Gas Distributors and Specialty Gas Suppliers Are the Key to Technology Companies

The technologies that power laptops, smartphones, LED televisions, and other technologies rely on one hidden ingredient: Gas. Compressed and inert gases help create a pure environment, control the temperature, and carry other substances for a high-quality end product. See how the different gases used play a pivotal role in technology product development and also how they introduce health and safety risks into the workplace. 

Compressed Gases Used in Technology Devices 

The most common compressed gases used in technologies include argon (Ar), helium (He), and nitrogen (N₂). 

Liquid and gas helium have a range of uses in science, laboratory, manufacturing, and technology settings. Within the semiconductor industry, helium keeps the manufacturing environment pure so that no unwanted chemical reactions occur. Since helium conducts heat efficiently, it stabilizes the temperature when silicon is introduced in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Helium's ability to cool quickly aids in a range of uses, from chilling semiconductor wafers to keeping an MRI magnet cool.  

Nitrogen (N₂₎ gas aids with the liquidous stage of semiconductor manufacturing, where the solder is wetting the surface to create a good bond. Since nitrogen flushes out oxygen, it's also used during the purging process. 

Some semiconductor manufacturing facilities have opted for nitrogen generations onsite rather than N₂ delivery from a commercial gas supplier. Since nitrogen is one component of air, it can be distilled for purity onsite using a generator. 

Like helium (He) and nitrogen, argon or Ar is inert. This gas is introduced in the sputtering phase of semiconductor manufacturing. Since argon maintains a highly pure environment, it prevents silicon crystals used in semiconductors from developing impurities. 

To source these gases, semiconductor, LED, and other manufacturers turn to compressed gas providers, who offer on-demand delivery of combustible gases. The chief gas distributors include Praxair, Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Matheson Tri-gas, and BOC.

The Hidden Dangers of Specialty Gas

While these specialty gases are highly useful, there is a danger associated with their use. Helium, nitrogen, and argon all deplete oxygen from the air. In the manufacturing process, this is a desired trait. Oxygen can cause flaws in the final product. 

Where trouble starts is when leaks occur and the specialty gas escapes into a closed room. Leaks can develop in supply lines, storage canisters, or nitrogen generators. These gases have no scent or color, so employees would not see or smell an argon leak. 

Within minutes of a leak, oxygen levels can fall from typical levels to deficient levels, which means that the air in the environment does not have enough oxygen for respiration. Employees can experience fatigue, dizziness, cognitive confusion, and respiratory distress. A few breathe of oxygen deficient air can render someone unconscious. Once an employee loses consciousness, the risk is death via asphyxiation. 

By tracking levels of oxygen using an oxygen monitor, employers can prevent workplace accidents and injuries and protect the well-being of their employees. An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks oxygen levels 24/7 and provides fast notification if oxygen levels plummet due to an inert gas leak. 

Just as these gases can leak in the semiconductor manufacturing plant, they can leak at the gas distributor as well. Leaks arise when storage equipment and supply lines develop holes, when storage dewars are not properly sealed, or when the equipment is used in a manner for which it was not originally intended or designed.

While end manufacturers are well aware of the risks of an oxygen deficient environment, there is less talk of the need for protection in gas distribution facilities. Wherever He, Ar, and N₂ are used or stored, oxygen monitors should be installed as a precaution. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Works

An oxygen deficiency monitor has a built-in alarm to provide LED and sound alert when oxygen levels fall to the critical defined threshold, which is 19.5 percent. PureAire's monitors work in confined spaces, including basements and freezers, and function at temperatures of -40 C. PureAire's oxygen monitors are built to withstand 10+ years of use without subjectivity to barometric pressure shifts or temperature changes. The zirconium sensor needs no annual maintenance or calibration.

If you're looking for a reliable product that is easy to use out of the box, consider PureAire's O₂ monitor. Learn more about PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitor or read customer testimonials at https://www.pureairemonitoring.com or www.oxygenmonitors.com

Source:

http://summitsourcefunding.com/blog/helium-is-a-critical-part-electronics-supply-chain 
https://www.onsitegas.com/semi-conductor-nitrogen.html

Crispr and the Editing of Genes: To Help Revolutionize Biomedical Science

Scientists from MIT and Harvard University are placing their faith in a gene editing tool that may revolutionize the treatment of deadly diseases. CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, has the potential to unlock the next generation of treatments for conditions like cancer, ALS, or Alzheimer's. Learn how CRISPR is poised to change genome editing and biomedicine over the next few decades.

How Does CRISPR Work? 

Bacteria within the body have their own innate intelligence -- the fascination with the microbiome being one example of this scientific principle.

Scientists observed that bacteria was able to fight infections by retaining a slice of DNA from invading viruses, so they could recognize if the virus returned and mount a faster defense. If the intruder returns, the body's natural CRISPR goes after it. Scientists were able to create their own CRISPR, which they can use to edit genes.

You may remember all genes contain chemical basis, referred to by the letters C, G, A, or T. A genetic typo creates markers for disease. Scientists can search for specific bad combinations using CRISPR -- for instance, the gene that would cause ALS -- and then slice out the faulty gene and replace it with something innocuous. By doing this before someone gets sick, the theory goes, CRISPR can save lives. 

