Liquid Argon
Liquid argon (LAr) is tasteless, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, non-flammable, and exceptionally cold. As one of the rare inert gases, argon is the most abundant noble gas, making up approximately 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. It exists in a monatomic state and exhibits extreme chemical inertness, with no known chemical compounds. While no special materials are needed for corrosion resistance, materials must be carefully selected to withstand the low temperatures associated with liquid argon.
Although argon is primarily used in its gaseous state, it is often stored and transported as a liquid, offering a more economical way to ensure product supply. When liquefied, argon is classified as a cryogenic liquid, defined as a liquefied gas with a normal boiling point below -238°F (-150°C). Specifically, liquid argon has a boiling point of -302.6°F (-185.9°C).
Specialized equipment is required to store and handle cryogenic liquids effectively, ensuring proper insulation from environmental heat. A typical system consists of the following essential components: a cryogenic liquid storage tank, one or more vaporizers, a pressure control system, and adequate piping for filling, vaporizing, and distribution. Cryogenic tanks are designed similarly to vacuum flasks, minimizing heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the liquid inside. Vaporizers convert liquid argon into a gaseous state, while pressure control manifolds regulate the gas pressure supplied to operational processes.
