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.
Asphyxiation is another risk than one should be wary of. Cryogens become heavier as they cool and tend to displace ordinary air. The accumulation of cryogens near the ground reduces the amount of oxygen available for respiration and this is what leads to asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism that contributes to this problem is the destruction of lung tissue by the cryogens.
Rapid expansion of the highly flammable gases may cause an explosion. Methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide are some of the examples. Hydrogen mixes with air at different concentration forming an easily ignitable mixture. Liquid oxygen on the other hand can cause the combustion of materials considered non-combustible such as stainless steel, cast iron and carbon. When materials are soaked in the liquid they remain flammable for hours.
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.
It is important that put on personal protective clothing at all times. The clothes must also be maintained clean and dry at all times. They should be well-fitting and cover arms and legs. If the material penetrates your gloves, remove them as soon as possible. For protection of the eyes and the face, googles or a facial shield should be used.
Cryogenic gases are very important and have a wide range of applications both domestically and in an industrial setting. It is important that one learns how to properly handle them to prevent serious accidents. The general advice is that one should always read the instructions and they should consult if unsure about anything.
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.
Asphyxiation is another risk than one should be wary of. Cryogens become heavier as they cool and tend to displace ordinary air. The accumulation of cryogens near the ground reduces the amount of oxygen available for respiration and this is what leads to asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism that contributes to this problem is the destruction of lung tissue by the cryogens.
Rapid expansion of the highly flammable gases may cause an explosion. Methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide are some of the examples. Hydrogen mixes with air at different concentration forming an easily ignitable mixture. Liquid oxygen on the other hand can cause the combustion of materials considered non-combustible such as stainless steel, cast iron and carbon. When materials are soaked in the liquid they remain flammable for hours.
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.
It is important that put on personal protective clothing at all times. The clothes must also be maintained clean and dry at all times. They should be well-fitting and cover arms and legs. If the material penetrates your gloves, remove them as soon as possible. For protection of the eyes and the face, googles or a facial shield should be used.
Cryogenic gases are very important and have a wide range of applications both domestically and in an industrial setting. It is important that one learns how to properly handle them to prevent serious accidents. The general advice is that one should always read the instructions and they should consult if unsure about anything.
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