Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 04/11/2025

Is Sulfur Hexafluoride Safe?

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is generally considered non-toxic and biologically inert under normal conditions, which makes it safe for many industrial and medical uses. Still, its safety profile changes significantly in certain situations, particularly at high temperatures or concentrations. While the properties of SF6 make it valuable across industries, they also call for specific safety considerations. …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 04/10/2025

Recap: 2025 San Diego Beer News Awards

The 2025 San Diego Beer News Awards ceremony showcased the strength of San Diego’s craft beer community under the theme “We’re Stronger Together.” While Seek Beer Co. dominated with six gold awards and took home Champion Brewery honors, one of the evening’s most memorable moments came during the Best Can/Bottle Design category, sponsored by WestAir …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/07/2025

Is Helium Flammable?

No, helium is not flammable. As a noble gas, helium is chemically inert and non-combustible, which makes it one of the safest gases you can work with. It won’t even support combustion in other flammable gases around it. Understanding Helium’s Inert Nature Helium’s unique atomic structure is responsible for its non-flammable nature. As the least …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/07/2025

What Are the Industrial Uses of Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is mainly used in food and beverage production, manufacturing, and healthcare.  Here’s a closer look at what CO₂ actually does once it leaves the cylinder. Food and Beverage: The Fizz Factor and Beyond Food and beverage is one of the largest CO₂ markets.  Every sparkling drink on the shelf is CO₂ at …

Tyler O'Brien | 9 minutes | 04/07/2025

What Gas Is Released in the SMAW Process?

The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process releases various gases, including: These protective gases are produced by the decomposition of the electrode’s flux coating during welding. They shield the weld pool from atmospheric contamination while enabling a strong, clean weld. Unlike other welding methods that require external gas tanks, SMAW generates its own shielding atmosphere …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/04/2025

Argon Gas Medical Uses

Argon gas is used in many medical processes and procedures, from controlling bleeding during surgeries to treating eye conditions. This noble gas has become an indispensable tool in modern medicine due to its outstanding versatility. To explain why this is the case, this article will show you how argon’s unique properties enrich many medical applications. …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 04/03/2025

How to Store Oxygen and Acetylene Cylinders

Oxygen and acetylene cylinder storage requires: Improper storage can lead to serious hazards like fires, explosions, and potential injury or death. That’s why understanding the right storage guidelines is the key to safe and responsible use. In this guide, you’ll learn precisely how to store oxygen and acetylene cylinders in a way that minimizes the …

Nick Vasco | 2 minutes | 04/02/2025

What Is Argon Used For?

Discover the essential applications of argon gas in manufacturing, medicine, and beyond. Learn how this versatile element supports cutting-edge processes.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/02/2025

What Gases Are Used in Neon Signs?

Neon signs mainly use neon and argon gases, though mercury can be used to provide a broader range of colors. This guide breaks down which gas does what, so you can pick the right one for your sign. WestAir supplies neon across California and Arizona. Neon Gas Creates the Iconic Red-Orange Glow Pure neon gas …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/01/2025

What Gas Is Used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) typically uses three gases: nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.  These gases are used in different combinations to extend food shelf life and maintain product quality. In this guide, you’ll learn about different gas mixtures and which products they’re used for. We’ll also cover some lesser-known but important gases, after which you’ll …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 04/01/2025

What Is Medical Air?

Medical air is a specialized compressed gas used in healthcare settings that offers a clean, breathable gas mixture for various clinical applications. It’s an essential component in modern healthcare facilities, which must meet stringent purity standards for patient treatment and medical devices. In this guide, you’ll learn what medical air is, how it’s produced, and …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 03/28/2025

How-To: Never Lose A Cylinder

Cylinder management can be a complex and stressful aspect of operating at any size. At WestAir, we’ve developed the Accurate Cylinder Management (ACM) service to transform this challenge into a streamlined, worry-free process. And Kevin, a driver in national City, has allowed us to tag along to see how everything unfolds behind-the-scenes: Let’s dive into …