Author: Lawrence Haynes

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. WestAir supplies nitrogen across California and Arizona. 1. Nitrogen Dominates …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/27/2025

How Long Do Neon Signs Last?

Neon signs typically last between 8 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. The specific lifespan depends on factors like quality of materials, environmental conditions, and usage patterns. In this guide, we’ll explain precisely what determines a neon sign’s durability. You’ll also learn how different components age and what businesses can do to maximize …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/27/2025

Is Propane Toxic?

Propane is not toxic in small amounts but can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations. It displaces oxygen, which can lead to dizziness, unconsciousness, or asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. Also, propane is flammable and poses an explosion risk if handled improperly. In this guide, we’ll explore the key safety considerations around propane exposure. We’ll …