The air we breathe is a mixture of various gases, each with its own unique properties that are invaluable for so many industrial processes and medical therapies.
Known as atmospheric gases, the components of air include:
Air also contains a number of rare gases such as xenon, krypton and neon. Although the ratio of this life-sustaining mixture has varied over time, the components have remained unchanged for many millions of years.
Separating the Gases
The main atmospheric gases – oxygen, nitrogen and argon – and the rare gases are generally captured by reducing the temperature of air until each component liquefies and can be separated. Carbon dioxide is usually recovered as a by-product of various industrial processes, in chemicals and refining in particular.
As a pioneer in cryogenic air separation, we have gained unparalleled know-how in the design and construction of air separation units (ASUs).
Reactivity
The majority of atmospheric gases are classified as unreactive or inert, and it is only the oxidising gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, that react readily with other elements.