Author: Tyler O'Brien

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/16/2026

Why Is Liquid Hydrogen Used as Rocket Fuel?

Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) is used as rocket fuel because it delivers the highest specific impulse (Isp) of any practical chemical rocket fuel, producing more thrust per pound burned than any other option. Paired with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer, it powers upper stages and deep-space missions where every pound of fuel counts. WestAir supplies liquid …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/15/2026

What Is Beverage Grade CO2?

Beverage grade CO₂ is carbon dioxide purified to meet strict food safety standards, making it safe to carbonate sodas, beer, seltzer, and other drinks people consume directly. Unlike industrial CO₂ used for welding shields or dry ice blasting, beverage grade CO₂ has to meet specifications set out in the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/13/2026

What Gases Are Used in Laboratories?

Laboratories rely on nitrogen, helium, argon, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide to keep research, testing, and analysis running smoothly. They each serve a specific purpose depending on the equipment and application. Why Is Nitrogen the Workhorse Gas in Most Labs? Nitrogen is the most commonly used gas in laboratories because it’s inert, affordable, and incredibly versatile. …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2026

Liquid Nitrogen Dewar Sizes: Choosing the Right Size for Your Application

The right liquid nitrogen (LN₂) dewar size comes down to two things: how much LN₂ your operation actually goes through, and how much room you have for the container. Most lab and medical dewars run from about 4 liters up to 50 liters, and choosing within that range is mostly a matter of matching capacity …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/08/2026

What Is Nitrogen Flushing?

Nitrogen flushing is a preservation method that replaces oxygen inside packaging with nitrogen gas to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. The process pushes out oxygen before sealing, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation, spoilage, and bacterial growth. You’ll find nitrogen flushing everywhere from your morning coffee bag to pharmaceuticals. It’s the reason …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 07/01/2026

What Is a Liquid Nitrogen Dewar?

A liquid nitrogen dewar is a specialized vacuum-insulated container designed to store and transport liquid nitrogen at its temperature of -196°C (-321°F). It was named after Scottish scientist Sir James Dewar, who invented the vacuum flask in 1892. How Does a Dewar Keep Liquid Nitrogen Cold? The key to a dewar’s effectiveness lies in its …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/01/2026

Is Hydrogen Flammable?

Yes, hydrogen is highly flammable. It takes almost no energy to ignite, it burns across an unusually wide range of concentrations, and its flame is nearly invisible in daylight. That combination is what makes hydrogen trickier to handle safely than most fuel gases. WestAir supplies hydrogen across California and Arizona. Why Is Hydrogen Gas Flammable? …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 06/30/2026

What Is a Pyrophoric Gas?

A pyrophoric gas ignites spontaneously the moment it touches air, with no spark, flame, or outside heat needed. Room temperature is enough to set it off. These gases react so aggressively with the oxygen and moisture in ordinary air that the reaction releases enough heat to ignite the gas on the spot. That one trait …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 06/11/2026

How Much CO₂ Is In Beer?

If you’ve ever stared at a freshly poured pint and watched the bubbles race to the top, you’ve witnessed some surprisingly complex physics in action. A 2021 study published in ACS Omega by researchers at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne set out to answer a deceptively simple question: how many CO₂ bubbles actually form in …

Tyler O'Brien | 10 minutes | 05/18/2026

Bulk Liquid Nitrogen Suppliers for Biotech: 2026 Buyer’s Guide

When a biotech facility runs out of liquid nitrogen, the loss is not the gas. It is the samples, the stem cells, the embryos, the bioreactors, and the months of research work that depend on continuous cryogenic storage. A single supply interruption can erase laboratory inventory worth millions of dollars and reset research timelines by …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 04/29/2026

What Gases Are Used in Stadiums and Live Events?

Stadiums and live events rely on several industrial gases including carbon dioxide for special effects, nitrogen for fog systems and pyrotechnics, helium for balloons and inflatables, and oxygen for safety systems. WestAir supplies gases for stadiums across California and Arizona. How Is CO₂ Used for Special Effects at Live Events? Carbon dioxide creates the dramatic …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/22/2026

Is Neon Dangerous?

Neon is less dangerous than most industrial gases because it’s non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert, but it still poses real risks in enclosed spaces where it can displace oxygen, and through high-pressure cylinder handling and cryogenic contact. WestAir supplies neon across California and Arizona. What Makes Neon Safer Than Most Industrial Gases? Neon is a …