In the lab: Gases

There are a number of things you can do to minimise CO2emissions when working with gases. Here you’ll find six useful tips on how to work with gases in a more eco-friendly way.


1. Use the procurement agreement

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It’s important that you use AU’s procurement agreement with suppliers when purchasing gases in order to minimise environmental impact. These suppliers have committed themselves to climate and sustainability, and work to minimise climate impact throughout the life cycle of the gases they supply in order to improve sustainability. These suppliers have taken a number of steps, including using sustainable energy in gas manufacturing and green fuel/environmental compensation during transportation.

Did you know that…

that you’re buying climate-friendly gases produced using sustainable energy from wind and water power in Scandinavia when you buy bottled gas under the procurement agreement that contains nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide or mixtures of these gases? And emissions from transportation between production facilities and filling stations is carbon-compensated.


2. Buy the right quantities

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When buying gases, only buy the amount you need.


3. Review your apparatus/instruments

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You can reduce environmental impact by optimising the settings on your apparatus, for example by

  • making sure gas flow is set to the lowest possible flow
  • if available, using a gas-saving mode while operating the apparatus
  • if possible, switching the apparatus/instruments to standby or switching it off when not in use, in order to reduce/stop gas consumption

4. Consider using a gas generator

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For apparatus/instruments that use a lot of a gas (for example nitrogen), consider using a gas generator so you avoid ordering, delivery and handling of gas cylinders.

 


5. Consider whether centralised gas supply can be installed

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If facilities permit, a centralised gas supply system can be installed in the labs (particularly relevant if there are plans to renovate the buildings). When multiple apparatus/instruments are connected to the same cylinder, the number of cylinders needed is reduced. This also makes it safer for all the lab’s users, because the cylinders are not located inside the lab itself.


6. Consider establishing a gas cylinder storage area

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Minimise the number of gas orders/deliveries of if possible by establishing a gas cylinder storage area if space allows.  

  • Remember that gasses must be stored in a safe manner, and that rules for the maximum number of gas cylinders must be complied with.
  • There are rules for storing different types of gas as well as the amount of gas that may be stored in a specific gas storage area due to the chemical properties of the gases, which may be toxic, oxidisers, fire hazards or explosives.

Always contact a occupational health and safety representative from AU if you have any questions or are thinking about introducing major changes/initiatives.