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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 | 02/03/2025

Is Nitrogen a Greenhouse Gas?

Pure nitrogen (N2) is not a greenhouse gas, but certain nitrogen compounds like nitrous oxide (N2O) are among the most potent greenhouse gases affecting our climate today. In this guide, we draw a line between different nitrogen compounds to explain their impact on the environment. We’ll also discuss how different industrial processes affect the climate …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/03/2025

What Is Dry Ice Blasting Used For?

Dry ice blasting is a cleaning method that uses compressed air and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) pellets to clean various surfaces and equipment. Thanks to its versatility, this process found its way to many industries, and this guide explores its main use cases. You’ll then learn about the key environmental and safety benefits that …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/31/2025

What Is the Mix for Shielding Gases?

The most common shielding gas mixture for welding is 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide (CO2). But there’s more to the story when it comes to effective gas combinations. In this guide, we explore different shielding gas mixtures to show you some popular options. We’ll then discuss the main factors to consider when finding the …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 01/31/2025

What Is Cryotherapy and What Materials Are Used for It?

Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that uses extremely cold temperatures to treat various conditions. It mainly relies on gases (that are in their liquid or solid state at low temperatures) like liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. In this guide, we’ll cover the basic mechanism behind cryotherapy and discuss these fluids and solids in …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/30/2025

What Is Plasma Cutting and What Gases Are Used for It?

Plasma cutting is a precision metal-cutting process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials. It relies on specific gases to create the plasma arc and achieve clean, precise cuts across various metals and thicknesses. This guide explores the basics of plasma cutting technology and common gases involved …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/29/2025

What Gases Are Used in Hospitals?

Hospitals mainly use six essential gases: Each of these gases plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, from basic patient care to complex surgical procedures. In this guide, we’ll discuss their key applications, after which you’ll learn about the safety requirements and protocols to follow. WestAir supplies gas for hospitals across California and Arizona. Life-Saving …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/28/2025

What Is Gasless MIG Welding?

Gasless MIG welding, also known as Self-Shielded Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-S), is a welding process that eliminates the need for external shielding gas by using a special flux-cored wire that creates its own protective shield when heated. This innovative welding method has become increasingly popular among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts for its portability and …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 01/28/2025

Everything You Need to Know About Shielding Gases

Shielding gases are protective gases used in welding to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality welds. Whether you’re new to welding or looking to optimize your processes, understanding these gases is crucial for successful welding projects. This guide will show you the most commonly used shielding gases and mixtures you can choose from. We’ll then cover …

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.