I technical gases are essential in many industries due to their unique properties and versatility. Among these gases, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and others are used in a wide range of applications. In this article, we will provide a general overview and focus on three specific applications in which DKR operates.
We offer a wide range of gases for different industries, including food, beverages, metal processing, and chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Our solutions include food gases for carbonation and inertisation of beverages, as well as mixtures for packaging and the cold chain of food products.
We also supply welding and cutting gases, such as argon, oxygen, az and CO2, for metalworking. In addition, we offer cryo-cleaning and cryogenic sanitisation services, using dry ice and carbonic snow for specialised applications.
I technical gases are produced through air separation or chemical processes and are supplied in liquid or gaseous form. Their purity and composition are adapted to the specific needs of each sector. The most common technical gases include:
I food gases are essential for improve food preservation and quality. Used in different stages of production and packagingthese gases must be food grade to ensure safety and efficacy. Below, we explore some key applications of food-grade gases.
The carbonation of beverages is a fundamental process for many industries. DKR in cooperation with SIAD spa has developed HappyDrink®a complete solution for beverage carbonation. This innovative system guarantees efficient and continuous delivery of food grade carbon dioxide E290ideal for the commercial catering, microbreweries and public supply points. Using a cryogenic stainless steel container, the system ensures an uninterrupted supply of CO2, which avoids interruptions in the supply of soft drinks, especially in commercial catering chains.
L'inertisation is a key technology for maintaining the quality of sensitive products such as oil, wine and beer. By using technical gases such as nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide, a protected environment is created that limits oxidation and preserves organoleptic characteristics. This process extends the shelf life and protects the quality of the products, ensuring freshness and taste for a long time.
For maintaining the cold chain intact during transport, dry ice is the ideal solution. With a temperature of -78 °C, dry ice ensures that frozen products retain their quality during transport. È effective in reducing fermentation and protecting against bacteria and fungiensuring optimal preservation of the organoleptic qualities of the products.
The packaging represents a crucial step in the food preservation process. I main food gases used to create protective atmospheres, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar), play an essential role in slowing down the spoilage process of food products, promoting optimal preservation. These gases help to extend shelf life and maintain a good visual impact for consumers.
La deep-freezing is an effective method for preserving the quality and freshness of food in the long term. By using gases such as liquid nitrogen, products can be frozen quickly, keeping their organoleptic properties intact. This process reduces the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the structure of food, thus ensuring better texture and flavour once thawed.
The use of gas fuels therefore offers numerous advantagesincluding increased production capacity, superior product quality and energy savings. In addition, it guarantees a greater flexibility in the storage of raw materials and a precise temperature control during processingwhich is essential to maintain organoleptic properties and prevent oxidation.
Technical gases are fundamentals in welding processes, where protect the weld pool and improve joint quality. Standard' gas mixtures are commonly used in the MAG welding for general carpentry applications. In the 1990s, 'Performing' mixtures were introduced that include gases such as helium and hydrogen, in addition to the traditional argon and carbon dioxide (CO2). These advanced mixtures offer significant advantagessuch as increased process efficiency and speed, and improved aesthetic and mechanical characteristics of the welded joint, particularly useful in the food, aerospace, automotive and medical industries.
In thermal cutting processes, technical gases play a crucial role, whether for laser, plasma or combustible gas cutting. Performing' mixtures can improve plasma cutting speed and qualitywhile in laser cutting, gas purity and the correct configuration of distribution systems are essential for optimising productivity. The use of high-purity pure gases, such as 99.999% nitrogen and 99.95% oxygen, can increase the cutting speed up to 20%, reducing the risk of oxidation or etching on cut edges.
These technical gases, due to their unique properties, are essential for improving efficiency and quality in welding and cutting processes, contributing to faster and higher quality production. DKR also operates in this area, offering customised solutions and advanced technologies to optimise metalworking processes, guaranteeing excellent and reliable results.
Cryogenic sandblasting, or cryo-cleaningis an advanced technology that uses dry ice pellets (solid CO₂) projected at sonic or supersonic speed to remove contaminants in a safe and sustainable manner. This technique uses solid CO₂ at -78.5°C to ensure deep cleaning without chemical residues and without the use of solvents.
The process exploits the impact and low temperatures of dry ice pellets to remove dirt and contaminants in even the most difficult-to-reach areas. This method is fast and effective, does not damage treated surfaces and is ideal for sensitive environments such as food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
La cryo-cleaning offers numerous advantages. It is an environmentally friendly and safe solution, as it uses biogenic CO₂, i.e. it is captured from natural fermentation processes and produces no secondary waste. It protects delicate components such as sensors, cables and electronics, making it suitable for complex machinery. In addition, it provides deep and accessible cleaning, reaching difficult spaces without the need to dismantle machinery. A further advantage is the reduction of downtime, thanks to the dry method that requires no disassembly, allowing cleaning without stopping production.
The fields of application are:
As we have seen, industrial gases are key components in many industrial sectors due to their ability to improve the efficiency, quality and safety of production processes. From food preservation to metal welding to cryogenic cleaning, these gases offer innovative and sustainable solutions. DKR is at thecutting-edge research and development in this fieldwith the aim of further expanding the applications of industrial gases and contributing to an increasingly advanced and environmentally friendly industrial future. Contact us for more information on how we can support your industrial needs.