Already, scientists are using CRISPR to breed mosquitos that cannot transmit malaria, an application that would save thousands of lives. Others are working to create a stronger rice plant that can withstand floods and drought caused by climate change.

There are a few examples that illustrate the power of CRISPR.

Scientists are still figuring out the true potential of this genome editing tool, however, there is great promise and great enthusiasm for CRISPR's potential from scientists across the globe. In the meantime, laboratory workers must preserve genes and tissue samples for vitality using a nitrogen freezer.

Keeping Tissue Safe in the Laboratory Setting

Nitrogen freezers maintain ultralow temperatures of -150 to -200 Celsius. When genetic material is frozen at such a low temperature, it goes to sleep. The material can be thawed and reanimated for use in the lab setting. Along with low temperatures, the key to maintaining the vitality of the tissue is a slow freeze and thaw. If cells were to freeze too quickly, their cell membranes would burst. The same holds true for thawing frozen tissue. Thus, nitrogen freezers are a mainstay of the lab setting because they provide a reliable, efficient way to keep genomic materials chilled until use.

Any time nitrogen is used, there is a risk of accident if the nitrogen leaks or spills. Nitrogen does not have a color, scent, or odor, which means lab workers wouldn't notice a leak -- although they might notice if, say, the freezer door did not fully close.

Like other inert gases, nitrogen displaces oxygen. If the nitrogen freezer were to leak, the laboratory could lose so much oxygen that workers would experience respiratory distress. To safeguard against a leak, laboratories must use an oxygen deficiency monitor.

An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks the level of oxygen in the lab through constant monitoring. Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, this monitor can detect a gas leak by noting falling levels of oxygen. A digital display indicates the current amount of oxygen in the room, providing assurance for lab staff that everything is working as it should. If oxygen falls to the critical threshold as defined by OSHA, an alarm goes off. Lab workers can exit the premises and wait for emergency personnel to respond.

PureAire creates robust oxygen monitors trusted within the scientific and biomedical communities. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors work in freezing temperatures and confined spaces, remain accurate despite barometric pressure shifts, and last 10 or more years without calibration. 

To learn more about PureAire's products, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com

sited sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-the-gene-editing-tool-revolutionizing-biomedical-research/

https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/cell-culture-protocols/freezing-cells.html

NASA's Uses the Largest Airborne Telescope Observatory in the World

NASA's latest project, a joint collaboration with the German Aerospace Center, breaks new ground for scientific discoveries. The new Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (or SOFIA, as it's known) makes use of a modified Boeing aircraft and a reflecting telescope to enable spatial observations far more detailed than anything a land-based telescope could see. Get a sneak peak inside SOFIA and learn how an O₂ monitor plays a pivotal role in keeping SOFIA safe. 

SOFIA's Mission 

The airplane that powers SOFIA is a short-body 747, which is capable of burning through 3,600 gallons of jet fuel per hour. The plane has been extensively modified to support its new mission, which is to observe the universe using the infrared spectrum of light. This is light that is invisible to the human eye. Interestingly, many objects within space emit only infrared light, meaning that astronomers cannot perceive them with the naked eye. 

SOFIA uses a lot of specialized equipment to make these infrared emissions visible. The telescope on board has a 100-inch diameter. The instrument panel contains cameras, spectrometers, and photometers which operate along near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths to study different scientific phenomena. 

The telescope must be kept clean and properly chilled to see the infrared light. Bathing the telescope in liquid nitrogen keeps it properly chilled, so the telescope can detect midrange and far-out light sources. Nitrogen is used for both of these purposes because it is cost-effective, readily available, and will not damage the sensitive equipment. 

SOFIA will allow astronomers to observe star birth, star death, black holes, and nebulae. It's difficult to forecast what other findings SOFIA may facilitate. 

In some cases, distant objects are blocked by clouds of space dust, much like the sun can become blocked by clouds.  While the space dust prevents these far-off objects from being seem, their infrared energy still reaches SOFIA's powerful telescope. By studying the infrared light captured on SOFIA's instruments, astronomers can learn about new phenomena and come to a better understanding of complex spatial molecules, new solar systems, planets, and more. 

Why SOFIA Needs an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor 

One small but mighty piece of equipment onboard the special aircraft is an oxygen deficiency monitor. SOFIA's powerful telescope must be cooled with liquid nitrogen. The nitrogen storage tank is located inside the crew department. 

Nitrogen gas is heavier than oxygen. In the event of a leak, the nitrogen would actually displace oxygen molecules, causing the cabin air to become deficient of oxygen.

Oxygen-deficient air causes respiratory and cognitive problems within minutes, leading to death via asphyxiation. Since this gas has no color or odor, there is no way the crew can tell there is a leak onboard. This is where the O₂ monitor comes in: By taking continuous readouts of cabin oxygen, the oxygen monitor allows staff to check ambient oxygen levels at a glance. Staff receive peace of mind that everything is operating smoothly as well as a fast alert if oxygen approaches hazardous levels due to a leak of nitrogen gas. 

