Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Details On Cryogenic Equipment

By Grace Rivas


The word "cryogenic" is not one which most people will use casually in conversation. In fact, you might have to look it up in a dictionary to see the correct definition. In fact, cryogenic equipment is used in many lab and medical research facilities, as well as in food processing activities. Here are some of the details about the category of devices related to super cold temperatures and materials.

Two Greek words make up the compound term "cryogenics". The first part means very cold temperatures, or "Kryos". The second part of the word is "genes" which is also from the Greek language. It means "generated". This provides a word meaning described as a material that has the property of extreme coldness.

Certain gases become liquids when held in precise environmental conditions. They remain in a gaseous state except when subjected to very low temperatures and precise atmospheric pressure. There are several reasons why a liquid state for a gas might be important.

The most common gases to be used in cryogenics include liquid oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and helium. The common characteristic is the low boiling point. Each of these elements boils at -51C (-60F). Nitrogen is perhaps the most used gas. It is readily available. The substances are only worked with in special environments, including labs and medical research stations.

The main uses of cryogenics today are to preserve anything with an organic origin, such as food, in the best state possible and to research how different organisms are affected by low temperatures. The extreme cold might be used during specific surgeries or in electronic research regarding super-conductivity and magnetic fields. When researching the behavior of certain materials in extreme temperature conditions or to protect against highly flammable surfaces or as a fuel, liquid gases might be utilized.

One common object used in research locations to handle super-chilled materials is the Dewar Flask. This object was invented by James Dewar who is credited with being the first individual to successfully bring hydrogen to a liquid state. The flask consists of a double wall with glass inside. The second layer helps to protect the researcher from the damage to skin that could occur otherwise. Both protection against cold and a structure that maintains the right pressure are offered by this device.

When liquid gases need to be moved from one location to another in a system, a transfer pump is used. The pump must be able to operate in very cold environments, and usually under high pressure. In order to store and cool liquid gases, pressure vessels are required. Clean air is another need when working in a laboratory environment. Equipment that purifies the indoor air, lab purifiers are utilized. Another cleaning task under cold conditions is accomplished by the use of cold traps. Specially designed valves and seals which fit the tools and containers are also required.

Researchers working with gases in a liquid state need the right cryogenic equipment in order handle the substances safely. Devices that function under extreme conditions are needed in order to assure accuracy in the research that is being done. Choosing high quality equipment is a requirement for optimum results.




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