Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/11/2025

Can CO₂ Tanks Explode?

CO₂ tanks can explode if exposed to extreme heat, physical damage, or over-pressurization. While these incidents are relatively rare, they can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In this guide, we’ll explore the main causes of CO₂ tank explosions. We’ll also show you some real-world incidents that highlight these risks and discuss …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2025

Why Do Rockets Use Hydrogen Fuel?

Rockets use hydrogen fuel because it delivers the highest specific impulse (efficiency) of any chemical propellant, producing more thrust per pound than any other fuel. In this guide, we’ll explore why hydrogen has become the preferred fuel for many space missions. You’ll learn why its unique properties make it indispensable for modern rocketry. Unmatched Energy …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2025

Does CO2 Displace Oxygen?

Yes, carbon dioxide (CO2) displaces oxygen, especially in enclosed spaces where it can accumulate due to its higher density than air. This displacement happens because CO2 molecules take up physical space that would otherwise contain oxygen, potentially creating dangerous oxygen-deficient atmospheres. In this article, we’ll explore how oxygen displacement happens in more detail. We’ll then …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/09/2025

At What Pressure Does CO₂ Liquify?

CO₂ liquefies at pressures ranging from 5.11 bar (at -56.6°C) to 73.8 bar (at 31.1°C), with the exact pressure requirement depending on temperature. Above 31.1°C, no amount of pressure can liquefy CO₂ as it becomes a supercritical fluid. In this guide, we’ll explore the specific pressure requirements for CO₂ liquefaction at different temperatures. You’ll then …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/08/2025

Is Krypton Reactive?

Krypton is not reactive under normal conditions due to its complete valence electron shell, which makes it chemically inert like other noble gases. Still, it can react with fluorine under extreme conditions to form compounds such as krypton difluoride (KrF₂). In this guide, we’ll explore the reactivity of krypton in more detail. You’ll learn about …

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

Is CO2 Explosive?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is not chemically explosive or flammable. In fact, it has a flammability rating of zero according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classification system, and it’s actually used in fire extinguishers exactly because it doesn’t support combustion. Still, this doesn’t make it completely safe. In this guide, we’ll explore CO2’s safety …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/04/2025

Medical Air vs Medical Oxygen: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between medical air and medical oxygen is that medical air mimics natural atmospheric air for general respiratory support, while medical oxygen is a highly concentrated form used when patients need extra oxygen for critical care. Below, we will go into detail on the differences between medical air and medical oxygen.  WestAir supplies …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 07/03/2025

How Do You Know If You Have a CO2 Leak?

You can identify a CO2 leak through specialized detection equipment. As CO2 is colorless and odorless, leaks are impossible to detect with human senses alone until concentrations reach dangerous levels. That being said, you can still recognize physical symptoms of exposure and observe environmental changes.  In this guide, we’ll explore the key methods for identifying …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/02/2025

4 Interesting Facts about Oxygen

Oxygen is an essential and fascinating gas that plays critical roles in everything from the air we breathe to the steel we build with. This colorless, odorless gas makes up about 21% of our atmosphere and is the foundation for countless industrial and medical applications. In this guide, you’ll see some compelling facts about oxygen …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/02/2025

4 Interesting Facts about Helium

Helium is among the most fascinating elements in the periodic table, with properties and applications that span from ancient solar discoveries to cutting-edge medical technology. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the most compelling aspects of helium, from its cosmic abundance to its critical role in modern medical equipment and space exploration. 1. …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/02/2025

4 Interesting Facts about Nitrogen

Nitrogen is among the most abundant elements on Earth, making up 78% of our atmosphere. It also serves as a cornerstone for both biological processes and industrial applications. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most compelling facts about nitrogen that matter to industrial gas users. 1. Nitrogen Dominates Earth’s Atmosphere Nitrogen gas makes …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 07/01/2025

Carbon Dioxide vs. Carbon Monoxide – What’s the Difference?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) differ in chemical structures, toxicity levels, and environmental impacts. CO₂ consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and is naturally present in our atmosphere, while CO contains just one carbon and one oxygen atom and is mainly produced through incomplete combustion processes. In this guide, …