Despite being invisible, industrial gases are an important part of our daily lives and activities, with their remarkable ability to improve the quality, safety, and functionality of numerous products. From preserving food’s freshness to enhancing the production of modern electronic devices, gases are central to ensuring that every item retains the best condition and that every related process works smoothly.

In this blog, we will explore some of the most surprising industrial gas applications you might not know about but that are part of numerous everyday products, such as refrigeration and air conditioning, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food packaging.

“Cooling It Down”: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems are prime examples of how gases are employed to guarantee superior performance and efficiency. Common gases used as refrigerants include ammonia, carbon dioxide, and various fluorocarbons, which are used to cool air; they have the unique capability of absorbing heat from the environment and releasing it elsewhere, resulting in cooling the surrounding areas.

Aside from these applications, nitrogen in air conditioning is extremely common; despite not being a refrigerant, this gas is essential in air-con and large HVAC systems, as it’s used to purge and pressurise them to remove possible contaminants and moisture that can degrade their performance over time.

As we will see in more detail later, gases’ cooling effects and properties are also successfully used in food preservation-related applications. Once again, nitrogen emerges as a key element here; replacing oxygen with nitrogen in packaging locks food items’ freshness and nutritional value, prevents oxidation, and extends their shelf life.

It is then evident how these gases’ contribution to both comfort and food security in our daily lives is priceless. Just think about it: without them, modern conveniences such as air-conditioned homes, offices, and cars would not be possible.

From Beer to Water: How Gases Elevate Beverages

Carbonation of beverages such as beer, sparkling water, and soft drinks is surely one of the most popular and familiar uses of gases in the food industry. It is no surprise that CO2 cylinders and beer gas are some of the most high-demanded products we supply our clients with!

As we know, CO2 is the gas responsible for that nice fizz we feel in carbonated drinks, whether it’s a refreshing stout beer, a mocktail, or a cola. It is also the enabler that makes home carbonation using SodaStream so popular, bringing to life a variety of creative SodaStream recipes.

During the carbonation process, this gas quickly dissolves into the liquid under high pressure, and when this pressure is released (usually by opening the can or bottle), it escapes, creating the bubbles consumers love so much. However, CO2 does much more than this; it also acts like a natural preservative, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi in drinks and extending their lifespan.

If you are a beer lover and want to learn more about how gases elevate homebrew and flavour, check out our blog.

Health Innovations: Gases in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Pharmaceuticals are an industry that is sometimes overlooked when discussing gases and their applications. Here, gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are extremely important as they are involved in various stages of medication manufacturing.

For instance, nitrogen creates an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation and contamination during the production of sensitive medicines. Also, just like in the food industry, this gas is frequently used to displace oxygen in packaging, which helps maintain the stability and efficacy of medications over time.

By using various gas types, the pharmaceutical industry ensures that medications remain effective until their expiration date, safeguarding their quality and, consequentially, patient health.

Using Gases to Fuel Tech Advancements in Electronics

Gases are incredibly central in electronics manufacturing, covering different roles at different production stages.

Hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon are essential, especially in the creation of semiconductors, where processes like chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and plasma etching are essential for producing the extremely complex circuits found in electronic devices. Without the use of these high-purity gases, achieving the necessary precision and performance would be impossible, compromising the accurate performance of various electronic devices.

In addition to this use, industrial gases are critical for cooling and cleaning electronic components, guaranteeing the utmost efficiency and quality. Liquid nitrogen, for example, thanks to its unique properties, is commonly used to cool down equipment and components during their manufacturing. This is particularly relevant to superconductors and other advanced materials that require extremely low temperatures to maintain their properties.

Fresh and Safe: Gases in Food Packaging

As we mentioned earlier, the contribution of gases to the food industry is invaluable. Nitrogen and CO2, in particular, are key to preserving and extending the quality and safety of packaged foods.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a technology that involves altering the composition of gases inside a food package to extend the content’s shelf life. Common gases used in this process not only include nitrogen and food grade CO2, but also oxygen. By carefully controlling the atmosphere around the food, spoilage and microbial growth can be controlled and dramatically reduced.

Nitrogen is the preferred choice in the food sector. As we already know, it is employed to displace oxygen in the packaging of snack foods, preventing oxidation and maintaining freshness. On the other hand, CO2 is often used in packaging for meats and cheeses to stop the growth of bacteria that would compromise their quality and safety for consumers.

Bottle Gases, Your One-Stop Solution for Industrial, Commercial and Hobby Gases

Do you run a business that relies on industrial gases? Or are you simply a homebrewing lover seeking the perfect gas products that allow you to elevate your creations? At Bottle Gases, we have a vast selection of gases tailored for the most diverse applications, whether industrial or at the hobby level. By choosing us, you can rest assured you can benefit from exceptional quality, great customer service, and overall reliability. Browse our gases and contact us today with any questions you might have; we will be happy to assist you.