Low - temperature gases are commonly used in many industries. Among them, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is well - known. LNG is obtained by cooling natural gas to - 162 °C. Besides LNG, there are also other liquefied gases such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquefied carbon dioxide, and liquefied butane.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is primarily composed of methane. Through a cooling process, natural gas is transformed into a liquid state at - 162 °C. This drastic reduction in temperature shrinks its volume significantly, about 600 - fold compared to its gaseous state. This makes it more convenient for long - distance transportation and large - scale storage. It is widely used as a clean energy source in power generation, heating, and as a fuel for vehicles in some regions.
Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
Liquid oxygen is oxygen in its liquid form. It is produced by cooling and condensing oxygen gas. With a boiling point of - 183 °C, it appears colorless and extremely cold. In the steel - making industry, it is introduced to boost the combustion process, thereby enhancing production efficiency. In the aerospace field, it serves as a crucial oxidizer for rocket engines, providing the necessary oxygen for fuel combustion to generate thrust.
Liquid Nitrogen (LIN)
Liquid nitrogen is nitrogen in a liquid state. It has a boiling point of - 196 °C. It is colorless, odorless, and non - flammable. Liquid nitrogen finds extensive applications in cryogenic scenarios. In the food industry, it is used for rapid freezing of food products, which helps preserve their freshness, taste, and nutritional value. In the medical field, it is utilized for cryopreservation of biological samples, such as cells, tissues, and even embryos, maintaining their viability for long - term storage.
Liquid Argon (LAR)
Liquid argon is the liquid state of argon, a noble gas. It has a boiling point of - 186 °C. Due to its inert nature, it is used in various industrial processes. In the production of specialty metals and alloys, it creates an inert environment to prevent oxidation during the melting and casting processes. In the semiconductor industry, it is used during crystal growth operations to avoid contamination and ensure the high - quality formation of semiconductor crystals.
