Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 04/03/2025

How to Store Oxygen and Acetylene Cylinders

Oxygen and acetylene cylinder storage requires: Improper storage can lead to serious hazards like fires, explosions, and potential injury or death. That’s why understanding the right storage guidelines is the key to safe and responsible use. In this guide, you’ll learn precisely how to store oxygen and acetylene cylinders in a way that minimizes the …

Nick Vasco | 2 minutes | 04/02/2025

What Is Argon Used For?

Discover the essential applications of argon gas in manufacturing, medicine, and beyond. Learn how this versatile element supports cutting-edge processes.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/02/2025

What Gases Are Used in Neon Signs?

Neon signs mainly use neon and argon gases, though mercury can be used to provide a broader range of colors. This guide breaks down which gas does what, so you can pick the right one for your sign. WestAir supplies neon across California and Arizona. Neon Gas Creates the Iconic Red-Orange Glow Pure neon gas …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/01/2025

What Gas Is Used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) typically uses three gases: nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.  These gases are used in different combinations to extend food shelf life and maintain product quality. In this guide, you’ll learn about different gas mixtures and which products they’re used for. We’ll also cover some lesser-known but important gases, after which you’ll …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 04/01/2025

What Is Medical Air?

Medical air is a specialized compressed gas used in healthcare settings that offers a clean, breathable gas mixture for various clinical applications. It’s an essential component in modern healthcare facilities, which must meet stringent purity standards for patient treatment and medical devices. In this guide, you’ll learn what medical air is, how it’s produced, and …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 03/28/2025

How-To: Never Lose A Cylinder

Cylinder management can be a complex and stressful aspect of operating at any size. At WestAir, we’ve developed the Accurate Cylinder Management (ACM) service to transform this challenge into a streamlined, worry-free process. And Kevin, a driver in national City, has allowed us to tag along to see how everything unfolds behind-the-scenes: Let’s dive into …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 03/27/2025

What Is 75/25 Welding Gas?

75/25 welding gas is a shielding gas mixture consisting of 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide (CO2) that’s widely used in MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding applications. It offers a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness for welding mild steel. The specific ratio offers several advantages over single-component gases while maintaining affordability for regular industrial use. …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 03/24/2025

MIG Welding Gas Settings: Best Flow Rates & Mixtures

The optimal MIG welding gas flow rate for mild steel indoors with no draft is 10-15 CFH (cubic feet per hour), while other metals and conditions require different settings. Proper gas settings are crucial for creating strong, clean welds without defects like porosity or contamination. Understanding the correct gas flow rates and mixtures for your …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 03/20/2025

How to Increase the Shelf Life of Food Products

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is the most common way to increase the shelf life of food products, though other methods like cryogenic freezing and high-pressure packaging (HPP) can be used as advanced techniques when MAP does not suffice. This guide will explore the key benefits of different techniques to help you choose the right one. …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 03/20/2025

What Is the Temperature of Liquid Nitrogen?

The temperature of liquid nitrogen is -196°C (-321°F) at its boiling point. For reference, -89.2°C (-128.56 °F) is the coldest temperature ever recorded at ground level on Earth!  (In Antarctica, unsurprisingly.) That extreme cold makes liquid nitrogen the go-to cryogenic fluid for everything from freeze-grinding materials to keeping biological samples viable for years. WestAir supplies …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 03/19/2025

What Is a Tracer Gas?

A tracer gas is a specialized gas used in non-destructive testing to detect leaks and evaluate airflow patterns in different systems and environments. It’s essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and quality control across industries. This guide will teach you all you need to know about tracer gases, most notably: Tip: Check out WestAir’s gas safety solutions. Understanding …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 03/18/2025

Is Nitrogen Flammable (And How To Handle It Safely)?

Learn whether nitrogen is flammable and discover its main industrial uses and key safety practices. Explore nitrogen’s key plant and pipeline applications.