Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 07/17/2025

Can You MIG Weld with 100% Argon?

Yes, 100% argon can be used for MIG welding, but only for specific applications like aluminum and nonferrous metals. Using 100% argon for MIG welding steel is generally not recommended because it produces weak, brittle welds with poor penetration.  Why Can’t Pure Argon Be Used for MIG Welding Steel? Using pure argon for MIG welding …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

CO2 vs Argon for MIG Welding Steel

For MIG welding steel, a mix of argon and CO₂ generally delivers the best overall results, combining the clean arc of argon with the deeper penetration and lower cost of CO₂. But the right mix depends on what you’re welding, and sometimes pure CO₂ is the smarter call. Here’s a quick overview: Application Recommended Gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 07/16/2025

Is Sulfur Hexafluoride a Greenhouse Gas?

Yes, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a greenhouse gas – and it’s the most potent one known to science. This colorless, odorless gas has an extraordinary impact on global warming, which is why many commercial users are looking for ways to mitigate its negative effects. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes SF6 such a powerful …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/16/2025

Is Carbon Monoxide Flammable?

Yes, carbon monoxide (CO) is highly flammable. This colorless, odorless gas burns with a distinctive violet flame and has significant flammability limits between 12.5% and 74.2% concentration in air. This guide explores carbon monoxide’s flammability in more detail. You’ll learn about its properties, applications, and safety guidelines to follow. WestAir supplies carbon monoxide across California and Arizona. …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/15/2025

Does Propane Go Bad?

Propane does not go bad or expire over time. As a gas stored in pressurized tanks, propane remains stable indefinitely if the container is in good condition and free from leaks or rust. Properly stored propane can last for decades without losing effectiveness. That said, the tanks that store propane do have expiration dates and …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/14/2025

Is Propane Flammable?

Propane is highly flammable when in its gaseous state – it can ignite at concentrations between 2.1% and 9.6% in air and burns at temperatures over 3,500°F (1,927°C). However, liquid propane (LPG) stored under pressure is not flammable until it vaporizes into gas. In this guide, we’ll explore propane’s flammability characteristics. You’ll also learn about …

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. WestAir supplies …

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 …