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Cryogenic gases or cryogens are gases that are maintained at a temperature of less than -150 degrees Celsius or 123 K. At these temperatures virtually all the gases have liquefied. There are 3 main types of cryogenic liquids. They include inert gases, flammable liquids and oxygen. The inert liquids are those that do not usually react. They include nitrogen, neon, krypton, helium and argon. The highly flammable types burn easily in air. An example is natural gas.
There are numerous uses for cryogens. In medicine, they are used in the field of cryosurgery in the reduction of malignant cells. They help to preserve human tissues for future use. Some reactions generate a lot of heat and the cryogens are used in the cooling process. For instance, the manufacture of drugs such as statins relies heavily on the use of the cryogens.
There are a number of health hazards that are associated with the use of cryogens. When one is exposed to the cryogens or the handling equipment they may suffer tissue injury caused by the very low temperatures. The pattern of injuries is like that of caused by thermal energy and the affected skin takes on a waxy yellow appearance. Mucosal surfaces are at the highest risk.
The other risk is that there is an increased chance for asphyxiation. The gases are heavier than air and do not disperse as easily as ordinary air. As a result, they accumulate close to the floor and displace ordinary air which contains oxygen. This is what results in asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism for this problem is that lungs may be damaged. Other substances are simply toxic in nature.
The highly flammable cryogens may explode when they rapidly expand. Gases likely to undergo this include methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. A mixture of hydrogen and ordinary air is highly flammable and should be handled with utmost care. Liquid oxygen is equally dangerous and may cause the combustion of materials such as carbon, cast iron and stainless steel.
Because of the associated risks, there are a number of precautions that one should take when handling these substances. For instance, containers must be thermally insulated to prevent ignition. There are a number of flasks available in the market that can be used for transporting the substances. These containers are vacuum-jacketed and non-pressurised. The cap should be loosely fitting to allow for venting of excess pressure but prevent entry of external air and moisture.
Personal protective equipment is strongly recommended. The clothes worn should be kept clean and dry. They should be well fitting and must cover the feet and hands. In the event that the substance penetrates the clothing or gloves, the clothing should be removed immediately. For protection of the face a face mask or goggles can be used.
Cryogenic gases have a wide range of applications. They are, however, very dangerous if not properly handled. Understanding the precautions required is very important. Ensure that you always read the instructions on how to use them. If anything is unclear, make sure that you consult.
There are numerous uses for cryogens. In medicine, they are used in the field of cryosurgery in the reduction of malignant cells. They help to preserve human tissues for future use. Some reactions generate a lot of heat and the cryogens are used in the cooling process. For instance, the manufacture of drugs such as statins relies heavily on the use of the cryogens.
There are a number of health hazards that are associated with the use of cryogens. When one is exposed to the cryogens or the handling equipment they may suffer tissue injury caused by the very low temperatures. The pattern of injuries is like that of caused by thermal energy and the affected skin takes on a waxy yellow appearance. Mucosal surfaces are at the highest risk.
The other risk is that there is an increased chance for asphyxiation. The gases are heavier than air and do not disperse as easily as ordinary air. As a result, they accumulate close to the floor and displace ordinary air which contains oxygen. This is what results in asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism for this problem is that lungs may be damaged. Other substances are simply toxic in nature.
The highly flammable cryogens may explode when they rapidly expand. Gases likely to undergo this include methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. A mixture of hydrogen and ordinary air is highly flammable and should be handled with utmost care. Liquid oxygen is equally dangerous and may cause the combustion of materials such as carbon, cast iron and stainless steel.
Because of the associated risks, there are a number of precautions that one should take when handling these substances. For instance, containers must be thermally insulated to prevent ignition. There are a number of flasks available in the market that can be used for transporting the substances. These containers are vacuum-jacketed and non-pressurised. The cap should be loosely fitting to allow for venting of excess pressure but prevent entry of external air and moisture.
Personal protective equipment is strongly recommended. The clothes worn should be kept clean and dry. They should be well fitting and must cover the feet and hands. In the event that the substance penetrates the clothing or gloves, the clothing should be removed immediately. For protection of the face a face mask or goggles can be used.
Cryogenic gases have a wide range of applications. They are, however, very dangerous if not properly handled. Understanding the precautions required is very important. Ensure that you always read the instructions on how to use them. If anything is unclear, make sure that you consult.
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