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Lawrence Haynes | 10 minutes | 05/21/2026

2026 Helium Shortage: Why Recovery Will Take Years, Not Weeks

Roughly one-third of global helium supply is offline after March 2026 missile and drone strikes destroyed key production trains at Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility.1 Even when the situation in the Strait of Hormuz fully resolves, the supply damage will take years to repair. U.S. distributors are rationing supply and spot prices have skyrocketed. What’s Happening …

Tyler O'Brien | 10 minutes | 05/18/2026

Bulk Liquid Nitrogen Suppliers for Biotech: 2026 Buyer’s Guide

When a biotech facility runs out of liquid nitrogen, the loss is not the gas. It is the samples, the stem cells, the embryos, the bioreactors, and the months of research work that depend on continuous cryogenic storage. A single supply interruption can erase laboratory inventory worth millions of dollars and reset research timelines by …

Lawrence Haynes | 8 minutes | 05/18/2026

Helium Alternatives: Where They Work and Where They Don’t

Helium has viable substitutes for some applications (welding blends, gas chromatography) with manageable trade-offs, but no real alternative exists for MRI cooling, leak detection, semiconductor production, and a handful of specialty welding and purging jobs. The helium market is one of the most volatile in industrial gas, with prices and availability swinging hard on supply …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 04/29/2026

What Gases Are Used in Stadiums and Live Events?

Stadiums and live events rely on several industrial gases including carbon dioxide for special effects, nitrogen for fog systems and pyrotechnics, helium for balloons and inflatables, and oxygen for safety systems. WestAir supplies gases for stadiums across California and Arizona. How Is CO₂ Used for Special Effects at Live Events? Carbon dioxide creates the dramatic …

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 | 01/24/2025

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 …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/08/2025

What are the Advantages and Challenges of Hydrogen Fueling?

Explore the pros and cons of hydrogen fueling for industry applications. Learn about environmental benefits, operational advantages, and key challenges.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/08/2025

What Is Cryogenic Food Freezing and What Materials Are Used?

Learn about the cryogenic food freezing process and the most common materials used for it. Discover specific applications and benefits of different materials.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/08/2025

How To Ensure Safety When Welding

Discover the key welding safety guidelines: proper PPE use, ventilation techniques, and equipment maintenance. See how to ensure a secure welding environment.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/08/2025

How Is CO2 Added to Soda?

Discover how CO2 is added to soda, from the science behind carbonation to industrial methods. Learn about quality control and equipment used.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/08/2025

What Gases Are Used in Welding?

Explore the essential gases used in welding, from inert to fuel gases. Learn how to choose the right gas for your project and ensure safe handling.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/08/2025

What Are the 5 Parameters of Welding and What Do They Mean?

Master the 5 essential welding parameters (CLAMS) to achieve high-quality welds. Learn how current, arc length, angle, manipulation, and speed impact your work.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/07/2025

Why Buying Gas in Bulk Is Beneficial for Your Business

Discover how buying gas in bulk can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance supply chain security. Learn how to switch to bulk purchases.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/07/2025

What Is the Cleanest Fuel to Burn?

Discover the cleanest fuel options for industrial use. Learn about natural gas advantages, compare alternatives, and find the best solution for your operation.

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/07/2025

How to Choose a Food-Grade CO2 Supplier for Your Restaurant

Learn how to choose the best food-grade CO2 supplier for your restaurant. Ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for your beverage service.