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The supply of specialty gases like neon, xenon, and krypton is often constrained by its reliance on a limited number of international producers. This tight supply chain can lead to unpredictable availability, operational disruptions, and even global shortages.
Messer maintains full control over production, from atmospheric extraction to purification at our domestic air separation facilities, producing a stable, high-purity supply of these critical gases for your needs.
Our vertically integrated approach provides industries with a consistent domestic source for rare gases, reducing exposure to geopolitical risks.
Bulk and specialty gases differ in purity levels, concentration, and intended uses. Gases that you can get “in bulk" – such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and others – are commonly produced from large-scale industrial operations, are present in higher concentrations in the atmosphere or can be taken from rich reservoirs.
Specialty gases, such as neon, xenon and krypton, by contrast, exist in extremely low atmospheric concentrations and require extensive refinement and purification.
Because some specialty gases are extracted as byproducts of larger-scale oxygen and nitrogen production, their availability is inherently constrained by overall industrial gas demand. This limited production scale, combined with high-purity processing requirements, makes quality domestic sourcing a priority for industries where a specialty gas supply is critical for operations. In response to these challenges, Messer has made substantial investments to protect the market and its customers from supply constraints, giving dependable access to essential rare gases even amid fluctuating demand.
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Messer also offers a wide range of specialty gas mixtures. Specialty gas mixtures are precise blends of two or more gases designed for specific applications that require high accuracy, purity, and consistency. These can include:
Neon is an inert noble gas present in trace amounts in the atmosphere and extracted through cryogenic air separation. Known for its stability and lack of chemical reactivity, neon is used in high-purity applications where consistency is essential. It is a critical component in excimer lasers for semiconductor lithography and for laser vision correction.
Xenon is a dense, colorless noble gas with unique ionization properties that allow it to be used in a variety of high- tech applications. Its ability to efficiently generate and maintain an ionized state makes it indispensable for ion propulsion in aerospace and specialized medical imaging techniques. Xenon is also used in semiconductor etching.
Krypton is a chemically inert noble gas that is widely used as window insulation to reduce heat transfer. It also serves as a cost-effective propellant for lower-Earth orbit ion thrusters, providing an alternative to xenon for spacecraft propulsion. In semiconductor manufacturing, krypton is utilized in plasma etching and ion implantation to enable precision material modification.
Messer delivers high-purity specialty gases and mixtures backed by industry-leading experience, a robust domestic supply chain and associated gas-handling solutions and support. You will benefit from:
A proven track record in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and advanced research. Our regionally based industry teams have decades of experience in bulk gases and specialty product mixtures for the electronics industry, as well as related safety, health, regulatory and quality requirements.
Messer provides gas cabinets, distribution systems, and engineering support. We can oversee the development, design, installation and commissioning of ultrahigh purity gas systems and help with plant removal, relocation and de-commissioning.
A vertically integrated supply chain promotes the availability of critical specialty gases.
Semiconductor fabrication demands ultra-high purity gases to enable precision in material deposition, etching, and doping. Gases such as neon, xenon, and krypton are critical to maintaining cleanroom environments and enabling lithography processes for next-generation microchips.
Specialty gases play a crucial role in modern medical applications, from advanced imaging technologies to anesthesia. Xenon, for example, is used as a contrast agent in MRI lung imaging and as a neuroprotective anesthetic.
Xenon and krypton serve as propellants for ion thrusters used in both satellites and deep-space exploration. The high compressibility of these gases allows for efficient storage in compact fuel tanks, making them a great fit for spacecraft where volume and weight are critical constraints.
Messer provides precision gas mixtures used for high-performance laser applications. Our portfolio includes excimer laser gases, which combine noble gases such as neon, krypton, and xenon with halogens to generate powerful ultraviolet light used in semiconductor lithography, medical procedures, and microfabrication. Additionally, Messer offers helium-neon (HeNe) laser gas blends, widely utilized for alignment systems, metrology, and scientific research.
In addition to our specialty gases for electronics, Messer provides bulk gas solutions to support large-scale industrial operations. With multiple production facilities across North America, Messer utilizes a vast distribution network to supply bulk gases via pipelines from our air separation units (ASUs) or through our fleet of trucks and railcars.
Our Bulk Products:
24/7 Service: Our Customer Service Engineering Teams are strategically located to help keep your operations running safely and efficiently. We provide 24-hour customer service on Messer equipment and work with you to deliver unique solutions that create value.
For customers requiring an uninterrupted supply of high-purity gases, Messer offers on-site generation and storage solutions tailored to industrial-scale operations. On-site gas production enhances reliability, reduces logistical complexities, and supports cost-effective delivery by eliminating the need for frequent bulk shipments.
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