Cryogenic gases or cryogens refer to gases that have been maintained at a temperature of less than 123K or -150 degrees Celsius. At this temperature they usually turn to liquid. There are three main types of cryogens that include flammable liquids, oxygen and inert gases. Inert liquids are those that are usually unreactive. Examples include neon, nitrogen, krypton, argon and helium. Highly flammable types are the types that burn easily in air.
There are a number of applications for which these substances are used. Cryosurgery is the use of very low temperatures to destroy cancer cells. They are also used in the preservation of human and animal tissues in the field of medical technology. Cryogenic are extensively used in the maintenance of low temperatures in some chemical reactions such as those required for the manufacture of some drugs.
The use of cryogens is associated with several health risks. For instance, directly exposure to the cryogens may result in tissue injuries due to the very low temperatures. These injuries resemble those that are caused by thermal burns. The eyes and mucosal surfaces of the body are at a particularly high risk. The affected skin takes a waxy yellow appearance.
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.
Personal protective equipment is strongly recommended. The clothes worn should be kept clean and dry. They should be well fitting and must cover the feet and hands. In the event that the substance penetrates the clothing or gloves, the clothing should be removed immediately. For protection of the face a face mask or goggles can be used.
Cryogenic gases are very useful with numerous applications but are also associated with a number of risks. Knowing how to handle the cryogenics carefully is very important in the prevention of potentially fatal accidents. Always make sure that you read instructions carefully. If you are unsure about anything, it is important that you consult.
There are a number of applications for which these substances are used. Cryosurgery is the use of very low temperatures to destroy cancer cells. They are also used in the preservation of human and animal tissues in the field of medical technology. Cryogenic are extensively used in the maintenance of low temperatures in some chemical reactions such as those required for the manufacture of some drugs.
The use of cryogens is associated with several health risks. For instance, directly exposure to the cryogens may result in tissue injuries due to the very low temperatures. These injuries resemble those that are caused by thermal burns. The eyes and mucosal surfaces of the body are at a particularly high risk. The affected skin takes a waxy yellow appearance.
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.
Personal protective equipment is strongly recommended. The clothes worn should be kept clean and dry. They should be well fitting and must cover the feet and hands. In the event that the substance penetrates the clothing or gloves, the clothing should be removed immediately. For protection of the face a face mask or goggles can be used.
Cryogenic gases are very useful with numerous applications but are also associated with a number of risks. Knowing how to handle the cryogenics carefully is very important in the prevention of potentially fatal accidents. Always make sure that you read instructions carefully. If you are unsure about anything, it is important that you consult.
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