Industrial Gases in Nigeria 2024 Review

Industrial gases are gaseous materials manufactured in various industries; they include Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Argon, Hydrogen, Helium, and Acetylene. They are used in a wide range of industries, which include oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, power, welding, mining, steelmaking, metals, environmental protection, medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food, water, fertilizers, nuclear power, electronics, and aerospace. 

Industrial gases are stored in cylinders which must be protected at all times from industrial heat and ignition sources and isolated from combustibles. It is ideal for storing cylinders outdoors from Operating plants, furnaces, radiators, boilers, and other machinery that produce industrial heat, Refuse, vegetation, and other combustible materials and Smoking areas, work and production areas that generate sparks, personal electronics, and other sources of static electricity.

What are Industrial gases?

Industrial gases are gaseous materials designed to be used in various industries, they remain in gaseous form at standard temperature and pressure they include Nitrogen, oxygen , carbon dioxide Argon, Hydrogen, Helium and Acetylene. They are either elemental gases, chemical compounds made of either organic or inorganic matter, or mixtures of individual gases and generally have low molecular weights.

Review of Industrial gases in Nigeria

Industrial Gases includes Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Argon, Hydrogen, Helium, and Acetylene Oxygen; liquefied petroleum gas is kept in liquid form under high pressure for easy storage and transport, while Carbon Monoxide, Water vapour, and Helium Ozone remain in gaseous form. Find out more on the Industrial Gas Review in Nigeria 2024

1. Argon gas:

Argon is an unreactive, colourless, and odourless gas that can be found in trace amounts in the air we breathe. It is non-reactive, which means that it does not combine or change when it comes into contact with other elements. Argon is also inert, meaning that it is not easily influenced or changed by outside forces. Although argon is not toxic, exposure to high concentrations of the gas can have an asphyxiating effect.

Industrial Application of Argon Gas

Argon is a common gas used in welding and casting, especially for making specialty alloys and manufacturing titanium. It is also used as a shielding gas during arc welding to protect the metal from oxygen.

TIG, or 'tungsten inert gas,' is a welding process that uses argon or argon mixtures. In steel manufacturing, argon is used to reduce chromium losses in a converter, which allows the desired carbon content to be met at a lower temperature. In aluminum manufacturing, argon is used for hydrogen removal and degasification.

2. Acetylene:

Acetylene is a colorless gas with a potent garlic-like scent. When combined with oxygen, it ignites and becomes very hot - making it the hottest fuel gas available. It's also the only fuel gas that can weld steel, which is why it's the preferred choice for welders. Air Source Industries is a trusted provider of acetylene gas for a variety of commercial and industrial applications in Nigeria.

Industrial uses of Acetylene

Acetylene gas is commonly used for welding and cutting in a process known as oxy-fuel cutting. Acetylene is commonly used because it produces the highest flame temperature that, which can reach up to 3,160 degrees Celsius (5,720 degrees Fahrenheit). The flame temperature aids in speeding up the cutting process due to the quick piercing movements and is considered a safe fuel gas to use when handled properly.

During the welding process, Acetylene is known for reducing the area of the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), which is the base area of a piece of metal that has not been melted but altered by the heat. Because of its high temperature and precise cutting ability, Acetylene is the ideal gas for oxy-fuel welding and cutting. With its quality welding abilities, it's the perfect fuel gas to get the job done in a timely and efficient manner, thus saving you money in the long run.

3. Nitrogen:

Nitrogen gas is a colourless and odourless element found in the Earth's atmosphere, and it has a number of different industrial applications. This is because nitrogen has the unique ability to form multiple bonds with other elements and compounds.

This makes compressed nitrogen gas exceptionally versatile, and it can, therefore, be used in many forms across diverse industries.

Industrial uses of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is mostly known for its use in preventing fires and explosions in atmospheres where there might be an abundance of chemical substances or other materials that could easily combust. Many food processing companies choose to use compressed Nitrogen in order to displace the Oxygen that's present when packaging perishable foods. This is done in order to keep the food from going bad too quickly. The shelf life of foods can be extended when oxygen is removed and nitrogen is added. This is because oxygen causes food to spoil while nitrogen acts as a cushion to keep food safe during transport.

Learn more: Nitrogen gas supplier in Nigeria

4. Oxygen:

Oxygen is an essential gas for all living organisms - it's colourless, odourless and tasteless. Animals take in oxygen and convert it to carbon dioxide, while plants use carbon dioxide as a source of carbon. In turn, plants return the oxygen back to the atmosphere.

Industrial uses of Oxygen:

Oxygen has numerous uses in steelmaking and other metals refining and fabrication processes, in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum processing, glass, and ceramic manufacture, and pulp and paper manufacture. It is used for environmental protection in municipal and industrial effluent treatment plants and facilities.

Learn more: Buy online Oxygen gas

5. Helium:

Helium gas has unique properties which makes it valuable gas for many industries, including lifting, breathing, leak detection, shielding, and cooling. These properties can optimize performance and productivity, reduce labor costs, and make operations safer.

Industrial uses of helium

From manufacturing to flight, helium is widely utilized throughout the aerospace and aircraft industry. In space flight operations, helium is used to purge hydrogen systems and works as a pressurizing agent for ground and flight fluid systems. It is also a source of lift in weather and other surveillance balloons. Helium demonstrates good thermal conductivity.

6. Carbon dioxide:

Carbon dioxide (chemical formula CO2) is a chemical compound made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms, found in the gas state at room temperature.

In the air, carbon dioxide is transparent to visible light but absorbs infrared radiation, acting as a greenhouse gas. It is a trace gas in Earth's atmosphere at 417 ppm (about 0.04%) by volume, having risen from pre-industrial levels of 280 ppm.

