A History: Gas Delivery Systems
In the days of old, when humans first discovered fire, they soon found that breathing upon hot coals could reignite the flames. This primitive method of delivery birthed our relationship with gases and their delivery. Who would have thought that this simple act would lead to the sophisticated systems we have today for chemical and gas delivery? Fast forwarding to ancient China, (~500 B.C.) early engineers discovered that hollow bamboo stalks could transport fluids and gases. They harnessed this innovation to transport natural gas for use in boiling sea water, making it drinkable.
The Romans were no strangers to using gases for industrial purposes either. As masters of the vineyard, their quest to perfect their winemaking process led them to an interesting discovery. By capturing sulfur dioxide gas from burning candles inside of empty wine bags, they kept them fresh and free of a vinegar smell. The gas systems they implemented paved the way for their wine industry and set the stage for future gas applications.
During the second half of the 1700s, with the industrial revolution in full swing, numerous gases were discovered. Some of the first gases discovered were Carbon Dioxide (1754), Hydrogen (1766), and Nitrogen (1772). These and many others would be experimented with and used in various processes. These discoveries transformed manufacturing processes around the world, extending to textiles, paper, and energy industries. In fact, gas systems helped usher in modern manufacturing!
The late 19th century brought with it the invention of high-pressure gas cylinders. With these vessels, gases could be stored and transported more efficiently, making them accessible to industries worldwide. These also revolutionized how they could be handled. Toxic, corrosive, and reactive gases could be handled both safely and efficiently! This development laid the foundation for the industrial gas industry we know today.
In the modern era, gas delivery is known as specialty chemicals within the broader chemical sector. Gas delivery systems cater to a wide variety of industries around the world. From silicon wafer manufacturing to medical gas applications, gas systems really do enable our modern ways of life. With modern gas delivery came updated ways to acquire gases; some of which include distillation, molecular sieves, steam reforming, electrolysis, and oxygen concentrators.
Many gases are far too hazardous to handle on their own, and that’s where equipment like CSI’s Gas Cabinets come into play. Specialized gas delivery equipment helps dispense, monitor, and contain gases that are otherwise corrosive or explosive. In fact, CSI’s equipment can monitor gas levels, pressure, pipe status, and many other critical parameters in real-time! These, coupled with numerous safety standards, protects workers and the environments they work in.
The history of gas delivery systems spans millennia and continents. Indeed, these systems are a testament to human curiosity, ingenuity, and innovation. From stoking fires with breath to creating silicon chips with advanced gas cabinets, the evolution of gas delivery has been nothing short of remarkable. As we continue to explore and innovate within the gas delivery industry, it’s safe to say that the story of gas delivery systems is far from over. And I, for one, look forward to what we’ll invent next!