Argon ISO tank rental – Argon (UN1951)

• Colourless and odourless gas.
• Non-reactive (inert).
• Asphyxiant in high concentrations.
• Gas density is heavier than air.

The most common source of argon is an air separation plant. Air contains approx. 0.93% (vol.) argon. A crude argon stream containing up to 5% oxygen is removed from the main air separation column via a secondary (“side-arm”) column. The crude argon is then further purified to produce the various commercial grades required. Argon may also be recovered from the exhaust streams of certain ammonia plants.

Argon is one of the most common carrier gases in gas chromatography. Argon is used as a carrier gas in sputtering, plasma etching and ion implantations and as a blanket atmosphere in crystal growth.

Argon is also the choice gas for ICP spectroscopy (Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy). One of the most common applications of argon, either pure or in various mixtures, is as a shielding gas for arc welding.

Many Geiger-counting tubes contain argon or argon mixed with organic vapours or other gases, for example, 10% methane in argon.

Argon is one of the principal gases used for filling incandescent (filament) lamps, generally in a mixture with nitrogen, krypton or neon, for phosphorescent tubes in mixtures with neon, helium and mercury vapour and for thyratron radio tubes, in mixtures with neon.

The argon-oxygen decarburising (AOD) process is the most common method of refining stainless steel and uses large quantities of both gases supplied either in liquid form or via pipeline from an on-site plant.

The pharmaceutical industry uses argon to displace oxygen in the top of intravenous drug containers, extending product shelf-life. Liquid argon is used in cryosurgery, e.g. cryoablation, to destroy cancer cells. Argon, R-740, is used in gas mixtures for non-CFC ultra-low temperature refrigeration applications.

• Argon is used in atomic absorption spectrometry as a blanket gas in the graphite furnace.
• It is used in blends with, for example, fluorine and helium excimer lasers.
• Argon is used as an insulation gas in high-efficiency multipane windows to improve thermal insulation.
• Argon is used in the iron and steel industry to prevent oxidation of molten metals and alloys and for degassing and desulphurization of molten steel and iron baths.
• In a mixture with hydrogen, it is often used as a protective atmosphere for the heat treatment of certain metals, particularly those which are susceptible to nitriding when treated in a nitrogen-based atmosphere.
• This includes stainless steels and many different specialised and, therefore, small-scale applications.
• Argon is used for wine preservation to eliminate air using heavier argon to prevent oxidation and extend the product quality for opened bottles and barrels.
• Argon is used, sometimes in combination with nitrogen, to inflate airbags.
• Argon is used, often in combination with nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide, as a clean fire-extinguishing gas since the inert properties do not damage any materials extinguished.
• Argon is used in the laboratory as a purge gas or balance gas in gas mixtures.

Bofort offers hire and rental services of cryogenic ISO tank container equipment. Our clients are specialized gas transportation companies, cryogenic gas manufacturers, both on- and offshore nitrogen service companies and other end-users.

We build to specifications and offer maximum flexibility to our clients. All of our equipment is suitable to carry and store gases in their liquid state, such as liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid argon (LAR).

Whilst recognizing the need to have dedicated equipment for specific trades and products, most of our equipment is also suitable to carry and store carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), ethylene, ethane and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

We keep a stock of argon ISO tank containers at designated depots to cater to short-term needs in the market including argon ISO tank leasing, temporary argon storage and mobile argon storage. Rental periods: 1 week to 6 months.

We offer UN1951 liquid argon ISO tank container rental services under medium and long-term operating lease structures for clients looking for operational and financial flexibility.

Argon ISO tank container leasing services are also available via finance. Our tailor-made finance lease structures on selected cryogenic tank equipment accommodate clients’ specific capital structure needs and requirements.

Coupled with its cryogenic tank container rental and leasing services, Bofort is also able to advise on and arrange lease structures for specialist cryogenic equipment such as pumps and vaporizers.