In this article we are going to talk about the uses of beryllium, one of the most important chemicals for humanity. For this reason, we invite you to pay maximum attention to all its applications. In this way, you will obtain greater knowledge in the scientific field from the chair of your computer.
What is beryllium used for?
Beryllium is frequently used as an alloying element for the construction of different surfaces. It has applications in the nuclear, mineral and electrical fields. Thanks to scientific advances it is possible to get many benefits from this chemical element.
Before going into detail about its uses, it is important that you know some of its characteristics. The beryllium is a chemical element on the periodic table which is symbolized by the initials Be. It corresponds to atomic number 4 and is an alkaline earth element, toxic, bivalent, light, hard, brittle and gray in color.
Next, we go on to describe the beryllium uses most important in the industry.
As an alloying element in satellites and x-ray tubes
It has already been mentioned that beryllium is a alloy element widely used in different fields. One of the most common is the alloy of copper with beryllium and it is used for multiple applications.
Due to its lightness and strength, beryllium metal is used in satellites and aerospace structural components. Beryllium is transparent to X-rays and is therefore used in X-ray tube windows
Device Construction
The beryllium is a chemical characterized by being stable, light and rigid. As a consequence, it is very practical in the construction of various devices, such as computer equipment, gyroscopes, and clockwork springs.
In watchmaking it is used when it appears in the form of a well-known mineral and precious stone called emerald stone.
Uses of beryllium in tool making
Alloys with beryllium stand out for not producing a spark, so they are very suitable in the tool making. Hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, among others, are included.
Uses of beryllium oil refineries
Both in oil refineries and in other Industrial plants beryllium coatings with copper are used. Once again this is due to the fact that they do not produce sparks. Otherwise, an explosion could be generated.
X-ray diagnosis
It is resorted to thin sheets of beryllium for the purpose of filtering visible radiation in diagnostic X-rays. Similarly, in X-ray lithography this chemical is vital for reproducing integrated circuits and is an essential part of X-ray tubes.
As moderator
Nuclear reactors use beryllium, since it performs a function moderator of neutrons. In this way, it is possible to obtain nuclear energy in an optimal way.
As beryllium oxide
The beryllium oxide It is very effective when it is necessary to increase the thermal conductivity. The same goes for mechanical properties, thermal insulation and high melting points.
Uses of beryllium in fluorescent tubes
Previously, beryllium was used in the construction of fluorescent tubes. However, this application is no longer valid, as it gave way to a dangerous disease known as berylliosis.
Tweeter Construction
Due to the great beryllium stiffness, is highly sought after for the manufacture of tweeters. This consists of high-frequency speakers and optimized to reproduce very high-pitched sounds.
Other uses of beryllium
Aircraft critical moving parts contain beryllium in their composition, evidently alloyed with copper. In the same way, it is an essential chemical in the components for the construction of precision instruments. Without a doubt, it is one of the most relevant elements in industries of all kinds.
We hope you liked this brief list of all the scientific and everyday applications of beryllium. Of course, although it is not a toxic chemical, it should not be handled at home either. It is preferable that experts dedicate themselves to its manipulation.
If you want to continue learning about applications of table elements periodic, visit this portal frequently.