Author: Nick Vasco

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/07/2025

What Are the Industrial Uses of Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is mainly used in food and beverage production, manufacturing, and healthcare.  Here’s a closer look at what CO₂ actually does once it leaves the cylinder. Food and Beverage: The Fizz Factor and Beyond Food and beverage is one of the largest CO₂ markets.  Every sparkling drink on the shelf is CO₂ at …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/04/2025

Argon Gas Medical Uses

Argon gas is used in many medical processes and procedures, from controlling bleeding during surgeries to treating eye conditions. This noble gas has become an indispensable tool in modern medicine due to its outstanding versatility. To explain why this is the case, this article will show you how argon’s unique properties enrich many medical applications. …

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 …

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 | 5 minutes | 03/20/2025

What Is Nitrogen Purging?

Discover the basics of nitrogen purging: safety benefits, methods, and best practices to follow. Learn how to approach the purging process safely.

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 …

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.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 03/13/2025

How to Measure Carbonation in Beer

Measuring carbonation in beer involves determining the volume of dissolved carbon dioxide compared to the volume of liquid beer, typically expressed as volumes of CO2. This process requires specialized equipment and an understanding of basic scientific principles, which you’ll learn about in this guide. We’ll cover both the common and advanced methods so that you …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 03/04/2025

How to Detect a Propane Leak

A propane leak can be detected through its distinctive rotten egg or skunk-like smell. Additional methods include performing a bubble test on connections and using specialized leak detection equipment. As quick detection and proper responses are crucial for preventing dangerous situations, this guide covers the most effective methods for spotting a propane leak. You’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 03/03/2025

Where Does Hydrogen Fuel Come From?

Hydrogen fuel mainly comes from two main sources: steam methane reforming of natural gas and water electrolysis. These production methods, along with several emerging technologies, form the backbone of global hydrogen fuel production. This guide explains how these methods work alongside their pros and cons. We’ll then show you some lesser-known ways to obtain hydrogen …