Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/03/2025

What Does Nitrogen Do for Beer?

Nitrogen transforms beer by creating a smoother, creamier texture with a cascading effect and longer-lasting head compared to traditional CO2 carbonation. This specialized gas plays a crucial role in both the serving and production processes of various beer styles. Whether you’re a brewer or just a beer enthusiast, this guide will teach you about nitro …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/02/2025

Is Xenon Flammable?

Xenon is not flammable. As a noble gas, it has exceptional chemical stability and inertness, which makes it incapable of sustaining or supporting combustion under normal conditions.  In this guide, you’ll learn precisely what makes xenon non-flammable, after which we’ll explore its properties, uses, and safety considerations. Xenon’s Chemical Properties and Flammability Status Xenon belongs …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/30/2025

What Gas Do You Use to Weld Aluminum?

Pure argon is the main shielding gas used for welding aluminum, though helium and argon-helium mixtures can also be used depending on specific application requirements. Your chosen gas significantly impacts weld quality, penetration depth, and overall efficiency of the welding process. To help you make an informed decision, this guide outlines the most commonly used …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/29/2025

The Benefits of Adding Hydrogen to Argon in Welding

Adding hydrogen to argon in welding can significantly enhance welding performance, especially when working with austenitic stainless steel. This specialized gas mixture offers several advantages, which we outline in this guide. To help you get the most out of hydrogen and argon, we’ll also go over the key considerations and safety tips to follow. Enhanced …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/28/2025

What Shielding Gas Improves FCAW Weld Penetration?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the shielding gas that provides the best penetration for Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. It creates deeper and broader weld penetration profiles than other options, which makes it ideal for applications requiring maximum joint strength. In this article, we’ll explain why CO2 excels at improving penetration and how different shielding gases …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/28/2025

Is Gas Welding Faster than Arc Welding?

No, gas welding is not faster than arc welding. Arc welding processes typically achieve higher speeds due to: In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that influence welding speeds and how these two fundamental processes compare in different welding applications. Heat Source and Temperature Differences Gas welding relies on a chemical reaction between oxygen …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/27/2025

What Gases Are Used for TIG Welding?

Argon is the main shielding gas used for TIG welding. Helium and various gas mixtures can also be used depending on the specific application and metal being welded. In this guide, we’ll explore the different gases used in TIG welding in more detail. We’ll discuss their properties and show you how to select the right …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/26/2025

Why Is an Inert Shielding Gas Required for GTA Welding?

Inert shielding gases are required for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination. Without these non-reactive gases, oxygen and nitrogen would compromise weld integrity, which could lead to defects and weakened joints. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why you need inert gases in …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/26/2025

What Gases Are Used for MIG Welding?

MIG welding primarily uses argon, carbon dioxide (CO2), or mixtures of these gases as shielding agents. The most common option is a mix of 75% argon and 25% CO2 for mild steel applications. Still, the specific gas choice depends on the metal being welded, so in this guide, we’ll explore the different shielding gases used …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/22/2025

Is Helium Dangerous?

Helium can be dangerous despite being non-toxic. While helium is chemically inert, it poses significant asphyxiation risks by displacing oxygen in enclosed spaces and when inhaled directly. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers associated with helium and the safety precautions industrial and medical users should take when handling this gas. Asphyxiation Risks of Helium …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/20/2025

What Is the Role of Helium Gas in Gas Chromatography?

Helium gas acts as a carrier gas in gas chromatography. It transports the sample through the column without reacting with it. Helium’s inert nature and optimal flow characteristics provide fast analysis times and high efficiency, making it a preferred choice for precise separations. In this article, we’ll explore why helium has been the gold standard …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/20/2025

What Is Helium Used For?

Helium is used for cooling MRI machines, inflating balloons, pressurizing rocket fuel tanks, and enabling deep-sea diving mixtures. It also serves in semiconductor manufacturing and as a protective gas in arc welding.  In this article, we’ll explore helium’s versatile applications in more detail and explain why it remains essential for many specialized processes. Medical Applications …