Lawrence Haynes | 9 minutes | 06/30/2026

What Gases Are Used by Pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceutical manufacturing runs on a handful of core gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and argon, with ethylene oxide handling sterilization. They show up at nearly every stage, from synthesizing the active ingredient to packaging the finished dose, and they all have to meet pharmaceutical purity grades before they touch product. WestAir supplies gases to …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 06/30/2026

What Is a Pyrophoric Gas?

A pyrophoric gas ignites spontaneously the moment it touches air, with no spark, flame, or outside heat needed. Room temperature is enough to set it off. These gases react so aggressively with the oxygen and moisture in ordinary air that the reaction releases enough heat to ignite the gas on the spot. That one trait …

Nick Vasco | 7 minutes | 06/29/2026

Liquid Nitrogen Pumping Systems Explained

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.

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 06/11/2026

How Much CO₂ Is In Beer?

If you’ve ever stared at a freshly poured pint and watched the bubbles race to the top, you’ve witnessed some surprisingly complex physics in action. A 2021 study published in ACS Omega by researchers at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne set out to answer a deceptively simple question: how many CO₂ bubbles actually form in …

Lawrence Haynes | 11 minutes | 05/21/2026

Is There a Helium Shortage?

Yes, there is a helium shortage, with roughly one-third of global helium supply 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 …

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 | 5 minutes | 04/22/2026

What Fuel Do Rockets Use?

Learn what powers modern rockets, why fuel alone isn't enough, and how engineers choose the right option for the job.

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/22/2026

Is Neon Dangerous?

Neon is less dangerous than most industrial gases because it’s non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert, but it still poses real risks in enclosed spaces where it can displace oxygen, and through high-pressure cylinder handling and cryogenic contact. WestAir supplies neon across California and Arizona. What Makes Neon Safer Than Most Industrial Gases? Neon is a …

Lawrence Haynes | 6 minutes | 04/20/2026

Solid vs. Liquid Rocket Propellants: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between solid and liquid rocket propellants is controllability. Solid propellants burn from ignition until depletion without the ability to throttle or stop, while liquid propellants offer precise thrust control through variable fuel and oxidizer flow rates. This fundamental distinction shapes everything from rocket design to mission capability, affecting storage requirements, performance characteristics, …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 04/15/2026

5 Laser Welding Applications

Laser welding applications span automotive manufacturing, medical device production, electronics assembly, aerospace engineering, and jewelry crafting. These five industries rely on laser welding for its precision, speed, and ability to join materials without the bulk and heat distortion of traditional methods. Why Is Laser Welding Non-Negotiable in Automotive Manufacturing? Automotive manufacturing depends on laser welding …