If a nitrogen leak does occur, the plane must make an emergency landing—aborting the mission to save the life of the personnel onboard. If something goes wrong while SOFIA is in flight, and the aircraft has to land before the mission is complete, the cost of wasted fuel is (pardon the pun) astronomical. 

Since there is so much riding on the oxygen monitor, NASA needed a reliable product, one that would not drift from changes in barometric pressure. While there are many oxygen deficiency monitors, several products on the market are sensitive to barometric pressure shifts. PureAire offers hardy O₂ monitors that are capable of maintaining reliable performance despite barometric changes. 

Our O₂ monitor lasts for 10 or more years after installation with no maintenance required, thanks to a robust zirconium sensor that outperforms the competition. After installation, our oxygen deficiency monitor needs no calibration to continue working accurately. If there is a nitrogen leak, the oxygen deficiency monitor provides two built-in alarms, which operate at 90 decibels. These alarms—which correlate to 19.5 percent and 18.0 percent oxygen—provide the SOFIA crew with sufficient notification of any problems, so they can return to safety. 

It's thrilling to have our products be a part of such a vital mission, and we cannot wait to see what new discoveries SOFIA facilitates. Closer to home, PureAire supports clients in a range of industries with high-value, long-lasting oxygen monitors suitable for use anywhere they are needed. Learn more about PureAire's products at pureairemonitoring.com.

Source

https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/12295/why-do-some-space-telescopes-require-cooling-sometimes-down-to-3k

Chlorine Safety and Prevention: How to Protect Yourself from Chlorine Leaks

While chlorine gas is widely used in swimming pools, water treatment facilities, cleaning products, pharmaceutical products, and in many other industries, the gas is highly toxic when handled improperly. Training your workers on how to safely use chlorine is one part of health and safety best practices; monitoring your workplace for chlorine leaks is another. Learn about the hidden dangers in this common substance and how you can stay safe. 

The "Hidden Dangers" of Chlorine 

So many everyday things that you see and touch have come into contact with chlorine. The substance is a common cleaner and disinfectant because it is easy to use and inexpensive. Chlorine is also used in agricultural pesticides, in the manufacturing of drugs, in wastewater treatment facilities and the sanitizing of everyday drinking water, in paper manufacturing, in hospitality swimming pools and spas, and in many other products. No matter where it is being used, chlorine must be properly handled by all staff at all times. 

At room temperature, high chlorine levels are toxic. If chlorine gas comes into contact with substances including ammonia, ether, hydrogen, and turpentine, it can combust. Since this gas can cause breathing problems, it is dangerous to individuals with respiratory problems including asthma. 
The gas is yellowish at room temperature and has a distinct odor, so staff will be able to see and smell the substance. While this does aid in awareness of chlorine leaks, it is not sufficient to trust that your staff will see or smell leaked chlorine and leave. 

Employees exposed to chlorine can experience eye damage, coughing, choking, frostbite on the skin, and respiratory problems. In a worst case scenario, staff can die from suffocation due to sustained chlorine exposure. 

Fortunately, fixed gas monitors are an efficient way to protect staff from a chlorine leak. 

How PureAire Universal Gas Detectors Protect You From Chlorine Leaks

At PureAire, we offer universal gas monitors that protect against chlorine and other gases. PureAire's universal gas detectors are compact and designed for wall mounting in areas where you store or work with gases. Once installed, these detectors continually performs gas detection and monitoring. The maximum acceptable level of chlorine that workers can be exposed to, per OSHA regulations, is 1.0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine is considered to be "Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health" when levels reach 10 ppm. As long as levels of chlorine remain below the acceptable safe level of 1.0 ppm, the detector is silent. Yet if gas leaks out and levels rise above the maximum acceptable level, the PureAire gas detector will sound an alert and flash a light so that staff will see or hear the alarm. 

Staff can then have enough time to stop what they are doing, exit the premises, and wait for emergency responders to contain the chlorine leak. When staff are alerted as soon as levels exceed those deemed safe, they can get out of the building before succumbing to chlorine-related health hazards. 

The universal gas monitor from PureAire protects against toxic gases including chlorine, hydrogen chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, and other gases. Once installed, the PureAire detector will last for more than seven years without requiring any maintenance. If you seek a safe solution that delivers peace of mind and effective protection from chlorine leaks, PureAire's fixed gas monitor is a cost-effective, reliable option. 

Capable of chlorine gas detection in temperatures as low as -25 Fahrenheit up to to 22 Fahrenheit (-32 C to 50 C), these gas detectors offer flexible gas monitoring for visible and invisible toxins. PureAire's universal gas monitor is also water resistant and capable of detecting gases within a 30-foot range. 

Since PureAire's detectors have such a long lifespan, they are a convenient way to address gas leaks in the workplace. An optional long life renewable sensor extends the lifespan of these gas monitors by recharging the battery. 

After you install the gas monitor, your staff can work with chlorine and other gases with the certainty of knowing that their safety is protected. To protect your workers and your business assets, look to PureAire. View their fixed gas monitor or learn more at http://www.pureairemonitoring.com.