Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 05/02/2025

Does Helium Displace Oxygen?

Yes, helium displaces oxygen.  Being lighter than air, helium rises and, in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, can rapidly displace oxygen and create oxygen-deficient atmospheres. In poorly ventilated areas, this can lead to asphyxiation due to lack of breathable oxygen. When inhaled, helium replaces the oxygen in your lungs, potentially leading to oxygen deprivation and …

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: The Science Behind CO2’s Non-Flammability Carbon dioxide is a completely oxidized carbon compound, meaning it has already undergone …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Is Xenon Gas Used For?

Xenon gas is used in high-intensity lighting, such as car headlights, movie projectors, and flash lamps. It is also used in ion propulsion systems for spacecraft and in medical imaging, including anesthesia and radiology. Its inert nature makes it ideal for controlled, high-energy applications. In this guide, you’ll learn about the key uses of xenon …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Is Krypton Gas Used For?

Krypton gas is mainly used for lighting, including halogen bulbs and fluorescent lights. It is also added to double-glazed windows for increased insulation, and its isotopes can be used to diagnose various diseases. This guide explores the most common use cases of krypton gas across industries.  Krypton for Lighting Applications Krypton is commonly used in …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

Why Is Helium Used in MRI Machines?

Discover how helium powers MRI technology and why it's irreplaceable due to its cooling effect. Learn about safety innovations and supply management.

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Are the Uses of Nitrogen?

Discover the most common uses of nitrogen across industries: food preservation, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/29/2025

How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protect Foods?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) protects foods by replacing the air inside packaging with a controlled mixture of gases that inhibits microbial growth, prevents oxidation, and maintains product freshness for longer periods. The exact mechanism depends on the gases used, with oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 being the main ones. In this article, we’ll explore how MAP …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 04/28/2025

What Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a food preservation technique that replaces the air inside a package with a carefully controlled mixture of gases to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. It slows spoilage by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth and oxidation. In this guide, we’ll explore: Learn about how WestAir can supply …

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, …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/22/2025

How Long Does Compressed Air Last?

Compressed air cans typically last 7-10 years on the shelf when properly stored and offer 300-1000 sprays of usage depending on can size and spray pattern. The exact longevity is affected by many factors, such as: This guide explores the lifespan of compressed air in more detail to explain precisely how long your cans should …