Industrial gases are inextricably woven into the fabric of modern manufacturing. From the primary extraction of raw materials, through their intermediate processing to manufacture metals, chemicals and ceramics, to the fabrication of sophisticated industrial, consumer and food products, gases are used across the whole spectrum of industry. The isolation, manufature and supply of these gases is a major industry in itself; the 300 million tones of gas used each year generates sales in excess of $20 billion. In terms of tonnage, nitrogen has become the most used industrial gas, finding applications across the whole range of industry. It is still manufactured by liquifying and then distilling air, but as applications develop and demand increases, newer methods of isolation, such as pressure swing absorbtion and membrane seperation will become important. This new book introduces the main industrial gases and the gases industry, it discusses the main technologies for their isolation, seperation, manufacture and handling. In addition, the book contains an overview of the main applications of industrial gases and a brief discussion of new production processes and applications. Chemists, chemical engineers, physicists and technologists involved in the research and development, production or utilisation of industrial gases will find this concise book an essential and accessable reference source. For advanced students of these disciplines, the book provides a fascinating overview of this important industry.

Neil A. Downie is a lead scientist with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and visiting professor of multidisciplinary engineering at the University of Surrey. His books include "Vacuum Bazookas, Electric Rainbow Jelly," and "27 Other Saturday Science Projects" (Princeton).