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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 | 02/03/2025

Is Nitrogen a Greenhouse Gas?

Pure nitrogen (N2) is not a greenhouse gas, but certain nitrogen compounds like nitrous oxide (N2O) are among the most potent greenhouse gases affecting our climate today. In this guide, we draw a line between different nitrogen compounds to explain their impact on the environment. We’ll also discuss how different industrial processes affect the climate …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/03/2025

What Is Dry Ice Blasting Used For?

Dry ice blasting is a cleaning method that uses compressed air and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) pellets to clean various surfaces and equipment. Thanks to its versatility, this process found its way to many industries, and this guide explores its main use cases. You’ll then learn about the key environmental and safety benefits that …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/31/2025

What Is the Mix for Shielding Gases?

The most common shielding gas mixture for welding is 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide (CO2). But there’s more to the story when it comes to effective gas combinations. In this guide, we explore different shielding gas mixtures to show you some popular options. We’ll then discuss the main factors to consider when finding the …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/31/2025

What Is Cryotherapy and What Materials Are Used for It?

Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that uses extremely cold temperatures to treat various conditions. It mainly relies on gases (that are in their liquid or solid state at low temperatures) like liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. In this guide, we’ll cover the basic mechanism behind cryotherapy and discuss these fluids and solids in …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/30/2025

What Is Plasma Cutting and What Gases Are Used for It?

Plasma cutting is a precision metal-cutting process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials. It relies on specific gases to create the plasma arc and achieve clean, precise cuts across various metals and thicknesses. This guide explores the basics of plasma cutting technology and common gases involved …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/29/2025

What Gases Are Used in Hospitals?

Hospitals mainly use six essential gases: Each of these gases plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, from basic patient care to complex surgical procedures. In this guide, we’ll discuss their key applications, after which you’ll learn about the safety requirements and protocols to follow. Life-Saving Oxygen and Its Critical Applications Oxygen is the most …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/28/2025

What Is Gasless MIG Welding?

Gasless MIG welding, also known as Self-Shielded Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-S), is a welding process that eliminates the need for external shielding gas by using a special flux-cored wire that creates its own protective shield when heated. This innovative welding method has become increasingly popular among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts for its portability and …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/28/2025

Everything You Need to Know About Shielding Gases

Shielding gases are protective gases used in welding to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality welds. Whether you’re new to welding or looking to optimize your processes, understanding these gases is crucial for successful welding projects. This guide will show you the most commonly used shielding gases and mixtures you can choose from. We’ll then cover …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/27/2025

What Gases Are Used in Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication relies on several industrial gases, with argon, helium, carbon dioxide, and oxygen being the most commonly used options for various welding and cutting processes. In this guide, we’ll discuss these gases in more detail to show you their roles in metal fabrication. We’ll then explore some common gas mixtures for when a single …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/27/2025

How Long Does Carbonation Last in Soda?

Carbonation typically lasts between 6 and 9 months in sealed soda containers when stored properly. Still, this duration can vary significantly based on several key factors.  In this guide, you’ll learn what affects carbonation longevity, after which we’ll go over some tips for maximizing it. WestAir supplies gases for beverage carbonation across California and Arizona. The Science …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/24/2025

Why Do Forklifts Use Propane?

Forklifts mainly use propane because it offers the right combination of power, efficiency, and convenience crucial for material handling operations. This clean-burning fuel has become the go-to choice for businesses looking to maximize their forklift fleet’s performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. This guide explores the benefits of propane in more detail to show …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/22/2025

Where Do You Get Nitrogen?

Nitrogen mainly comes from the Earth’s atmosphere, where it makes up 78% of the air we breathe. While it’s all around us, converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms requires specific processes and technology. In this guide, we discuss these processes to show you where nitrogen for industrial and commercial uses comes from. We’ll also show …