Industrial uses of Carbondioxide

Carbondioxide is a versatile industrial material, used, for example, as an inert gas in welding and fire extinguishers, as a pressurizing gas in air guns and oil recovery, and as a supercritical fluid solvent in decaffeination of coffee and supercritical drying. It is also a feedstock for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals.

Best Pricing for industrial gas 2024

The following companies are major distributors of industrial gases in Nigeria with Affordable prices.

Argon Gas-       NGN85,000-90,000/6m3

Nitrogen -          NGN 30,000-38,000/6m3

Oxygen -           NGN20,000-30,000/6m3

Helium -            NG 850,000- 1,000,000/200bars

Carbondioxide- NGN2,500-4,000/kg

Where to Buy Industrial Gas in Nigeria

Tikweld Welding Supplies and services

Tikweld welding supplies and services is a distributor and supplier of industrial products and welding consumables in Nigeria.

Port Harcourt

Km 3 Igbo Etche Road, Off Eleme Junction, Rumukwurushi, 

Port Harcourt Rivers State.

Lagos

Suit 10 Olive Plaza Formerly Sebuf plaza Lekki Epe Expressway Lekki, 105102, By Osopa London. Lagos

Abuja

Shop 016, Zitel Plaza, Plot 227 P.O.W. Mafemi Cres, Utako 900108, Abuja

Call us 24 hours +234 8071993873 + 234 8071993874

GZ Industrial Supplies

This is a company whose existence is premised upon the need for distribution and supplies of industrial materials and is one of the homes of the largest direct marketers and premier distributors of industrial materials.

Sango Ota

GZ Industrial Supplies

Km 42 Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway,

Opposite Coronation Power and Gas Limited, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State

Contacts Tell. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557

Ogba

GZ Industrial Supplies Nigeria Ogba

77/79 Yaya Abatan By College Road Ogba Lagos State

Contacts Tell. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557

WhatsApp: +234 9055793557 +234 8181069339

Calabar

30/32 Ndidem Usang Iso Road. Mariam Calabar 540242

Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited

238 Aba Road Rumuogba

First floor Onyejieke Plaza

Safety precautions for using Industrial Gases

The potential for a major leakage is small, but it must be considered as a potential hazard. if gases escape from the cylinder due to improper handling, this could lead to hazards such as fire, explosion, chemical burns, poisoning, and cold burns.

1. Unload cylinders immediately upon arrival and transport them in a well-ventilated vehicle

Gas cylinders should never be moved or stored in a closed vehicle. Fire hazards are common with flammable gases, and it is crucial to take the proper safety measures to prevent accidents.

2. All gases behave differently

Before handling any type of gas cylinder, it is imperative that you first read the safety data sheet to become familiar with the properties and hazards of that particular gas.

3. Keep the cylinders locked so that they don't move or topple

To prevent cylinders from rolling, it is recommended that you use straps and chocks to secure them. When transporting cylinders, be sure that the valve cannot be opened.

Always transport LPG (propane) and liquefied gas cylinders upright. Acetylene cylinders should be kept upright for at least 30 minutes before use if they need to be transported lying down.

4. Get the training you need

Before being allowed to work with gas cylinders, it is required that you receive training so that you are familiar with how to handle them in an emergency as well as on a day-to-day basis. If you do not feel you have received enough training or need a refresher, please speak to your supervisor.

5. Maintain a proper storage method for the cylinders

To keep your cylinders in good condition, it's important to store them upright, in a well-ventilated area away from heat. You should also separate them according to the properties of their gas. Empty and full cylinders should be stored separately, and you should rotate them so that the oldest ones are used first. Remember, you must never store any flammable material in your cylinder store.

6. Be aware of what you are handling

If the cylinder label cannot determine the contents of the cylinder, do not rely on the cylinder colour for identification. In case of missing or unreadable labels, do not use the cylinder.

7. Inspect your cylinders for safety

Be especially cautious of cylinders that show signs of impact, heat damage, or discoloration, and contact the supplier immediately.

8. Wear the appropriate safety equipment

Wearing the proper protective gear, such as a hard hat, safety glasses, high visibility clothing, protective gloves, and safety shoes or boots, is essential when working with or near cylinders. In addition, signage should be installed at all cylinder storage facilities warning about safety precautions and emergency procedures.

9. Practice safe lifting and manual handling techniques

Never try to catch a falling cylinder - let it fall and move out of the way, so it doesn't hit you. Hold onto the collar or neck of the cylinder tightly with both hands. You should never lift cylinders by the valve handwheel or cylinder valve.

10. Use a forklift truck or cylinder trolley to move cylinders

If you need to move individual cylinders, use a cylinder trolley. If you need to move MCPs (Manifold Cylinder Pallets), make sure they are transported by a forklift driven by a qualified operator. This will ensure that your cylinders are moved safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which gas is used in welding Acetylene:

The only fuel gas suitable for gas welding because of its favorable flame characteristics of both high temperature and high propagation rates. Other fuel gases, such as propylene,propane or natural gas, produce insufficient heat input for welding but are used for cutting, torch brazing, and soldering.

2. Why is Oxygen used in welding?

Pure Oxygen, instead of air, is used to increase the flame temperature to allow localized melting of the workpiece material (e.g., steel) in a room environment.

3. Which gas is used in confined space?

The most common toxic gases found in confined spaces are Volatile Organic Compounds (ppm VOC), Carbon Monoxide (ppm CO), and Nitrogen Dioxide(PPM, NO2).

Conclusion

Industrial gases hold a significant role in meeting several industrial, commercial, and domestic purposes. Besides the current needs and applications, new uses for these gases are also emerging with the ever-growing industries and technologies. Contact us for further details on procurement, supplies, and services of all kinds of industrial gases in Nigeria.