Author: Tyler O'Brien

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 04/25/2025

How Does Enhanced Oil Recovery Work?

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) works by injecting substances into oil reservoirs to extract additional crude oil that remains after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. This advanced technique can increase oil recovery from 20-40% to an impressive 30-60% of the reservoir’s original oil in place. EOR encompasses three method types: Each method alters …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/23/2025

Why Is Compressed Air So Expensive?

Compressed air is expensive mainly because it requires significant energy to produce. Energy costs account for 70-80% of the total lifetime expense of a compressed air system. This “fourth utility” in manufacturing facilities often goes unnoticed on balance sheets – despite being 7-8 times more expensive than electricity on a per-unit basis. In this guide, …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 04/14/2025

What Is Compressed Air Made Of?

Compressed air is made of largely the same components as atmospheric air: The only difference is that compressed air comes in a more condensed form. Still, the quality and composition of compressed air directly impact equipment performance, product quality, and operational efficiency in industrial settings. This guide explains what makes up compressed air in more …

Tyler O'Brien | 9 minutes | 04/07/2025

What Gas Is Released in the SMAW Process?

The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process releases various gases, including: These protective gases are produced by the decomposition of the electrode’s flux coating during welding. They shield the weld pool from atmospheric contamination while enabling a strong, clean weld. Unlike other welding methods that require external gas tanks, SMAW generates its own shielding atmosphere …

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 …

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 …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 03/10/2025

What Is Anhydrous Ammonia?

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is a chemical compound consisting of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen. It’s a colorless gas with a pungent odor that serves as a cornerstone in various industrial applications. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about anhydrous ammonia, most notably: WestAir supplies ammonia across California and Arizona. …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 03/05/2025

Does Fertilizer Have Nitrogen?

Yes, most fertilizers contain nitrogen – it’s one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth and development. Modern fertilizers typically contain between 26% and 32% nitrogen, with some specialized formulations containing up to 82% nitrogen. This guide explores the crucial role of nitrogen in fertilizing solutions. You’ll also learn about the key types of …