Argon is the most abundant and cost-effective inert gas, which is why it is widely used in manufacturing and other industrial processes, states industrial and speciality gas manufacturer and supplier Air Products South Africa welding specialist Sean Young.

“As a shielding gas, argon is used to improve quality and performance, as well as reduce costs in a variety of processes, such as cutting and welding in the fabrication, automotive and machine-building industries,” he points out.
“As an inert gas, argon is an essential com-ponent in many processes where a completely nonreactive gas is needed, mostly to form a protective barrier from other gases.”

Young says argon’s shielding role is funda-mental to welding processes, such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, gas tungsten arc welding, wire feed welding, as well as metal inert gas (MIG) welding.

Further, he adds that argon can be used either as a pure gas on its own or mixed with various other gases.

“Argon on its own is used in TIG welding applications to weld all types of materials, such as carbon steel, aluminium and copper. In some cases, argon may have helium added to it to enhance the process.

“In MIG welding, argon is used on its own for copper and aluminium welding. When it comes to stainless steel, a mixture of argon with carbon dioxide (CO2), or oxygen or nitrogen [commonly known as a two-part mix], may be used. A mixture of argon with CO2 and oxygen [commonly known as a three-part mix] may be used to weld carbon steels,” he explains.

Additionally, Young notes that a mixture of argon and CO2 is often used for metal active gas welding of ordinary structural steel, and in plasma-arc cutting and welding, where argon and hydrogen are combined to provide a high temperature when used with a special torch.

He explains that argon provides protection against atmospheric contaminants, as it plays an important role in ensuring that the integrity of the weld is sound at all times, which is “critical in producing a high-quality end-product”.

Tailored Delivery Methods

Meanwhile, Air Products South Africa CryoEase business manager Gary Lombard says argon’s range of applications is matched by the company’s range of volume delivery options.

“Argon contains the capacity to meet the needs of all Air Products’ manufacturing customers, from high-end users who may require several tons of gas on a daily basis, to smaller consumers who may only need a couple of kilograms a month,” he states.

Further, Lombard notes that the modes of delivery of liquid or gaseous argon, therefore, range from cylinder to CryoEase to bulk tanker supply.
“The majority of our argon customers recog-nise the advantages that CryoEase brings, including that it is suitable for customers requir-ing ten cylinders or more every month,” he says.

Lombard points out that Air Products’ CryoEase service offers a solution, which is a combination of equipment and a delivery service.

“[This replaces] the often cumbersome need for rotating cylinders – CryoEase customers make use of just one tank on-site,” he notes.

Lombard explains that the tank is replenished by Air Products on an ongoing basis, using the company’s CryoEase trucks, which are designed specifically for easy access into smaller areas.

“A telemetry forecasting system is fitted onto each tank, providing volume feedback to Air Products. We are then able to schedule the next delivery without the customer worrying about low levels and having to place an order,” he explains.

Moreover, he says that CryoEase ensures uninterrupted gas supply for users, as the system also provides for many other “hidden” benefits, such as reducing risk by eliminating the need for constant cylinder handling, better use of space, and increased productivity.

“This is because CryoEase reduces the time needed to restock, which is a critical factor – particularly for companies using multiple welding points,” notes Lombard.

He adds that another benefit for argon users is that CryoEase guarantees the purity of the gas.

“With a consistent supply, there is less chance of environmental contamination. Therefore, CryoEase provides peace of mind for users on many levels.”

Future Availability
Meanwhile, Lombard notes that several of Air Products South Africa’s facilities have the capacity to produce argon, and storage sites are strategically placed across the country.
Further, he emphasises that the company’s argon storage sites ensure consistent supply.

“Without expert supply chain management, our customers would not have peace of mind when it comes to their argon requirements. Air Products’ real value proposition lies in our oper-ational on-site management, as well as expertise in supply chain management,” Lombard asserts.

He explains that the company’s aim – apart from uninterrupted up-time and security of supply for its customers – is the assurance of high-quality products.

“Purity is vital when it comes to argon. Our customers are assured of this, owing to Air Products’ decades of experience in argon pro- duction and quality assurance through our ISO 9001:2000 quality management systems certification,” Lombard points out.
Additionally he notes that customers can benefit from the company’s welding expertise in selecting the right gas for each specific application.

“Air Products’ specialist knowl-edge of argon and its applications, and our operational and distribution expertise – being able to meet the needs of the smallest and largest argon user – ensures a supply chain that will reliably meet the local manufacturing and fabrication sector requirements currently and into the future,” Lombard concludes.