Most projections for the cryogenics gases industry project a steady rate of growth over the coming years. This is due in large part to the constant flow of new applications for gases (innovation) and increased availability of gases in more remote parts of the world. Two recent Saudi visitors cited the shortage of air separation units in the Mid-East and the consequent inability to provide enough liquid oxygen, nitrogen or argon to meet existing demand. Absent supply there is no reason to innovate.
Once supply does become available, though, there is room for innovation.
One of my first cryogenic gas industry exposures came through attendance at food and beverage production convention in New Orleans. There were 3 or 4 exhibitors with liquid nitrogen injection systems ranging from basic continuous flow to ultra-sophisticated drop systems that could pop one or two drops as needed right into individual bottles regardless of spacing or flow. The nitrogen injected serves two purposes. First, the nitrogen gas provides and inert blanket which protects the product from oxygen. This keeps it fresher, safer and tastier longer. Quick capping traps the expanding gas so the bottle is now pressurized. This increases the strength of the plastic bottle or can allowing the use of thinner materials and increasing the ability to stack.
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