Argon is used in critical industrial processes such as the manufacturing of high quality stainless steels and production of impurity – free silicon crystals for semi-conductor manufacture. Argon is used as a protective atmosphere for certain foodstuffs, notably fruits and vegetable. For instance, it significantly increases lettuce storage life. Preserving lettuce require Oxygen, since it continues to “breathe” even after it was harvested. Nevertheless, too much Oxygen can cause lettuce to deteriorate. This deterioration is slowed down by the addition of Argon to lettuce when it is being packaged. In Metallurgy and Welding, Argon is also used to create an inert protective atmosphere between liquid metal and surrounding air. The gas offers protection against oxidation risks and reduces smoke emissions.

Some industries Argon is applied:

• Welding & Metal Fabrication
• Metal production