Gases for Life - Messer Group

EditorialDear Readers,You have before you the first summer issue of “Gases forLife”. In it, we look at a subject that is inextricably linked withsummer refreshment, namely sparkling cool drinks – no matterif the summer of 2011 has been hiding behind grey cloudsnow and then.It is carbon dioxide in soft drinks, mineral water and beer thatcreates this inimitable tingling sensation on the tongue. Butthere are also other gases and gas applications that play a partin ensuring every sip is enjoyable: nitrogen and carbon dioxideprotect beverages against unwanted oxidation throughoutprocessing; a single drop of nitrogen gives a PET bottle thenecessary stability for handling; dry ice pellets produced withthe help of CO 2 are used to cool grapes immediately after harvesting,while carbon dioxide delays the start of the fermentationprocess, which has a decisive bearing on a wine’s aroma.The subject of “cryosaunas” is also appropriate for summer.Instead of hot conditions, these involve extreme cold of -140degrees Celsius. The low temperatures produced by nitrogenform the basis of the treatment called cryotherapy, which allowsthe human body to recover more quickly from strenuousexertion or shock. Pain, too, can be alleviated by spending ashort time in a cryosauna.If you are planning to fly somewhere to escape a rather coolsummer, then this too will involve the use of products thathave been manufactured with the help of Messer gases. Inthis case, we are talking about ultra-light carbon fibre aircraftcomponents that have been “baked” in a protective atmosphereconsisting of nitrogen.This summer, Stefan Messer (centre) welcomed colleagues fromall over the world who were visiting the modern industrial gasesexhibition at the new company headquarters in Bad Soden.With this in mind, I wish you an enjoyable summer whereveryou are.Best wishesStefan Messer2 Gases for Life 03 | 2011