Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/18/2025

How Cold Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice reaches an extreme temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F) as it sublimates under standard atmospheric pressure. This temperature can drop even lower under certain conditions, which makes dry ice one of the coldest materials commonly used in industrial applications. In this guide, we’ll explore the temperature properties of dry ice, as well as: WestAir supplies dry …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 08/15/2025

Dry Ice vs. Regular Ice

The main difference between dry ice and regular ice lies in their composition and phase behavior: dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) that sublimates directly from solid to gas at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), while regular ice is solid water that melts into liquid at 0°C (32°F). Regular ice also leaves behind water residue during melting, …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 08/14/2025

What Gases Are Used by Pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceutical companies rely on many gases including nitrogen, oxygen, and CO₂ throughout drug production. These gases serve critical functions from creating inert atmospheres to sterilizing medical devices and ensuring product stability. In this guide, we’ll explore the primary gas applications in pharmaceutical production and why purity standards matter for drug safety and efficacy. WestAir supplies …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 08/12/2025

Is Helium a Noble Gas?

Helium is a noble gas classified as the first element in Group 18 of the periodic table. This classification stems from helium’s electron configuration of 1s², which represents a completely filled valence shell with no unpaired electrons, making it chemically unreactive in normal circumstances. In this guide, we’ll explore helium’s fundamental properties as a noble …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 08/11/2025

What Is an Inert Gas?

An inert gas is a non-reactive gas that doesn’t readily undergo chemical reactions under normal conditions because of its stable electron configuration. This non-reactivity makes inert gases invaluable across applications. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what makes a gas inert. We’ll also cover the most common inert gases used in different industries and their …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 08/08/2025

Is Neon Dangerous?

Neon is not dangerous under normal conditions because of its chemically inert nature, but it can pose health risks in certain situations. The primary hazard comes from its ability to displace oxygen in confined spaces, creating asphyxiation risks. In this guide, we’ll explore the key safety considerations surrounding neon gas, from its chemical properties to …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 08/07/2025

Why Is Nitrogen Used for Pressure Testing?

Nitrogen is used for pressure testing because of its inert chemical properties, safety characteristics, and cost-effectiveness compared to other testing methods. This combination of benefits makes nitrogen the preferred choice across industries from oil and gas to HVAC systems. In this guide, we’ll explore the key reasons why nitrogen dominates pressure testing applications and how …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 08/07/2025

Is Xenon Reactive?

Xenon is reactive under specific conditions, which makes it the most chemically active noble gas. While xenon was once considered completely inert, scientists discovered in 1962 that it can form stable compounds with highly electronegative elements like fluorine and oxygen. In this guide, we’ll explore xenon’s reactive properties and the compounds it forms. We’ll then …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 08/06/2025

How Is Green Hydrogen Produced?

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. This method ensures zero carbon emissions throughout the production cycle, distinguishing it from other hydrogen types. In this guide, we’ll explore how green hydrogen is produced, including the …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 08/05/2025

How to Store Nitrous Oxide

Proper nitrous oxide storage requires several elements, most notably: Safe storage practices are crucial for maintaining the quality of this versatile gas while ensuring workplace safety, so this guide will explain them in more detail to show you precisely how to store nitrous oxide. We’ll also touch on regulatory compliance and lesser-known considerations related to …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 08/04/2025

Why Is Nitrogen Used in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Nitrogen is used in the pharmaceutical industry because of its inert properties that protect drugs from oxidation, contamination, and degradation while maintaining sterility throughout manufacturing processes. This colorless, odorless gas creates protective environments that extend product shelf life and ensure regulatory compliance. In this guide, we’ll explain precisely why nitrogen is so valuable to pharmaceutical …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 08/04/2025

How to Start a Restaurant in California

Starting a restaurant in California requires navigating complex regulations, securing proper permits, and meeting strict health and safety standards. The process involves multiple steps from developing the concept to the grand opening, with startup costs potentially ranging well into six figures – depending on your restaurant’s size and location. In this guide, we’ll explore the …