Argon AR - Bundle - B50
An Argon Ar cylinder bundle (or package) is a coupled battery of usually 12 units of 50-liter (B50) gas cylinders, firmly mounted in a robust steel transport frame. All gas cylinders in the bundle are internally connected via fixed metal piping to one central main valve. Because argon is an inert noble gas, it is stored in the cylinders as pure compressed gas at a very high pressure of 200 bar (i.e., without liquid or solvents).
This form of supply is used by very large, continuous gas consumers such as large-scale shipyards, automated robot welding lines, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
What is an Argon bundle used for?
Because of the massive gas supply (120 m³) and the fact that argon is completely inert, an argon bundle is deployed for large-scale, continuous industrial processes where any form of oxidation must be excluded:
- Automated robot welding lines: For the continuous supply of multiple welding robots that weld aluminum truck chassis, train carriages, or stainless steel tanks in series production.
- Central factory supply: The bundle acts as the central supply station outside the building. Through a fixed ring-main piping network, dozens of individual TIG and MIG welding stations in the factory are supplied with shielding gas simultaneously.
- Continuous backing gas / purging: In equipment and piping construction (for the food or pharmaceutical industry) to purge the inside of complete piping systems or reactors oxygen-free for hours during welding.
- Metallurgical industry: For inerting smelting furnaces or blowing through liquid metal to remove impurities.
Product details
Argon AR bundle, 12 gas cylinders filled with 50L each, totaling 600L 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
Important Transport Regulations
- Lifting and loading instructions: The bundle may only be moved with a crane (via the built-in central lifting eyes) or with a heavy forklift (via the fork pockets at the bottom of the frame). Lashing straps must be certified and strong enough to secure the 1.5-ton weight.
- Main valve sealed: During transport, the central main valve must be completely closed, and any protective caps must be mounted on the outlet.
- Transport document (Waybill): Even if driving under the 1,000-point exemption, an official transport document must always be present in the cab, stating the UN number (UN 1006), the proper shipping name, and the number of ADR points.
- Fire extinguisher: The transport vehicle is legally required to be equipped with an approved 2 kg powder fire extinguisher (ABC).
Information
Safety
Safety and Risk Management
Acute asphyxiation hazard (Primary risk)
- Placement: Always place the bundle outdoors (in a covered gas cylinder shed) or in a very heavily ventilated room.
- Gas behavior: Argon is colorless, odorless, and heavier than air. In the event of a leak, it sinks to the floor and silently displaces all oxygen.
- Pit prohibition: Keep the bundle strictly away from basements, pits, sewers, or loading docks where the gas can accumulate.
System and pressure protection
- Pressure regulator: Use only a heavy-duty industrial bundle regulator suitable for the high initial pressure (up to 300 bar) and high volume flow.
- Emergency stop: Install a central, quickly accessible quick-closing valve immediately after the regulator to shut off the entire piping network in the factory in the event of an emergency.
- Inspection: Have the central piping network and valves officially inspected and pressure-tested for leaks at least once a year.
Logistics and Environment
- Surface: Place the bundle only on a level, solid concrete floor calculated to withstand the heavy point load of 1.5 tons.
- Movement: Never lift or move the bundle manually or with loose slings. Use only the built-in central lifting eyes (crane) or the fork pockets (forklift).
- Heat: Protect the installation against extreme radiant heat and open flames to prevent dangerous pressure increases above 50°C.