Friday 24 January 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.

The term comes from two terms in the Greek language. "Kryos" refers to very cold or freezing temperatures. "Genes" translates as "generated". The combined term thus describes a material which becomes very cold, even freezing.

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.

Known cryogenics gases include liquid oxygen, helium, hydrogen and nitrogen. Each of these gases have an extremely low boiling point (-51 C or -60 F). The most commonly used gas is nitrogen because it is easy to buy. Cryogenics can only be worked with in a special environment such as medical institutes and laboratories.

There are many fields in which super-chilled gases are valuable. When choosing ways to preserve organic materials, for instance, such as food, the product is kept in a preserved state more effectively. Research on how organisms react to very cold temperatures is another purpose for research. Very cold temperatures can be used in some surgeries, or in studies about super-conductivity. When highly flammable materials are being handled, cold may provide a level of safety. Some liquid gases are used as fuel.

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.

Specially designed cryogenic equipment is necessary when handling liquid gases. When accuracy and safety of the handler is needed, defining the specific requirements of the environment is a first step. The highest quality devices ensures protection against damages and harm to the researcher.




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