Xenon Gas Manufacturing

[jdm2008315]

I have a question about Xenon Manufacturing(not sure if this is the right forum for this).

During the manufacturing of Xenon gas, is there a common error that can cause Xenon to irritate the throat of a user who is given the gas? From what I understand Xenon is made by distillation of air.

 

[pmrobert]

Are you referring to the use of Xenon as an anesthetic gas? If that's the case I would be looking at slight to moderate mechanical trauma from placement/residence of the associated surgical airway adjunct which is absolutely normal and expected. Xenon is rather expensive and is usually scavenged and either stored or recirculated from the exhaled gas, as I'm sure you know. Sorry, I have no direct knowledge of the distillation process but would imagine the product is very high grade given it's price and more usual applications. Each cylinder would likely come with an analysis report.

 

[jdm2008315]

No tube just a facemask. The Xenon isn't used as a anasthetic in this application but the application is similar(a closed circuit breathing apparatus). Thanks for your response.

 

[pmrobert]

I have a little experience with hyperpol Xenon MRI. No subject reported any problems whatsoever. What kind of irritation are you describing? I'm now somewhat curious as there's not a lot of lit or population numbers for any human exposure. As it's a noble gas, I'd be surprised by direct irritation but perhaps exceptionally low humidity or some other process may be in play.