Cryogenic gases (cryogens) refer to gases that have been called to a temperature of less than 123K or -150 degrees Celsius. Usually at these temperatures, the gases cool down and liquefy. The cryogens are generally divided into three. They include inert gases, flammable liquids and oxygen. The inert liquids are unreactive with other substances. They include neon, nitrogen, argon, krypton and helium. Highly flammable liquids are those that burn very easily in air.
There are many uses for the cryogens. In the medical field, they are commonly in cryosurgery. Here, they help in treatment of cancer by destroying some of the malignant cells. They are also used in the preservation of both animal and human tissues for future use. Some reactions are associated with production of heat and the cryogens help in the maintenance of a lower temperature.
There are a number of health hazards associated with the use and storage of the cryogens. One of them is that the cryogenist or any other person that handles these products is exposed to very cold temperatures that may cause tissue injury. The resultant damage is similar to that caused by a thermal burn. Delicate mucosal membranes such as the conjunctiva are the most vulnerable. Affected parts of the skin characteristically appear waxy yellow.
The other risk is that there is an increased chance for asphyxiation. The gases are heavier than air and do not disperse as easily as ordinary air. As a result, they accumulate close to the floor and displace ordinary air which contains oxygen. This is what results in asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism for this problem is that lungs may be damaged. Other substances are simply toxic in nature.
Most of the cryogens are highly flammable especially if allowed to rapidly expand. Highly flammable gases include hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. The mixture between hydrogen and ordinary air is in particular very flammable and should be handled carefully. The other cryogen considered to be equally as dangerous in this regard is liquid oxygen. The liquid can cause combustion of materials such as carbon, stainless steel and cast iron.
Due to the many associated risks, one needs to take precautions. Proper thermal insulation prevents ignition. The insulation should be done to the containers and the pipes that are used in the delivery of the cryogens. Special flasks that are non-pressurised are available in the market. They have a loosely fitting cap that allows for the escape of excess pressure but keeps moisture out of the vessel.
It is important that one puts on protective clothing. The clothing should be made out of natural fibres and must be well-fitting. It should cover the hands as well as the feet. If the substance penetrates the clothing, the clothing should be removed immediately and through washing done. A face mask or goggles may help protect the face.
Cryogenic gases have a wide range of applications. They are, however, very dangerous if not properly handled. Understanding the precautions required is very important. Ensure that you always read the instructions on how to use them. If anything is unclear, make sure that you consult.
There are many uses for the cryogens. In the medical field, they are commonly in cryosurgery. Here, they help in treatment of cancer by destroying some of the malignant cells. They are also used in the preservation of both animal and human tissues for future use. Some reactions are associated with production of heat and the cryogens help in the maintenance of a lower temperature.
There are a number of health hazards associated with the use and storage of the cryogens. One of them is that the cryogenist or any other person that handles these products is exposed to very cold temperatures that may cause tissue injury. The resultant damage is similar to that caused by a thermal burn. Delicate mucosal membranes such as the conjunctiva are the most vulnerable. Affected parts of the skin characteristically appear waxy yellow.
The other risk is that there is an increased chance for asphyxiation. The gases are heavier than air and do not disperse as easily as ordinary air. As a result, they accumulate close to the floor and displace ordinary air which contains oxygen. This is what results in asphyxiation especially in enclosed spaces. The other mechanism for this problem is that lungs may be damaged. Other substances are simply toxic in nature.
Most of the cryogens are highly flammable especially if allowed to rapidly expand. Highly flammable gases include hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. The mixture between hydrogen and ordinary air is in particular very flammable and should be handled carefully. The other cryogen considered to be equally as dangerous in this regard is liquid oxygen. The liquid can cause combustion of materials such as carbon, stainless steel and cast iron.
Due to the many associated risks, one needs to take precautions. Proper thermal insulation prevents ignition. The insulation should be done to the containers and the pipes that are used in the delivery of the cryogens. Special flasks that are non-pressurised are available in the market. They have a loosely fitting cap that allows for the escape of excess pressure but keeps moisture out of the vessel.
It is important that one puts on protective clothing. The clothing should be made out of natural fibres and must be well-fitting. It should cover the hands as well as the feet. If the substance penetrates the clothing, the clothing should be removed immediately and through washing done. A face mask or goggles may help protect the face.
Cryogenic gases have a wide range of applications. They are, however, very dangerous if not properly handled. Understanding the precautions required is very important. Ensure that you always read the instructions on how to use them. If anything is unclear, make sure that you consult.
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