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GAS SUPPLIES AND GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ARGON Product name

Formula

Argon

Hazard class

Ar

Nonflammable gas

Appearance and colour

IMDG code

Colourless, odourless

2.2

Specific gravity (Air=1)

Substance Identification

1.38 (heavier than air)

UN-1006

Cylinder characteristics Colour code: Body – Grey Cylinder Outlet Size Connection

Nominal Filled Pressure Nominal Approx.

Approx.

Contents (bar) at 15ºC Wt. Of Gas Dimensions Cylinder Wt. (cu. Metres) (max) (kg) (mm) (kg) (See note 1.)

(See note 1.) (See note 2.) (See note 3.)

E-10

W24.32mm x 1/14”

2.2

200

3.6

140 x 1000

18

E-50

W24.32mm x 1/14”

11

200

18

230 x 1690

81

Note:

1. Actual contents and weight of gas in individual cylinders will vary about the nominal contents and weight of gas indicated. 2. The length includes an allowance of 70mm for a top outlet valve. 3. The approximate cylinder weight includes cylinder, valve and neck-ring. The approximate weight of a full cylinder is obtained by adding the nominal weight of contained gas to this figure. Greater weights may be found among cylinders manufactured to older standards.

ARGON

Argon is a colourless, odourless gas, slightly heavier than air. It is non-toxic and noncombustible. Together with Helium, Neon, Krypton, Xenon and Radon, it constitutes a special group of gases known as the “rare”, “inert” or “noble” gases. The terms inert and noble mean that the gases have an extremely weak tendency to react with other compounds or elements. Argon forms no known chemical compounds. Argon is present in the atmosphere at a concentration of 0.934% at sea level. Air is the only known source for the production of pure argon. Argon is non-toxic, but it is included among the simple asphyxiant gases. Argon is used as a protective shielding gas in TIG and MIG welding. In this process argon serves as an inert covering round the point of the electrode/ wire and the molten pool in order to protect the welding zone from the harmful effect of the air.

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