Argon Shortage

Popcorn · 2026-05-01T18:57:06+0100

My local suppliers Eng-weld (who are always great) haven't got any and they're not sure when they will get any more.
Anyone else having problems getting gas ?

Munkul · 2026-05-01T20:42:34+0100

Energas have no issues with getting argon. At least, not right now.

qwakers · 2026-05-01T21:09:39+0100

just picked up 2 bottles from airproducts. no issues.

Erie Fred · 2026-05-01T21:29:11+0100

Got a tank the size of a semi (artic) tanker out back of my office, they come by once a month
or so.
Shall I spill some off for you ?
Send over some buckets..... :whistle:

Popcorn · 2026-05-01T21:34:56+0100

Munkul said:
Energas have no issues with getting argon. At least, not right now.

Well about six hours ago they didn't have any at my local branch and couldn't tell my other half when they would have get some more.

Erie Fred · 2026-05-01T21:47:53+0100

IIRC Argon comes along for the ride when distillation of air is done for making Oxygen, same with nitrogen.

Once you split it off as a liquid, you have to sell it quickly, or it vents off.

Unlike CO2 and propane/butane, you can't keep the bottle corked up forever.

So if industry is not buying much oxygen or the nitrogen, they don't want to run the plant very often.