Understanding Purity Grades of Speciality Gases

Gas purity is an important factor in the field of specialty gases. From processing and purification to storage and usage, the purity of the gases is carefully monitored and maintained to achieve optimal results. The purity of these gases is marked by grades or ratings for easy identification.

So, what exactly are these purity grades?

Understanding the Grading System

Purity grades classify gases based on the impurities present in a measured amount of pure gases. Impurities do not necessarily have to be physical contamination or hazardous substances. They are any substances other than the intended molecule or compound in the mixture.

Purity grades help in selecting the right gas mixtures for specific applications. High-purity gases with fewer impurities are usually used in sensitive processes to yield the desired results.

What are Gas Purity Grades in Speciality Gases?

The purity of gases is indicated by various terms across different industries. In the specialty domain, the purity of gases is conveyed by numeric values like Grade 4.0, Grade 5.0, and Grade 6.0.

Let us break down the meaning.

The numbers in the grade simply denote the number of nines present in the percentage of the gas purity.

• Grade 4.0 = 99.99% pure
• Grade 5.0 = 99.999% pure
• Grade 6.0 = 99.9999% pure

Grade 4.0 gases are used in less critical applications where minimal impurities are acceptable, while gases with Grade 6.0 are ideal for ultra-sensitive processes.

Sometimes, you may see grades with decimal points like 4.5 or 5.6. These decimals are used when there are other numerals besides nines.

• Grade 4.5 = 99.995% pure
• Grade 5.6 = 99.9996% pure

Simply put, the whole numbers denote the number of nines, while the decimal value indicates the exact number present in the purity percentage.

Finding the Impurities Level

Purity grades also help to find the impurities level in a particular gas mixture. Here is a simple formula for finding the impurities level:

Impurity = 100% - purity percentage

For example, for Grade 5.0

Impurity = 100% - 99.999% = 0.001%

This tiny amount of impurity can make a significant difference in high-precision applications.

Types of Impurities

1. Moisture

Moisture is the most common impurity due to its abundance in the atmosphere. It can affect extremely sensitive processes by interfering with reactions. In electronics, moisture can lead to oxidation and failure of components. In pharmaceuticals, it can cause the degradation of active ingredients.

2. Oxygen

Oxygen impacts reactive processes, particularly in electronics and chemical manufacturing. In inert environments, the presence of oxygen can cause unwanted reactions, leading to product defects or safety hazards.

During usage, if the high-purity gases are found to be contaminated with traces of oxygen or air components, it could indicate a leak in the system.

3. Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons can come from lubricants or environmental contamination. In analytical labs, hydrocarbons can interfere with gas chromatography and other sensitive measurements.

4. Other Trace Gases

Impurities like CO and CO2 can affect the purity and performance of the gas. For instance, CO can interfere with catalytic processes, while CO2 can affect pH levels in aqueous solutions.

Monitoring and controlling these trace gases is important for sensitive applications using advanced filtration and purification technologies.

Effects of Impurities

The types of impurities present in a particular gas can vary widely based on multiple factors such as production and purification processes, transportation, or storage. However, specific impurities can entirely disrupt the process for the user.

Some negative effects of specific impurities include:

Corrosion: Moisture and other reactive gases can corrode equipment, leading to leaks and failures.

Inaccurate Analytical Results: Certain impurities can distort results, making it difficult to obtain reliable data, even if they do not pose safety issues.

Process Inefficiencies: Contaminated gases can slow down or disturb processes, reducing overall efficiency.

Contamination: Impurities can contaminate end products such as food, beverages, or drugs, leading to quality issues and safety concerns.

GCE's Equipment Grades

Choosing the right equipment to contain and control high-purity gases is extremely crucial. Faulty or incompatible equipment can lead to contamination of pure gases or, worse, put the handlers at risk of exposure to hazardous gases.

GCE Speciality brands offer a range of equipment, categorized by application and purity grade for easy identification:

Druva Series

PUR

The Druva PUR Series is designed for high-purity specialty applications, including sensitive industries such as analytical laboratories, semiconductors, automotive, petrochemical, and laser and plasma welding. These central gas supply systems ensure precise control and safe handling of ultra-pure gases.

TEC

The Druva TEC Series offers a broad range of regulators and gas control solutions tailored for industrial central gas and distribution systems. Key applications include chemical processing, CNG, fire suppression, diving, food and beverage, marine, aerospace, and general fabrication.

LAB

The Druva LAB Series boasts gas control equipment focused on laboratory environments requiring high-precision gas control.

Gasarc Equipment Grades

Tech Master

Gas Purity: Grade 4.5 (99.995%)

The Tech Master series features brass barstock construction, making it robust and durable. This range of equipment is designed for general industrial use and is suitable for handling non-corrosive and toxic gases. It is ideal for processes where high purity is important but not critical.

Lab Master

Gas Purity: Grade 5.0 (99.999%)

The Lab Master series showcases nickel-plated brass barstock construction for enhanced durability. The equipment in this range can handle non-corrosive and toxic gases. It is perfect for laboratory environments that require high-purity gases for accurate analyses.

Spec Master

Gas Purity: Grade 6.0 (99.9999%)

The Spec Master series boasts nickel-plated brass barstock construction. This range of equipment is designed for non-corrosive and toxic gases and is intended for ultra-high purity applications. Industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and advanced research rely on this level of purity.

Chem Master

Gas Purity: Grade 6.0 (99.9999%)

The Chem Master series is designed for handling the most demanding gases. The equipment in this series is constructed from 316L stainless steel, providing superior resistance to rusting. It is ideal for handling corrosive and toxic gases, making it suitable for chemical processing and other challenging environments.

Matching the purity level of your gas with the appropriate equipment is crucial. Consider the risk around the type of gas, whether corrosive or hazardous, and select the devices that can handle it.

The right equipment helps maintain product quality, ensure accurate results, and ensure a secure working environment. By choosing the right purity grade of gases and equipment, you can avoid costly mistakes, improve productivity, and ensure the highest standards in your industry.