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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 08/21/2025

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Yes, dry ice is dangerous and poses several risks, including: With temperatures of -109°F (-78.5°C), dry ice can cause immediate tissue damage upon contact while releasing CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. In this guide, we’ll explore the main hazards of dry ice and examine real-world incidents that highlight these dangers. We’ll also …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/20/2025

Is Xenon a Noble Gas?

Yes, xenon is a noble gas belonging to Group 18 of the periodic table, alongside helium, neon, argon, krypton, and radon. This classification is not merely academic – it has significant implications for industrial applications, medical uses, and specialized technologies where xenon’s unique properties are highly beneficial. In this guide, you’ll learn: The Noble Gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 08/19/2025

How Is CO₂ Used in Cell Culture?

CO₂ is used for maintaining pH balance in cell culture media through the CO₂-bicarbonate buffer system, which keeps cells viable and healthy. This controlled environment also regulates temperature and humidity while supporting proper cellular metabolism. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical biochemical mechanisms behind CO₂ use in cell culture. We’ll also discuss optimal concentration …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 08/19/2025

Why Are Noble Gases Unreactive?

Noble gases are unreactive because their outer electron shells are completely filled, making them chemically stable. This full valence shell prevents them from forming bonds with other atoms.  In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental reasons behind noble gas stability. We’ll examine the energy barriers that prevent reactions and discuss why some heavier noble gases …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 07/21/2025

What Is Enhanced Oil Recovery?

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is a set of sophisticated techniques used to extract additional oil from reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. These advanced processes can significantly increase the amount of oil recovered from mature fields, extending their productive life and maximizing resource utilization. For industries relying on consistent oil supplies, …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 07/21/2025

How to Store Propane Tanks

Propane tanks must be stored upright and positioned outdoors in well-ventilated areas. You must also keep tanks at the right temperature and at least 10 feet from buildings or ignition sources. In this guide, we’ll explore the specific requirements for outdoor tank storage. You’ll also learn about: How to Store Propane Tanks Outside Safely Outdoor …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/18/2025

What Is Hydrogen Chloride Used For?

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is used as a fundamental chemical in manufacturing processes, metal treatment, food production, and water management systems. Its acidic properties and chemical reactivity enable diverse industrial applications,  so many products we encounter daily wouldn’t be available without it. When dissolved in water, hydrogen chloride forms hydrochloric acid, which further expands its usability. …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/18/2025

What Is Carbon Monoxide Used For?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a crucial industrial gas used extensively in chemical manufacturing, metallurgy, and various technological applications. Its versatility makes it indispensable in modern industrial processes. In this guide, you’ll learn about the main industrial use cases of carbon monoxide in more detail. We’ll also explain how the gas is used in innovative technologies …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/17/2025

Where Does Helium Come From?

Helium comes from two main sources: cosmic nucleosynthesis during the Big Bang and radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within the Earth’s crust. However, the helium we use on Earth comes almost entirely from underground deposits formed by radioactive decay – not from the helium produced during the Big Bang.  In this article, we’ll explore …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

What Is Gas Chromatography Used For?

Gas chromatography is used to separate, identify, and measure different compounds within a mixture. This versatile technique serves numerous industries, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to environmental monitoring. This guide outlines the main use cases of gas chromatography to show you how widespread this method is. We’ll then go over some of the most compelling benefits that …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

Can You TIG Weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2? 

No, you should not TIG weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2 because the CO2 creates oxidation, spatter, and unstable arc conditions that compromise weld quality. Using 100% argon is recommended for TIG welding most materials.    Below, we go into more detail on why you should not TIG weld with 75% Argon/25% CO2 and alternatives …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/17/2025

What Is the Best Gas for TIG Welding Stainless Steel?

The best gas for TIG welding stainless steel is generally 100% argon. It provides a stable arc, clean welds, and excellent shielding with minimal spatter. However, there are specific situations where pure argon may not be your best option for TIG welding stainless steel.  Below, we will explore when to use pure argon – and …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

Can You MIG Weld with 100% Argon?

Yes, 100% argon can be used for MIG welding, but only for specific applications like aluminum and nonferrous metals. Using 100% argon for MIG welding steel is generally not recommended because it produces weak, brittle welds with poor penetration.  Below, we will discuss: Why Can’t Pure Argon Be Used for MIG Welding Steel? Using pure …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/17/2025

CO2 vs Argon for MIG Welding Steel

For MIG welding steel, a mix of argon and CO₂ generally delivers the best overall results, combining the clean arc of argon with the deeper penetration and lower cost of CO₂. But the ideal amounts of argon and CO₂ in the mixture depends on the application – and sometimes pure CO₂ makes more sense. Here’s …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 07/16/2025

Is Sulfur Hexafluoride a Greenhouse Gas?

Yes, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a greenhouse gas – and it’s the most potent one known to science. This colorless, odorless gas has an extraordinary impact on global warming, which is why many commercial users are looking for ways to mitigate its negative effects. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes SF6 such a powerful …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/16/2025

Is Carbon Monoxide Flammable?

Yes, carbon monoxide (CO) is highly flammable. This colorless, odorless gas burns with a distinctive violet flame and has significant flammability limits between 12.5% and 74.2% concentration in air. This guide explores carbon monoxide’s flammability in more detail. You’ll learn about its properties, applications, and safety guidelines to follow. Understanding Carbon Monoxide’s Flammability Properties Carbon …