Argon (Ar)
An inert gas with unique properties used in a variety of industrial and analytical applications
Argon is a non-flammable gas that forms 0.9 per cent of the earth's atmosphere.
Most commonly used in the metal industry for metal production, processing and fabrication, it can be used as a pure gas for certain shielding, blanketing, annealing and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) applications. It can also be used as part of a mixture with other gases, in particular carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen or helium, depending on the process and material.
Its inert properties make argon popular in other industries such as the glass industry for double glazing, the food industry for removing oxygen from wine barrels, and analytical laboratories who use it as a carrier gas in gas chromatography (GC) and in ICP-MS equipment.
Air Products offers compressed argon gas and liquid argon in a variety of purities and in various modes of supply around the world thanks to our network of storage and transfill facilities.
Why Air Products Is a World-Leading Argon Supplier
- Global manufacturer of argon
- Reliable supply of industrial gases
- Excellent record of meeting on-time needs
- Industry leader in safety
- Technical support when you need it
- World-class customer service
Interested in argon for your application?
Ask the Expert
John Dwyer
Microbulk Applications Engineer, North America
“Is my gas purity adequate for my process? ”
Industrial gases (such as nitrogen, hydrogen, and argon) for furnace atmospheres are characterized by their very high purity (>99.995%). Typical impurity levels are much less than 10 parts per million by volume (ppmv) oxygen and less than 3 ppmv moisture (<– 90° F dew point). This purity is typically adequate for many processes involving a wide array of materials. Some materials, though, due to their high reactivity, may require additional purification to reach even lower levels of impurity, especially with gases supplied via bulk or tube trailer supply modes. Some facilities install in-line purifiers as an added precaution against impurities picked up from the houseline. In-line purification typically involves the removal of oxygen and moisture. Sometimes with argon supply, it is necessary to remove trace nitrogen impurities. The choice of purifier is dependent on the gas and the type and amount of impurities to be removed.
The Integra® Cylinder — Our Innovation for Safer Welding
- Reduced risk of cylinder falling, shorter and more stable than traditional cylinder
- Reduced risk of regulator damage, regulator fully contained within protective guard
- Reduced exposure to pressure hazard, built-in regulator controls pressure and cannot be removed
- Smaller, lighter and more manoeuvrable than traditional cylinder
- Snap-on connection to cylinder (no need for spanners)
- Hand-operated on/off valve (no need for bottle keys)
- Never buy, repair or calibrate a regulator again
- Pre-set flow eliminates set-up time
CryoEase® Microbulk Solutions Argon Service Offering — Gas Supply Made Simple
Our CryoEase® service offers a number of unique advantages over traditional cylinder supply:
- Saves time – no more handling or changing of cylinders
- Saves space – tank can be sited conveniently to relieve valuable floor space
- Peace of mind – our Gas Management system automatically schedules regular deliveries, saving you the hassle of chasing orders or waiting for deliveries
- Constant and reliable supply with a lower carbon footprint – you can reduce the number of gas deliveries to your business since Air Products looks after your order planning, fulfillment and delivery
Supply Options
Air Products can help you determine the most economical supply option for your particular application and geographic location. Industrial gases are typically provided in gaseous and liquid form through a variety of supply systems.
Cylinders
The traditional solution for low volume gas supply. Cylinders can be supplied in a full range of sizes from 10 to 50 liters, pressures and gas purities for a wide range of gases and gas mixtures. For larger volumes, manifolded cylinder packs are available.
Bulk Supply
Delivered by truck and stored on your site either as a liquid in cryogenic tanks or as a gas in high-pressure tubes based on your volume, desired pressure, purity level, flow rate, and operating pattern.
CryoEase® Microbulk Solutions
A convenient and cost-effective solution for larger operations. CryoEase® tanks are available in a range of sizes. The CryoEase® service simplifies your gas supply by eliminating the need to handle cylinders, stock taking and ordering.
SDS Library
Our Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library allows you to search and find the SDS you need--in the language you select.
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Convert weight and volume measures for argon, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG).