Rare gases are a general term for gases such as helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). In the past, people believed that these gases did not react with other substances, so they were also called "inert gases".
In fact, although these gases do not account for a high proportion in the air, they are indispensable in our modern life. In this issue, Jiayuan will talk about their common uses.
1. As protective gas
Because the chemical properties of rare gases are very inactive, argon is often used as a shielding gas to isolate the air when welding precision parts or active metals (such as magnesium and aluminum) to prevent the metal from reacting with other substances at high temperatures.
Iridium, the nuclear fuel of nuclear reactors, which oxidizes rapidly in the air, also needs to be machined under the protection of argon.
In order to extend the service life of the light bulb, adding argon gas into the light bulb can reduce the evaporation of the tungsten filament and prevent the tungsten filament from oxidation.
2. As an electric light source
Rare gases emit light of different colors when electricity is applied. The world's first neon light was made of neon. The red light emitted by neon has strong transmittance in the air and can pass through thick fog. Therefore, neon lights are often used as beacons in airports, ports, and water and land transportation routes. Argon or helium is filled into the tube, which emits light of light blue or light red when electricity is applied. Filling a mixture of helium, neon, and argon with different contents into the tube can make colorful neon lights.
The commonly used fluorescent lamp is made by filling a small amount of mercury and argon gas in the lamp tube and applying fluorescent material (such as calcium halophosphate) on the inner wall. When the power is turned on, the discharge of mercury vapor generates ultraviolet rays in the tube, which stimulates the fluorescent material to emit visible light similar to sunlight, so it is also called a fluorescent lamp.
When powered on, a high-voltage long-arc lamp filled with xenon can emit strong light that is tens of thousands times stronger than a fluorescent lamp. Therefore, it is called an "artificial little sun" and can be used for squares, stadiums, airports and other lighting. Neon lights, krypton gas, and xenon gas can also be used in laser technology.
3. Medical treatment
Xenon lamps have high ultraviolet radiation and are used in medical technology. Xenon gas dissolves in cell oil, causing cell anesthesia and swelling, thereby temporarily stopping the action of nerve endings and achieving anesthesia. As an anesthetic without side effects, people have tried a mixture of 80% xenon and 20% oxygen.
Isotopes of krypton and xenon are also used to measure cerebral blood flow, etc.
4. Making Artificial Air
Helium and oxygen are mixed into artificial air, which divers can breathe. Because in the deep sea with greater pressure, if you breathe with ordinary air, more nitrogen will be dissolved in the blood. When the diver rises from the deep sea and gradually restores the normal pressure in the body, the nitrogen dissolved in the blood should be released to form bubbles, blocking the microvessels and causing "gas stasis". The solubility of helium in the blood is much lower than that of nitrogen. If the above phenomenon does not occur, but the ordinary air is replaced by a mixture of helium and oxygen (artificial air).
5. Inflation
Helium is the lightest gas besides hydrogen. Hydrogen is flammable and explosive, while helium is a colorless, odorless, inert gas. It is chemically inactive. Generally speaking, it is difficult to react with other substances. Helium has been used to fill balloons and airships instead of hydrogen.
6. Can produce a variety of mixed gas lasers
Helium-neon laser is one of them. Helium-neon mixed gas is sealed in a special quartz tube. Under the encouragement of an external high-frequency oscillator, inelastic collisions occur between atoms of the mixed gas, and energy transfer occurs between the stimulated atoms, resulting in electronic transitions and emitting stimulated radiation waves and near-infrared light corresponding to the transitions. Helium-neon lasers can be used for measurement and communication.
7. Low temperature
The boiling point of liquid helium is -269℃, which is the most difficult to liquefy of all gases. Using liquid helium, ultra-low temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.15℃) can be achieved. Liquid helium is an ordinary liquid with the properties of ordinary liquids. Liquid helium below 2.2 thousand is a superfluid with many abnormal properties. For example, it has superconductivity and low viscosity. Its viscosity is 1% of the viscosity of hydrogen. Liquid helium can flow upward along the inner wall of the container and then slowly flow along the outer wall of the container. This phenomenon is of great significance to the research and verification of quantum theory.
In today's era of rapid technological development, rare gases have been widely used in many fields due to their unique and excellent properties. Whether in the lighting industry, they provide us with bright and energy-saving light sources; or in the electronic chip manufacturing process, they serve as key protective gases and etching gases to help produce high-precision chips; or in the medical field, they play an indispensable role in specific diagnostic and treatment methods; and in high-end technological frontiers such as aerospace, they provide guarantees for the stable operation of various precision instruments and equipment. Rare gases are everywhere, and their value is immeasurable. If you are eager to learn more about rare gas products and accurately grasp their application trends, you are sincerely welcome to come to our company for a detailed discussion . Our company has a professional team and rich industry experience, and can provide you with comprehensive and detailed rare gas products .
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