A batch of industry “three new” products make their debut! The 2024 “Gas Expo” is being held in Wuxi.

On April 17, the 2024 China International Gas Industry Expo (hereinafter referred to as “Gas Expo”) was held at the Taihu International Expo Center in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. Over 100 brand exhibitors and a 15,000-square-meter exhibition area showcased the latest technologies, new equipment, and innovative products in China’s electronic gas sector. Meanwhile, gas industry professionals from 22 countries gathered in Wuxi to participate in seven specialized forums, focusing on the future development of the industry. The event will continue until April 19.

 Industrial Gases and Semiconductors

  When you think of gases, what comes to mind? Is it the carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages, the natural gas used for cooking at home, or the oxygen tanks used to supply patients in hospitals...? All of these fall under the category of gases. Beyond everyday life, gases also find extensive applications in industry—for instance, they’re used in metal welding, steelmaking, nonferrous metal smelting, and the launch of rockets and other spacecraft. Moreover, gases are one of the crucial raw materials for semiconductor manufacturing.

  Why is the Gas Expo being held? According to Ren Lu, the person in charge, the semiconductor integrated circuit industry is divided into four major sectors: design, manufacturing, packaging & testing, and applications. In the manufacturing sector, silicon is widely recognized as the largest raw material, while electronic gases—among industrial gases—are the second-largest raw material. Therefore, as integrated circuits continue to develop rapidly, China’s industrial gas industry is also experiencing rapid growth.

  The gas-themed historical and cultural section has become a highlight.

  At the exhibition site, the "Gaseous History and Culture Collection" exhibit attracted many exhibitors and visitors to stop and take a closer look. Mr. Zhao, who came from Hebei, was examining the exhibit and taking photos with his phone. He explained that his family has been in the industrial gas business for generations, yet he himself wasn't very familiar with the origins of these gases. "We've always focused more on practical operations—how to refine and sell gases. It's really great to see such a systematic overview of the gas industry's history and development; it gives us a much more comprehensive understanding of the industry we're in!"

  “Gas: A Collection of Historical and Cultural Treasures” is a specially curated section at the Gas Expo. According to the organizers, this dedicated area systematically introduces the discovery of gases, the birth of the industrial gas industry, and the development of the industrial gas sector in China—using physical exhibits and historical documents. It offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the “past and present” of gases and the industrial gas industry. “Whether you’re an industry professional or a general audience member, this section will help you better appreciate the unique appeal of gases and recognize their vital role in industry, thereby fostering the continued growth of the sector.”