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 numerous uses for cryogens. In medicine, they are used in the field of cryosurgery in the reduction of malignant cells. They help to preserve human tissues for future use. Some reactions generate a lot of heat and the cryogens are used in the cooling process. For instance, the manufacture of drugs such as statins relies heavily on the use of the cryogens.
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.
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.
It is important that put on personal protective clothing at all times. The clothes must also be maintained clean and dry at all times. They should be well-fitting and cover arms and legs. If the material penetrates your gloves, remove them as soon as possible. For protection of the eyes and the face, googles or a facial shield should be used.
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 numerous uses for cryogens. In medicine, they are used in the field of cryosurgery in the reduction of malignant cells. They help to preserve human tissues for future use. Some reactions generate a lot of heat and the cryogens are used in the cooling process. For instance, the manufacture of drugs such as statins relies heavily on the use of the cryogens.
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.
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.
It is important that put on personal protective clothing at all times. The clothes must also be maintained clean and dry at all times. They should be well-fitting and cover arms and legs. If the material penetrates your gloves, remove them as soon as possible. For protection of the eyes and the face, googles or a facial shield should be used.
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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