Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 02/26/2026

What Is Ethylene Used For?

Ethylene (C₂H₄) is used for plastics and packaging production, commercial fruit ripening, medical device sterilization (as ethylene oxide), antifreeze and coolants, PVC manufacturing, detergents and surfactants, polyester fibers, low-temperature refrigeration, and welding fuel gas, among other industrial applications. WestAir supplies ethylene across California and Arizona. Why Is Ethylene Such a Big Deal? Global ethylene production …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 02/26/2026

What Is Gas Stratification?

Gas stratification happens when different gases separate into distinct layers based on their density – like oil and water, but invisible and potentially deadly. You won’t see it happening. But CO2 might be pooling at ankle level while your ceiling-mounted detector reads normal. Why Do Gases Separate Into Layers? Gases stratify because heavier molecules sink …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 02/26/2026

Why Are Noble Gases Unreactive?

Noble gases are unreactive because their electron shells are completely full, so they have no reason to bond with other atoms. Every chemical reaction happens because atoms want to achieve a stable electron configuration, but noble gases already have it. Think of electrons like seats on a bus. Most elements have empty seats or too …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 02/20/2026

How Do You Dispose of Dry Ice?

The safest way to dispose of dry ice is to let it sublimate in a well-ventilated area away from people and confined spaces. Never throw it in the trash, down the sink, or seal it in a container. Dry ice disposal isn’t complicated, but doing it wrong can create serious safety issues. What Makes Dry …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 02/12/2026

What CO₂ Level Is Dangerous?

CO₂ is considered dangerous at 5,000 ppm (0.5%), which is OSHA’s 8-hour exposure limit and the point where safety alarms are set to trigger. But there’s more to the story. Continue reading to learn all about CO2 levels – and how to stay safe. What Makes 5,000 ppm the Magic Number? OSHA picked 5,000 ppm …

Nick Vasco | 6 minutes | 02/12/2026

Does Helium Displace Oxygen?

Yes, helium displaces oxygen. In confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas, that displacement can turn deadly fast. Is Helium Lighter Than Oxygen? (And Why That Matters) Yes, helium is about eight times lighter than oxygen, and that difference creates safety challenges in your facility. Helium has a density of 0.18 kg/m³ while oxygen sits at …

Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 01/26/2026

How to Choose an Industrial Gas Supplier

The wrong industrial gas supplier will cost you thousands (or more!) in runouts, hidden cylinder charges, and production delays. You should evaluate suppliers on delivery capabilities, cylinder tracking systems, service quality, and specialized needs rather than price alone. Avoid Running Out of Gas (and Get Fast Delivery if You Do!) To maintain continuous access to …

Nick Vasco | 7 minutes | 11/06/2025

How Long Does Dry Ice Last?

Dry ice lasts 5-10 pounds per 24 hours at room temperature, 18-24 hours per 5-pound block in a quality cooler, and about 24 hours per 5 pounds when properly packaged for shipping. Those numbers change dramatically based on storage conditions, insulation quality, and how often you’re opening containers. In this article, we cover:  WestAir supplies …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 11/06/2025

Can Propane Be Used Indoors?

Yes, propane can be used indoors – but only with equipment specifically designed and certified for indoor use, proper ventilation, and outdoor cylinder storage. Businesses hide propane cylinders inside to prevent theft. They stash them in closets or storage rooms. Those cylinders slowly leak propane through their connections. Propane is heavier than air, pooling at …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 10/31/2025

Does Nitrogen Displace Oxygen?

Yes, nitrogen displaces oxygen. In confined spaces, oxygen can drop from safe levels to deadly levels in minutes. In this article, you will learn: How Does Nitrogen Displace Oxygen in Confined Spaces? Nitrogen displaces oxygen by accumulating in confined spaces where poor ventilation prevents normal air mixing, creating pockets with dangerously low oxygen levels. Nitrogen …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 10/31/2025

Dry Ice vs Regular Ice: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between dry ice and regular ice is that dry ice is frozen CO2 that sublimates at -78.5°C (-109°F) without leaving any liquid behind, while regular ice is frozen water that melts at 0°C (32°F) into puddles. Dry ice is typically better for long-distance shipments, while regular ice works best for everyday cooling.   …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 10/31/2025

How Does a Helium Leak Detector Work?

A helium leak detector uses a mass spectrometer to sort gas molecules by weight, isolating helium atoms that escape through microscopic leaks and converting them into measurable electrical signals that pinpoint failures down to 10⁻¹² millibar-liters per second (mbar·L/s). The magic happens when helium’s tiny atoms sneak through cracks that stop everything else, while the …