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 …

Marco Balmer | 3 minutes | 03/11/2025

How to Improve Soil Fertility

The key to improving soil fertility lies in maintaining a balanced ecosystem of nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms. For best results, it’s best to combine natural practices with a scientific understanding of soil composition.  In this guide, we’ll cover both aspects by discussing the science behind soil health and outlining some of the key …

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: Chemical Properties and Physical Characteristics The term …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 03/07/2025

What Is the Role of Ethylene in Fruit Ripening?

Ethylene is the primary trigger for fruit ripening that controls various aspects of the maturation process, from color development to texture changes. Its presence and proper management are crucial for food industry professionals looking to maintain optimal product quality during storage and transportation. This guide will show you precisely how ethylene impacts the ripening process. …

Marco Balmer | 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 …

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 …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 03/03/2025

One Small Spark: A Celebration of Our Service-Driven History

SAN DIEGO, CA, February 14, 2025 — We’re proud to introduce the latest phase of WestAir’s brand evolution that honors our roots as a family-owned business while embracing modern customer service innovations. From its humble beginnings in 1970 with a $3,000 loan and borrowed delivery truck in San Diego County, WestAir has grown into a …

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 …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/28/2025

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. This process results in zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout the material’s lifecycle. This clean energy carrier is becoming increasingly popular in industrial processes because it offers sustainable solutions for manufacturing operations. To explain the growing shift to green hydrogen, this …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/27/2025

Does Hydrogen Conduct Electricity?

Hydrogen does not conduct electricity under normal conditions. Still, there’s more to the story than this short answer, as hydrogen’s properties can drastically change at specific pressure levels. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you should know about hydrogen’s ability to conduct electricity. We’ll also touch on the practical implications of the material’s changes in …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/26/2025

What Is Liquid Oxygen Used For?

Liquid oxygen is an industrial and medical material that powers everything from hospital ventilators to rocket engines. Its ability to be stored compactly while providing high-purity oxygen makes it invaluable across sectors. This guide covers some of the most popular uses of liquid oxygen. You’ll learn about its benefits in different processes so that you …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/25/2025

Can Oxygen and Acetylene Be Stored Together?

No, oxygen and acetylene cylinders cannot be stored together due to considerable safety risks. These gases must be separated by either a minimum distance of 20 feet or a five-foot-high fire-rated wall to prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. In this guide, you’ll learn why these safety measures must be in place. We’ll then cover the additional …