Energy and Decarburization

Hydrogen is a common gas with several applications in energy and power plants. The properties of hydrogen led to the creation of hydrogen power, which is used to power fuel cells. Fuel cells use a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, generating electricity for carbon-free electrical power.

Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming more common in the latest technology advancements since they’re a cleaner alternative to other fuel sources. Since water is the only by-product of a hydrogen/oxygen chemical reaction, hydrogen plays an important role in the move toward sustainable energy and carbon emission reductions.

Hydrogen is also used in TIG welding (gas tungsten arc welding), plasma welding and cutting. When mixed with argon, hydrogen forms a gas shield, protecting the welded metal from contaminants. Other applications include generator cooling and chemical processing.

Learn More

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a versatile liquid or gas with several applications in the energy industry. In biofuel production, plants are the biomass used to create the fuel, and carbon dioxide feeds these plants. CO2 also enables the hydrogen-to-fuel conversion process for fuel cell power.

Additionally, carbon dioxide is used as a reactant in chemical processes that produce building blocks for other energy products. CO2 is also a common shielding gas, as it helps produce higher welding rates in MAG welding and MIG welding (also known as gas metal arc welding). CO2 offers deep weld penetration for thick materials, so it’s common for cutting operations.

Learn More

Oxygen is a colorless and odorless atmospheric gas abundantly available in the atmosphere. Oxygen is an oxidizer and is used in combustion. Though not flammable by itself, oxygen mixed with flammable gases can explode or burn if ignited.

Oxygen is commonly used in industrial applications. Using pure oxygen in different energy production processes can improve efficiency and productivity where air can be used. For example, process heaters, gasification procedures and boilers can use oxygen to increase output. However, since oxygen use also increases the risk of fire and explosion, proper safety measures are essential.

Oxy-fuel combustion is a common practice in decarburization, as it’s more efficient than air-fuel combustion. When used with combustion processes, oxygen enhances the efficiency of fuel burning. Fuels react much faster with oxygen, offering a faster and hotter burn with enhanced energy efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. Oxygen is also a common gas in plasma cutting and welding.

You can obtain oxygen for commercial purposes through distilling ambient air or liquefaction.

Learn More

Nitrogen is a nonmetallic, inert gas that is one of the most abundant elements in the atmosphere and is common in industrial applications like energy and decarburization. This gas does not react with other materials. Though it’s not used in the combustion process, nitrogen reduces the amount of oxygen to limit the combustion process of a fire.

Nitrogen is used as a purging gas in many industries, including energy production. Flowing nitrogen through piping and equipment clears out particles and prevents contamination during production. Nitrogen is also used as a blanketing agent. The gas creates a shield around products and processes, so air cannot contaminate the materials involved.

Another common application of nitrogen is welding, which provides arc stability as a shielding gas in MIG and TIG welding. You can get nitrogen in liquid or gas form.

Learn More

Natural gas is a dependable energy source and a fossil fuel. Its most common application is electricity generation, and it’s used across the nation. Natural gas is also used to generate process steam for steel and paper production.

Learn More

Argon is an inert gas that is nonflammable, nontoxic, odorless and colorless. Since argon is a nonreactive metal, it makes an ideal shielding gas for arc welding and casting. Argon prevents the molten weld pool from exposure to atmospheric hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, preventing spatter and porosity. Argon is available in liquid and gas forms.

Learn More

Helium is an inert gas that is colorless and odorless. Helium is commonly used for welding and cutting metals with high conductivity — it is compatible with thick materials and helps make a wide penetration profile. Other applications include refrigerants, artificial atmospheres and leak testing. You can get helium in liquid or gas form.

Learn More

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a nonflammable, nontoxic gas that is commonly used as an insulating gas due to its electronegativity. It’s noncorrosive and inert, with a breakdown strength three times higher than air.

Learn More