Argon AR - B10
An Argon Ar - B10 gas cylinder is a specific 10-liter (water capacity) industrial gas cylinder filled with pure argon (usually Argon 4.6, which stands for 99.996% purity). Like the B5, argon is an inert noble gas, meaning it is 100% non-flammable, non-toxic, and chemically stable. The B10 gas cylinder is the most popular standard size for semi-professional welders and mobile tradespeople who are looking for a perfect balance between gas supply and portability.
The B10 cylinder (2,000 liters of gas) offers an ideal balance. It is primarily used for:
- TIG welding: This is the primary application. Pure argon is indispensable for welding stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium. The gas ensures a very stable, smooth welding arc and an aesthetically clean weld seam without soot.
- MIG welding: Used as a shielding gas for semi-automatic welding of non-ferrous metals, particularly aluminum structures.
- Professional maintenance: With a welding time of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, this cylinder is the standard choice for independent welders, maintenance services, and serious hobbyists. It provides enough gas for a medium-sized job without the need to handle a heavy 50-liter cylinder.
- Forming and purging gas (inerting): Making pipes or small tanks oxygen-free to prevent oxidation ("cauliflower formation") on the inside of stainless steel pipes.
Product details
Argon AR gas cylinder, filled with 10L of AR, specially developed for inert atmospheres to prevent oxidation and as a filler for light bulbs (made for long-term and professional use).
Transport
1. Transport Regulations & ADR Points for Argon Ar - B10
Because argon is stored under a very high pressure of 200 bar, its transport falls under ADR legislation (Class 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases) under UN number 1006.
- ADR Point Calculation: Non-flammable gases count as 1 point per liter of water capacity. A B10 cylinder has a water capacity of 10 liters and is therefore worth exactly 10 ADR points.
- 1,000-Point Rule: Under the transport exemption (section 1.1.3.6 ADR), you may transport up to 1,000 points (i.e., 1,000 liters of water capacity) without an ADR driver's license or orange plates on your vehicle. With one or a few B10 gas cylinders, you remain well below this limit.
Most important practical transport regulations:
- Install Cylinder Cap: Always screw the protective cap firmly onto the cylinder to protect the valve/tap in the event of a fall.
- Securing (Lashing): Secure the cylinder firmly in the cargo area using a ratchet strap. Because argon is a compressed gas (and not a dissolved liquid like acetylene), an argon cylinder may be laid flat during transport, provided it is 100% wedged and cannot roll.
- Ventilation: Preferably transport the cylinder in a van with active cargo area ventilation, or with the car windows slightly open (do not use recirculation mode) to prevent oxygen deficiency in the event of a micro-leak.
- Fire Extinguisher: Are you driving commercially (for your company) with this gas cylinder? A certified 2 kg powder extinguisher (ABC) is legally required in the vehicle.
Information
Safety
Safety features
- Non-flammable and inert: Argon is 100% safe regarding fire or explosion hazards. It does not react with any substance.
- Asphyxiation risk (heavier than air): Be careful in small, enclosed spaces, basements, or pits. Leaking argon sinks to the floor and silently displaces oxygen. Always ensure ventilation at floor level.
- Color code: The shoulder of the cylinder is dark green (RAL 6001) in accordance with the European standard EN 1089-3, which denotes an inert noble gas.
Connection & Pressure Regulator
- Cylinder connection: Equipped with a standard RU3 connection (W24.32 x 1/14" right-hand external).
- Flowmeter: For TIG welding, use a pressure regulator with a flowmeter (liter counter) instead of a pressure gauge that only measures pressure. Set the flow to approximately 8 to 10 liters per minute for optimal results and minimal gas loss.