Author: Tyler O'Brien

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/16/2025

Is Argon Toxic?

Argon is not toxic, but it can be dangerous due to its potential to displace oxygen in confined spaces. While it presents minimal chemical risks as it’s highly inert, it poses a significant asphyxiation hazard.  In this article, we’ll explore how argon affects the human body in more detail. We’ll also discuss the conditions under …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 05/09/2025

What Is Industrial Oxygen?

Industrial oxygen is a highly purified form of oxygen gas (typically 90-99% pure) used in manufacturing, metalworking, and chemical processes. Unlike medical-grade oxygen, industrial oxygen is not subject to FDA regulations for human consumption and is specifically manufactured for technical applications. In this guide, we’ll explain how industrial oxygen is produced and cover its main …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 05/08/2025

What Gases Are Used in Meat Packaging?

The most commonly used gases in meat packaging are carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), and sometimes carbon monoxide (CO). These gases are combined in specific mixtures through a process called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). In this guide, we’ll explore how these industrial gases work together to preserve meat while meeting industry standards and …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 05/07/2025

What Is Reduced Oxygen Packaging?

Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP) is a food preservation method that removes or reduces oxygen from food packaging to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. It creates an environment with oxygen levels below 21%, which inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria, yeast, and molds that cause food spoilage. In this article, we’ll explain how reduced …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/06/2025

What Is CO2 Used for in Restaurants?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in restaurants mainly for carbonating beverages, dispensing beer, preserving food, and fire suppression. These uses make CO2 an essential gas in the food service industry, helping businesses deliver quality products while ensuring proper preservation. In this article, we’ll explore the key applications of CO2 in restaurant settings in more detail. …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/05/2025

What Is Medical Grade Oxygen?

Medical grade oxygen is a pharmaceutical-grade gas that typically contains at least 99.0% pure oxygen, though USP standards allow for certain medical applications to use oxygen concentrations between 90% and 99% at the bedside.  It must meet strict FDA regulations and include severely limited contaminants to ensure patient safety. Unlike industrial oxygen, medical grade oxygen …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/01/2025

Is CO2 an Inert Gas?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is generally considered an inert gas under normal conditions, but it might become reactive at high temperatures or when mixed with certain chemicals.  In this article, we’ll explore the inert nature of carbon dioxide in more detail. We’ll cover: Understanding CO2’s Chemical Nature Carbon dioxide has a stable molecular structure with double …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/30/2025

Is CO2 Flammable?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is not flammable, and it doesn’t contribute to combustion. On the contrary – CO2 is one of the most widely used fire suppression agents in industrial and commercial settings. In this guide, we’ll explore: WestAir supplies carbon dioxide across California and Arizona. The Science Behind CO2’s Non-Flammability Carbon dioxide is a completely oxidized carbon …

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 …