ontgassing

Ontgassen, or degassing, is the process of removing dissolved gases from liquids or gas adsorbed on surfaces. In liquids, common targets include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and trace volatile compounds, which can influence stability, flavor, or processing. In vacuum systems, outgassing refers to the release of adsorbed or trapped gases from chamber surfaces, which can degrade vacuum quality and contaminate processes.

Applications of ontgassen occur across industries. In metallurgy, degassing reduces hydrogen content in molten metals to minimize porosity and improve mechanical properties. In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, degassed liquids and clean environments prevent gas-related defects. The food and beverage sector uses degassing to control carbonation, remove unwanted volatile compounds, and stabilize products. Water treatment and chemical processing also employ degassing to limit corrosion, oxidation, or unwanted reactions.

Common methods include thermal degassing, where heat drives dissolved gases out of the liquid; vacuum degassing, which lowers pressure to favor gas release; and inert gas sparging, where nitrogen or argon is bubbled through the liquid to strip gases. Ultrasonic degassing uses high-frequency waves to create microbubbles that release dissolved gases. Other approaches include membrane contactors or degassing columns, especially in continuous processing. The choice of method depends on the liquid, gas species to remove, required purity, and processing constraints.

Considerations include the potential for reabsorption of gases when exposed to air, the need to avoid contamination, energy and equipment costs, and compatibility with materials. Proper control of temperature, pressure, and gas purity is essential to achieve stable degassed products and processes.