Specialty gases that are used for special applications in industries that range from aviation to water treatment plants differ from industrial gases in terms of their purity or, more importantly, in terms of their impurities.

These gases primarily are used in two areas: Calibration systems and process control.

Specialty gases include multi-component hydrocarbon mixtures for process control in the petrochemical and refining industries and for the processing of natural gas, environmental mixtures that are used in air emission control and industrial hygiene, calibration mixtures that are used for laboratory analysis, medical gases that are used in hospitals, and pure gases, both atmospheric and chemical, that have individual uses.

Many industry sectors use specialty gases, including the primary and secondary chemical industries, the primary and secondary electronics industries, the food industry, metal smelters, healthcare, mining, steel, pulp and paper, refineries, and universities and research centres.

High-tech industries use extremely precise and sensitive instruments that require pure gases and calibration mixtures that meet increasingly stringent specifications. Other industries are taking advantage of the growing economy to expand manufacturing operations which has stimulated the demand for calibration gases that are used in the areas of process and quality control.

With the adoption of increasingly tighter environmental control standards, specialty gases are expected to see strong growth in this market. In fact, the control of contaminant emissions aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and acid rain is becoming a widespread objective.

Strict controls are being implemented with a view toward optimizing processes and reduce operating costs. To achieve these objectives, a mastery of processes is essential, from raw material to the finished product.

Process control is based on regular verifications, and often on the use of calibration mixtures and ultra-pure gases.

Poor management or control may lead to production losses that may represent several thousands of dollars or the emission of harmful products.

Proven expertise is required

Specialty gas manufacturers must offer an ultra-pure line of products to meet market requirements.

However, the specialty gases that are used in the various industries may be inert, inflammable, toxic, or corrosive.

A number of these gases also are packaged in specially designed, high-pressure cylinders.

In light of this, it is crucial that companies are knowledgeable about the properties of the gases that are used in their manufacturing processes, process controls, and laboratories. To assist users, these gases are labelled in accordance with the applicable rules and standards pertaining to their transport and handling.

To ensure safe handling and to maintain the integrity of the gas, distribution equipment must take into account the properties of the gas, the cylinder pressure, the usage pressure, and the gas flow rate.

Companies such as Air Liquide's Specialty Gas Division offer a wide variety of products and services to meet the growing requirements for these specialty gases.

In a laboratory, the reliability of results depends on the uniform quality of the gases and control equipment that are used in the analysis process from beginning to end, and the gas suppliers help to maintain quality levels, optimize analytical conditions, and simplify the choice of gas supply.

If you are looking for a specialty gas supplier to optimize your operations, it is important to pay attention to the quality and range of the product lines for gas distribution equipment and gases, the precision of calibration mixtures, and the technical support that is provided.

The markets for specialty gases are growing.

The common desires of exercising tighter control over processes and adhering more closely to environmental standards pose special challenges for the gas industry.

Research and development activities aimed at designing increasingly pure gases, developing calibration mixtures that feature stricter preparation tolerances, and achieving lower detection levels for a greater variety of molecules are ongoing.

Thanks to research and development, stakeholders in various market segments are able to increase productivity while complying with current and future standards in a way that is safe for their employees and that will ensure a better quality of life for future generations.