Why and How to Monitor Argon Purity in Industrial Applications?

Argon is an essential gas in many industrial sectors. Its chemical inertness makes it a key element for sensitive applications such as air separation units, metallurgy and semiconductor manufacturing. However, even the slightest impurity can affect material quality and undermine process efficiency. For this reason, maintaining rigorous control over argon purity at every stage of its use is not just is essential for ensuring optimal performance and flawless results. In this article, we will explore why argon purity is vital and how gas analysers help detect and eliminate the smallest contaminants.

The Role of Argon in Industry

Argon is used in a wide range of industrial applications where its inertness and stability are major advantages:

• Welding and additive manufacturing: Argon protects molten metals from oxidation and atmospheric contamination, ensuring clean and durable welds.  
• Semiconductors and electronics: Argon is used in vacuum deposition chambers and etching processes, where an ultra-pure atmosphere is critical to avoid defects in components.  
• Metallurgy and heat treatment: In the production of metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, argon prevents the formation of oxides and nitrides, improving alloy quality.  
• Chemical and pharmaceutical industries: Argon is used as a carrier gas in some reactions and to preserve the stability of substances sensitive to oxygen.  

However, contaminated argon can cause irreversible defects, compromising the quality of finished products.

Which Impurities Should Be Monitored in Industrial Argon?

Even in small quantities, certain impurities can significantly impact industrial processes.

Oxygen  

As the primary cause of metal oxidation and semiconductor degradation, oxygen must be strictly controlled to avoid defects and corrosion in sensitive industrial environments. Its maximum recommended threshold is < 0.1 ppm.

Hydrogen 

Although inert under some conditions, excessive hydrogen can cause issues in welding and semiconductor manufacturing. It may also alter the mechanical properties of certain materials by promoting metal embrittlement. Its maximum recommended threshold is < 0.05 ppm.

Nitrogen  

Nitrogen can affect weld quality and alloy production by altering material fusion. In semiconductor industries, it may introduce contamination in deposition and etching chambers. Its maximum recommended threshold is < 0.1 ppm.

Methane and hydrocarbons (CH₄, NMHC)  

Present as organic contaminants, these can alter the composition of gases used in manufacturing processes and generate unwanted residues, particularly in semiconductor industries and vacuum deposition processes. Their maximum recommended threshold is < 0.05 ppm.

Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (CO, CO₂)  

Carbon monoxide can interfere with chemical reactions and cause defects in metals during heat treatments. It is also undesirable in welding processes, as it can destabilise the metal bath. Its maximum recommended threshold is < 2 ppm.  

Carbon dioxide can affect weld quality and alter the reactivity of industrial processes involving neutral gases. Controlling its presence is crucial to avoid unwanted contamination in high-purity environments. Its maximum recommended threshold is < 0.8 ppm.

Detecting these impurities with precision is essential to ensure the quality and performance of industrial applications.

Orthodyne’s Analysis Solutions: How to Ensure Ultra-Pure Argon?

Orthodyne offers advanced technologies to provide precise and efficient impurity analysis in argon, ensuring optimal purity. Two key solutions stand out: the DID 500/Ar and the ORTHOSmart, both using argon as the carrier gas.

DID 500/Ar  

The DID 500/Ar is specifically designed for autonomous and fast use, making deployment simple and intuitive. It measures H₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄ and CO impurities using a detection chamber that analyses variations in argon plasma luminescence.

Key advantages:  

• Guaranteed resolution up to 0.05 ppm (detection limit)
• Advanced chromatographic technology for complete impurity separation
• User-friendly touchscreen interface with integrated software for direct concentration display  
• Remote control features via Ethernet or Internet
• Auto-calibration programming, ideal for unattended installations  
• Adjustable temperature alarms and settings for maximum flexibility

The DID 500/Ar is ideal for routine analyses in environments requiring precision and speed. It is particularly suited for:  

• Air separation plants.  
• Cryogenic loading stations for trucks.  
• Specialty gas laboratories.  
• Industrial process control.  
• Steel industry.  

ORTHOSmart  

The ORTHOSmart represents the next generation of gas chromatographs developed by Orthodyne. Based on advanced ADED technology, it measures not only H₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO but also CO₂ and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), replacing FID technology. With integrated detection filters, the ORTHOSmart ensures increased sensitivity and selectivity.

Distinct advantages:  

• Detection of impurities at ppb levels thanks to ADED technology
• No need for combustible gases like hydrogen, reducing risks and associated costs
• Reduced operating costs through the exclusive use of argon as the carrier gas 
• Remote accessibility via Ethernet/Internet with Profibus/Modbus compatibility
• High performance with improved linearity and reduced interference compared to conventional plasma detectors  
• Fast response time and flexible configurations to cover a wide range of measurements

The ORTHOSmart is designed for sectors requiring advanced analyses and high versatility:  

• Air separation units.  
• Specialty gas laboratories.  
• Industrial process control.  
• Beverage industries.  
• Steel industry.  
• Helium liquefaction plants.  
• Semiconductor manufacturing.  

Ensuring the purity of argon is not just a technical necessity, it is a cornerstone for the success of many industrial applications. The presence of even the smallest impurities can lead to costly defects and compromised processes. With solutions like the DID 500/Ar and ORTHOSmart, Orthodyne offers cutting-edge tools to guarantee ultra-pure argon, tailored to the specific needs of diverse industries.

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