The cheapest inert gas is nitrogen. Nitrogen is not only less expensive than argon but also approximately eight times cheaper. It is widely used in various applications due to its cost-effectiveness and availability.
Nitrogen as an Inert Gas: Nitrogen (N2) is a common choice for an inert gas in many industrial processes due to its low cost and high availability. It is approximately 2.9 times lighter than argon and has a faster cool rate, which is approximately four times faster than argon. This makes it an efficient choice for cooling processes in industries such as thermal processing in vacuum furnaces. However, nitrogen has some drawbacks; it tends to be slightly decarburizing for steels and can form nitrates at the surface of NiCo alloys at temperatures above 1450°F. Despite these issues, its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice, especially in applications where these drawbacks do not significantly impact the process or product quality.
Comparison with Other Gases: While argon is also used as an inert gas, it is more expensive than nitrogen and is typically chosen when the processed material is sensitive to nitrogen. Argon is commonly used in welding processes like gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW) due to its inert properties, which protect the weld from contamination and reactive gases in the air.
Hydrogen, although an extremely reducing agent, is the most expensive among the listed gases and carries safety implications for both the furnace and the installation site. It is generally avoided in most industrial applications due to these risks.
Conclusion: In summary, nitrogen stands out as the cheapest inert gas due to its low cost and wide availability. It is extensively used in industries where its slight reactivity does not pose a significant issue. Argon, though more expensive, offers superior inertness and is preferred for applications sensitive to nitrogen. The choice between nitrogen and argon often depends on the specific requirements of the process and the sensitivity of the materials being processed.
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