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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 08/21/2025

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Yes, dry ice is dangerous and poses several risks, including: With temperatures of -109°F (-78.5°C), dry ice can cause immediate tissue damage upon contact while releasing CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. In this guide, we’ll explore the main hazards of dry ice and examine real-world incidents that highlight these dangers. We’ll also …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/20/2025

Is Xenon a Noble Gas?

Yes, xenon is a noble gas belonging to Group 18 of the periodic table, alongside helium, neon, argon, krypton, and radon. This classification is not merely academic – it has significant implications for industrial applications, medical uses, and specialized technologies where xenon’s unique properties are highly beneficial. In this guide, you’ll learn: The Noble Gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 08/19/2025

How Is CO₂ Used in Cell Culture?

CO₂ is used for maintaining pH balance in cell culture media through the CO₂-bicarbonate buffer system, which keeps cells viable and healthy. This controlled environment also regulates temperature and humidity while supporting proper cellular metabolism. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical biochemical mechanisms behind CO₂ use in cell culture. We’ll also discuss optimal concentration …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/19/2025

Why Are Noble Gases Unreactive?

Noble gases are unreactive because their outer electron shells are completely filled, making them chemically stable. This full valence shell prevents them from forming bonds with other atoms.  In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental reasons behind noble gas stability. We’ll examine the energy barriers that prevent reactions and discuss why some heavier noble gases …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

Why Is Helium Used in MRI Machines?

Discover how helium powers MRI technology and why it's irreplaceable due to its cooling effect. Learn about safety innovations and supply management.

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Are the Uses of Nitrogen?

Discover the most common uses of nitrogen across industries: food preservation, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/29/2025

How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protect Foods?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) protects foods by replacing the air inside packaging with a controlled mixture of gases that inhibits microbial growth, prevents oxidation, and maintains product freshness for longer periods. The exact mechanism depends on the gases used, with oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 being the main ones. In this article, we’ll explore how MAP …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 04/28/2025

What Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a food preservation technique that replaces the air inside a package with a carefully controlled mixture of gases to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. It slows spoilage by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth and oxidation. In this guide, we’ll explore: Learn about how WestAir can supply …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 04/25/2025

How Does Enhanced Oil Recovery Work?

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) works by injecting substances into oil reservoirs to extract additional crude oil that remains after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. This advanced technique can increase oil recovery from 20-40% to an impressive 30-60% of the reservoir’s original oil in place. EOR encompasses three method types: Each method alters …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/23/2025

Why Is Compressed Air So Expensive?

Compressed air is expensive mainly because it requires significant energy to produce. Energy costs account for 70-80% of the total lifetime expense of a compressed air system. This “fourth utility” in manufacturing facilities often goes unnoticed on balance sheets – despite being 7-8 times more expensive than electricity on a per-unit basis. In this guide, …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/22/2025

How Long Does Compressed Air Last?

Compressed air cans typically last 7-10 years on the shelf when properly stored and offer 300-1000 sprays of usage depending on can size and spray pattern. The exact longevity is affected by many factors, such as: This guide explores the lifespan of compressed air in more detail to explain precisely how long your cans should …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/17/2025

Is Compressed Air Dangerous?

Yes, compressed air is dangerous and can cause serious injuries and even death when mishandled. The specific hazards range from physical injuries and internal damage to hearing loss and equipment-related accidents. The risks aren’t always obvious until an accident occurs, so proper awareness and safety protocols are essential. To help you avoid incidents, this guide …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 04/17/2025

How is Nitrogen Stored?

Nitrogen is stored as a compressed gas in high-pressure cylinders or as a liquid in cryogenic tanks at −196°C (−320.8°F). Cryogenic tanks are particularly useful for large-scale storage, while cylinders are often used for smaller quantities of nitrogen gas. This guide covers all you need to know about the main nitrogen storage solutions. We’ll cover …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/17/2025

Is Helium Reactive?

No, helium is not reactive – it’s a noble gas with a full outer electron shell. Helium’s stable configuration prevents it from forming chemical bonds with other elements under normal conditions. In this guide, you’ll learn more about what makes helium non-reactive. We’ll then cover its main applications, guidelines for safe handling, and environmental interactions. …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/16/2025

Is Oxygen Flammable?

No, oxygen is not flammable, but it makes other materials burn much faster and more intensely. This guide explores oxygen’s role in combustion. You’ll also learn how to handle this gas safely across different industrial and medical uses. The Science Behind Oxygen and Combustion Oxygen acts as an oxidizer, not a fuel. This means it …

Nick Vasco | 6 minutes | 04/15/2025

How to Check Compressed Air Quality

The specific process of checking compressed air quality largely depends on the contaminant you’re testing for. Different methods are outlined in the ISO 8573 standard, which suggests the most effective practices. In this guide, we’ll go over different testing methodologies to help you choose the right ones. We’ll then cover the importance of a regular …