Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

Where Does Helium Come From?

Helium comes from two main sources: cosmic nucleosynthesis during the Big Bang and radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within the Earth’s crust. However, the helium we use on Earth comes almost entirely from underground deposits formed by radioactive decay—not from the helium produced during the Big Bang.  WestAir supplies helium across California and Arizona. …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

What Is Gas Chromatography Used For?

Gas chromatography is used to separate, identify, and measure different compounds within a mixture. This versatile technique serves numerous industries, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to environmental monitoring. This guide outlines the main use cases of gas chromatography to show you how widespread this method is. We’ll then go over some of the most compelling benefits that …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

Can You TIG Weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2? 

No, you should not TIG weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2 because the CO2 creates oxidation, spatter, and unstable arc conditions that compromise weld quality. Using 100% argon is recommended for TIG welding most materials. Why Is CO2 Problematic in TIG Welding? Carbon dioxide is fundamentally incompatible with TIG welding because it’s an active …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/17/2025

What Is the Best Gas for TIG Welding Stainless Steel?

The best gas for TIG welding stainless steel is generally 100% argon. It provides a stable arc, clean welds, and excellent shielding with minimal spatter. That covers most stainless work. A few jobs need something else, though, and running argon on those will cost you time or weld quality. Here’s how to tell which job …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 07/17/2025

Can You MIG Weld with 100% Argon?

Yes, 100% argon can be used for MIG welding, but only for specific applications like aluminum and nonferrous metals. Using 100% argon for MIG welding steel is generally not recommended because it produces weak, brittle welds with poor penetration.  Why Can’t Pure Argon Be Used for MIG Welding Steel? Using pure argon for MIG welding …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

CO2 vs Argon for MIG Welding Steel

For MIG welding steel, a mix of argon and CO₂ generally delivers the best overall results, combining the clean arc of argon with the deeper penetration and lower cost of CO₂. But the right mix depends on what you’re welding, and sometimes pure CO₂ is the smarter call. Here’s a quick overview: Application Recommended Gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 07/16/2025

Is Sulfur Hexafluoride a Greenhouse Gas?

Yes, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a greenhouse gas – and it’s the most potent one known to science. This colorless, odorless gas has an extraordinary impact on global warming, which is why many commercial users are looking for ways to mitigate its negative effects. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes SF6 such a powerful …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/15/2025

Does Propane Go Bad?

Propane does not go bad or expire over time. As a gas stored in pressurized tanks, propane remains stable indefinitely if the container is in good condition and free from leaks or rust. Properly stored propane can last for decades without losing effectiveness. That said, the tanks that store propane do have expiration dates and …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/11/2025

Can CO₂ Tanks Explode?

CO₂ tanks can explode if exposed to extreme heat, physical damage, or over-pressurization. While these incidents are relatively rare, they can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In this guide, we’ll explore the main causes of CO₂ tank explosions. We’ll also show you some real-world incidents that highlight these risks and discuss …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2025

Does CO2 Displace Oxygen?

Yes, carbon dioxide (CO2) displaces oxygen, especially in enclosed spaces where it can accumulate due to its higher density than air. This displacement happens because CO2 molecules take up physical space that would otherwise contain oxygen, potentially creating dangerous oxygen-deficient atmospheres. In this article, we’ll explore how oxygen displacement happens in more detail. We’ll then …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/09/2025

At What Pressure Does CO₂ Liquify?

CO₂ liquefies at pressures ranging from 5.11 bar (at -56.6°C) to 73.8 bar (at 31.1°C), with the exact pressure requirement depending on temperature. Above 31.1°C, no amount of pressure can liquefy CO₂ as it becomes a supercritical fluid. In this guide, we’ll explore the specific pressure requirements for CO₂ liquefaction at different temperatures. You’ll then …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/08/2025

Is Krypton Reactive?

Krypton is not reactive under normal conditions due to its complete valence electron shell, which makes it chemically inert like other noble gases. Still, it can react with fluorine under extreme conditions to form compounds such as krypton difluoride (KrF₂). In this guide, we’ll explore the reactivity of krypton in more detail. You’ll learn about …