Indonesia Industrial Gases: Types and Their Uses, Healthcare and Daily Applications

A Brief Overview of Types of Industrial Gases

There are many industrial gases, and if you consider natural resources, you could even say there are nearly infinite supplies, as one gas can be used to create another gas. Industrial gases operate largely behind the scenes. Almost every industry there is utilizes industrial gases, even industries where you wouldn't think industrial gases are apparent, like healthcare. That is, until you begin to analyze and appreciate the varieties and functions of industrial gases.

For example, acetylene is one of the industrial gases that are commonplace. It is a fuel gas that is used for welding and cutting steel. Unfortunately, its use has its risks. Acetylene also burns hot and fast which can be dangerous.

Consider now argon, which is another one of these industrial gases. Argon is a noble gas which means it is has low chemical reactivity, which has its advantages. In the process of welding, argon provides a layer of protection that prevents oxidation. Argon is also used in combination with carbon dioxide, helium, and even hydrogen depending on the welding process.

Carbon dioxide is slightly more abundant because it is often produced by other industrial processes like fermentation. Because it is often a waste product, many industries have incorporated its use to fit their cooling and other processes.

Of the other industrial gases that are used, hydrogen would certainly be the most abundant. In industrial processes, hydrogen is used for welding and in other processes. Again, like argon, hydrogen would be a part of a shielding gas.

Finally, helium is where most people think of balloons. Industrial helium is of natural gas origins and is produced in the processes of gas stabilization. Helium has a high industrial application.

The relative ease of obtaining and using nitrogen has made it a favorite in food packaging, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and even the energy sector.

Oxygen is even more well-known. For us, we need oxygen to breathe, but from an industrial perspective, it is also an important gas. Welding and cutting process metal requires oxygen. Even medicine requires the aid of oxygen.

Fuel gases such as propane and butane, in the forefront of the crude oil processing cycle, are fuel gases that find application in the industrial gases sector and in the economy as a whole. They are used to fuel industrial and consumer/household appliances.

Where Industrial Gases Are Used

Over the past century, industrial gases have established their significance and versatility in a wide array of applications that often go unnoticed in the day-to-day operations of various fields. The significance of industrial gases is well recognized in the health industry.

It is also used in cleaning and sterilizing apparatus.

The most recognizable application is as a source of energy. They find application in almost all industries.

Even water purification relies on industrial gases. They eliminate the harmful elements to make water safe for use.

It is likely that the use of industrial gases will continue to increase. GMI Research has shown the Indonesia Industrial Gases Market will have a steep CAGR from 2025 to 2032. The continued growth of industrial gases demonstrates how we've come to rely on them in our industries.