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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 08/21/2025

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Yes, dry ice is dangerous and poses several risks, including: With temperatures of -109°F (-78.5°C), dry ice can cause immediate tissue damage upon contact while releasing CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. In this guide, we’ll explore the main hazards of dry ice and examine real-world incidents that highlight these dangers. We’ll also …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/20/2025

Is Xenon a Noble Gas?

Yes, xenon is a noble gas belonging to Group 18 of the periodic table, alongside helium, neon, argon, krypton, and radon. This classification is not merely academic – it has significant implications for industrial applications, medical uses, and specialized technologies where xenon’s unique properties are highly beneficial. In this guide, you’ll learn: The Noble Gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 08/19/2025

How Is CO₂ Used in Cell Culture?

CO₂ is used for maintaining pH balance in cell culture media through the CO₂-bicarbonate buffer system, which keeps cells viable and healthy. This controlled environment also regulates temperature and humidity while supporting proper cellular metabolism. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical biochemical mechanisms behind CO₂ use in cell culture. We’ll also discuss optimal concentration …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/19/2025

Why Are Noble Gases Unreactive?

Noble gases are unreactive because their outer electron shells are completely filled, making them chemically stable. This full valence shell prevents them from forming bonds with other atoms.  In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental reasons behind noble gas stability. We’ll examine the energy barriers that prevent reactions and discuss why some heavier noble gases …

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 …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/21/2025

What Is Liquid Helium Used For?

Liquid helium is used in various industrial, medical, and scientific processes. This is mainly due to its unique ability to maintain extremely low temperatures of -452°F (-269°C). This remarkable liquid powers some of the most advanced technologies we use today, from medical imaging to quantum computing. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why this is …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/21/2025

What Is Process Piping?

Process piping is an interconnected system of pipes and tubes designed to transport materials like fluids, gases, and fine particulate matter throughout industrial facilities. This critical infrastructure is the backbone of many manufacturing and processing operations across various industries. This guide takes a closer look at process piping to outline everything you should know about …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/20/2025

What Is Compressed Air Used For?

Compressed air is used for many industrial processes, manufacturing operations, and specialized applications across virtually every sector. From powering pneumatic tools to ensuring precise automation control, compressed air is an indispensable component that many consider the fourth utility alongside electricity, natural gas, and water. In this guide, we explore the most common uses of compressed …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/20/2025

Propane vs Natural Gas

Propane and natural gas are fuel sources with unique characteristics that affect their industrial and commercial applications. Their key differences lie in: These differences make each option better suited for specific uses. In this guide, we’ll put them head to head so that you can see which fuel source is right for your needs. Energy …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/19/2025

Is Acetylene Flammable?

Yes, acetylene is highly flammable and one of the most hazardous industrial gases due to its specific chemical properties and wide flammability range. This colorless gas requires careful handling and strict safety protocols in industrial applications. In this guide, you’ll learn about acetylene’s flammability range so that you can approach its use accordingly. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/19/2025

Is Acetylene Gas Explosive?

Yes, acetylene gas is highly explosive and requires careful handling due to its chemical properties. Its use requires strict safety protocols that prevent potentially dangerous situations. In this guide, we explain what makes acetylene so highly explosive. We’ll then show you how to prioritize safety when using this gas to get the most out of …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/18/2025

What Is Acetylene Used For?

Acetylene is primarily used for welding, metal fabrication, and chemical manufacturing, though it also has various specialized applications. Its unique properties and high flame temperature make it a valuable resource across industries. In this guide, we explore the most common uses of acetylene to show you the many ways you can leverage it. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/17/2025

What Is Helium Used for in Hospitals?

In modern healthcare, helium is used for MRI machines, respiratory therapy, and various medical procedures. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable in several hospital applications. This guide covers some of the most popular use cases to explain how widespread and indispensable helium is. We’ll also discuss how to manage and conserve this valuable material effectively. …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/14/2025

What Is Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid form of nitrogen that exists at extremely low temperatures of -196°C (-321°F). This colorless, odorless liquid plays a crucial role in various industries, from food processing to healthcare and manufacturing. In this guide, we cover all the basics of liquid nitrogen, including: WestAir supplies nitrogen across California and Arizona. Understanding Liquid …