Xenon Gas Pricing and Safety Concerns

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the pricing and safety concerns associated with Xenon gas. One vendor offers 1000 liters of Xenon for 8000 USD, while other sources indicate a cost of 120 USD per 100 grams. Given that Xenon weighs 5 grams per liter at 101300 Kpa, the cost for 82 kg of Xenon or 50 liters at 150 Kpa is influenced by purity levels, particularly due to the separation process from Krypton. Additionally, the safety implications of inhaling heavy gases like Xenon and SF6 are highlighted, emphasizing the need for caution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas pricing and measurement units
  • Knowledge of gas properties, specifically Xenon and its molar mass
  • Familiarity with gas separation techniques, particularly from Krypton
  • Awareness of safety protocols for handling and inhaling gases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the economic factors influencing Xenon gas pricing
  • Learn about gas separation methods, focusing on Xenon and Krypton
  • Investigate the safety measures for using heavy gases in demonstrations
  • Explore the applications of Xenon in various industries, including entertainment and scientific research
USEFUL FOR

Individuals involved in gas supply, safety officers, educators conducting demonstrations, and researchers interested in the properties and applications of noble gases.

CognitiveNet
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One company is selling 1000 liters of Xenon gas for 8000 USD.
But other websites are stating that Xenon cost 120 USD per 100 grams.
And Xenon weight 5 grams per liter at 101300 Kpa.
I need to know how much 82Kg of Xenon would cost, or 50 liters at 150Kpa.
 
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The price depends strongly on the purity, I think, since Xenon takes some effort to separate from Krypton.

BTW: In addition to making lead balloons, Xenon gas is useful for parlor tricks, since breathing it has the opposite effect to breathing Helium.
 
SF6 has about the same molar mass. Wish I could get some for use in classroom demos, but the economics seem impossible unless you have a lab that's really consuming it steadily.

Cool videos with SF6:

Ship floating on nothing! :: Physikshow Uni Bonn --

Mythbusters - Helium and Sulfur Hexafluoride --
 
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Note: inhaling helium is much safer than inhaling heavy gases - they tend to stick in the lungs and block air access. Simplest way of removing them is to stand on your head.
 

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