Skip to content
Home Blog

Tyler O'Brien | 8 minutes | 09/10/2026

What Is Carbon Monoxide Used For?

Carbon monoxide (CO) reduces iron ore into steel, refines nickel, makes bulk chemicals like methanol and acetic acid, holds the red color in packaged meat, and measures lung function. Blast furnaces consume it by the ton, while a sealed package of ground beef holds a 0.4% trace. WestAir supplies carbon monoxide across California and Arizona. …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 09/07/2026

Is Methane Dangerous?

Yes, methane gas is dangerous under certain conditions, primarily because it’s highly flammable and can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. That said, facilities across the world handle methane safely every day by understanding its specific risks and following the right protocols. WestAir supplies methane across California and Arizona. Why Is Methane Flammable? Methane is flammable …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 09/07/2026

What Is Green Methane?

Green methane is chemically identical to conventional methane, but it comes from renewable sources instead of fossil fuel extraction. Instead of pulling it from underground reserves, producers create it from organic waste, captured carbon, or renewable electricity. For businesses trying to cut their carbon footprint without ripping out existing infrastructure, that distinction matters a lot. …

Lawrence Haynes | 9 minutes | 09/05/2026

How to Reduce Methane Emissions

Methane emissions can be reduced by sealing the leaks and deliberate releases at oil and gas sites, changing digestion and manure handling on farms, and capturing what landfills give off as waste breaks down. Methane breaks down in the atmosphere in about 12 years while carbon dioxide lingers for centuries, so cuts made now show …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 03/20/2025

What Is the Temperature of Liquid Nitrogen?

The temperature of liquid nitrogen is -196°C (-321°F) at its boiling point. For reference, -89.2°C (-128.56 °F) is the coldest temperature ever recorded at ground level on Earth!  (In Antarctica, unsurprisingly.) That extreme cold makes liquid nitrogen the go-to cryogenic fluid for everything from freeze-grinding materials to keeping biological samples viable for years. WestAir supplies …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 03/19/2025

What Is a Tracer Gas?

A tracer gas is a specialized gas used in non-destructive testing to detect leaks and evaluate airflow patterns in different systems and environments. It’s essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and quality control across industries. This guide will teach you all you need to know about tracer gases, most notably: Tip: Check out WestAir’s gas safety solutions. Understanding …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 03/18/2025

Is Nitrogen Flammable (And How To Handle It Safely)?

Learn whether nitrogen is flammable and discover its main industrial uses and key safety practices. Explore nitrogen’s key plant and pipeline applications.

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 03/17/2025

What is Isobutylene Used For?

Isobutylene is widely used in polymer production, fuel additives, and chemical manufacturing. This colorless, flammable hydrocarbon is crucial for creating many everyday products. In this guide, we explore the key uses of isobutylene on a deeper level. You’ll learn precisely how this gas is used and why it’s such a good choice for various applications. …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 03/14/2025

What Is Nitric Oxide Used For?

Nitric oxide is used extensively in medical treatments, industrial processes, and scientific research. Its specific applications range from treating respiratory conditions to enhancing manufacturing processes. To help you familiarize yourself with the many use cases of this versatile gas, our article will break them down in more detail. We’ll also discuss the key safety guidelines …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 03/13/2025

How to Measure Carbonation in Beer

Measuring carbonation in beer involves determining the volume of dissolved carbon dioxide compared to the volume of liquid beer, typically expressed as volumes of CO2. This process requires specialized equipment and an understanding of basic scientific principles, which you’ll learn about in this guide. We’ll cover both the common and advanced methods so that you …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 03/11/2025

How to Improve Soil Fertility

The key to improving soil fertility lies in maintaining a balanced ecosystem of nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms. For best results, it’s best to combine natural practices with a scientific understanding of soil composition.  In this guide, we’ll cover both aspects by discussing the science behind soil health and outlining some of the key …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 03/10/2025

What Is Anhydrous Ammonia?

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is a chemical compound consisting of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen. It’s a colorless gas with a pungent odor that serves as a cornerstone in various industrial applications. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about anhydrous ammonia, most notably: WestAir supplies ammonia across California and Arizona. …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 03/07/2025

What Is the Role of Ethylene in Fruit Ripening?

Ethylene is the primary trigger for fruit ripening that controls various aspects of the maturation process, from color development to texture changes. Its presence and proper management are crucial for food industry professionals looking to maintain optimal product quality during storage and transportation. This guide will show you precisely how ethylene impacts the ripening process. …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 03/05/2025

Does Fertilizer Have Nitrogen?

Yes, most fertilizers contain nitrogen – it’s one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth and development. Modern fertilizers typically contain between 26% and 32% nitrogen, with some specialized formulations containing up to 82% nitrogen. This guide explores the crucial role of nitrogen in fertilizing solutions. You’ll also learn about the key types of …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 03/04/2025

How to Detect a Propane Leak

A propane leak can be detected through its distinctive rotten egg or skunk-like smell. Additional methods include performing a bubble test on connections and using specialized leak detection equipment. As quick detection and proper responses are crucial for preventing dangerous situations, this guide covers the most effective methods for spotting a propane leak. You’ll then …

Lawrence Haynes | 2 minutes | 03/03/2025

One Small Spark: A Celebration of Our Service-Driven History

SAN DIEGO, CA, February 14, 2025 — We’re proud to introduce the latest phase of WestAir’s brand evolution that honors our roots as a family-owned business while embracing modern customer service innovations. From its humble beginnings in 1970 with a $3,000 loan and borrowed delivery truck in San Diego County, WestAir has grown into a …