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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 | 3 minutes | 01/07/2025

How Long Does a Patio Heater Propane Tank Last?

Learn how long a patio heater propane tank lasts. Discover the most impactful factors affecting the duration and actionable tips for maximizing efficiency.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

What Is a Nitrogen Pump?

Learn what nitrogen pumps are, how they work, and which industries use them. Explore the benefits of nitrogen pump systems and see how to choose the right one.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

What Is the Difference Between Regular and Food Grade CO2?

Discover the main differences between regular and food-grade CO2. Learn about purity standards, safety requirements, and industry applications.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

How Do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?

Discover how hydrogen fuel cells work in commercial fleets. Learn the benefits, technology, and transition process for heavy-duty vehicles.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

How to Prevent Runouts: 4 Ways to Avoid Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas is entirely preventable with the right preparation and monitoring strategies – you can do it by following four simple rules: To help you understand exactly what you need to do, we’ll explore each rule in more detail. 1. Understand Your Gas Usage Patterns and Set Up Monitoring Systems The most effective …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

What Is Hydrogen Gas Used For? 3 Popular Use Cases

Explore hydrogen gas applications in industry, clean energy, and medicine. Learn how this versatile element is transforming businesses and driving innovation.

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 12/17/2024

What Tools Are Needed for Gas Welding? A Concise Breakdown

Discover essential gas welding tools: cylinders, regulators, torches, hoses, and safety gear. Learn why each is crucial for safe, effective welding.

Andy Castiglione | 8 minutes | 09/14/2017

Exploring the Most Underappreciated Uses for Helium

Learn about the common but often overlooked uses for helium. Discover the most effective ways businesses are dealing with the ongoing helium shortage.

Andy Castiglione | 7 minutes | 09/14/2017

To Know Your Dewar is to Love Your Dewar

Learn what a dewar is and how it differs from a liquid cylinder. Understand the key parts of your liquid cylinders

Dan Fairchild | 5 minutes | 01/19/2016

Don’t Let a Bad Apple Spoil Your Laser Cutting Operations

Discover the best practices for effective laser assist gas management. Learn how to manage the transition to bottle-certified laser gases.

Dan Fairchild | 4 minutes | 06/16/2015

MAP Gases – Protecting and Preserving Food Naturally

Learn what makes modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) the most effective food preservation method. Find out what MAP gas mixtures are made of

Dan Fairchild | 3 minutes | 03/10/2015

Microbrewery Equipment – Optimizing Long Draw Lines for the Perfect Pour

Learn about the two essential factors that contribute to a perfect pour. See which gas is ideal for long draw lines and what it consists of.