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Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/16/2026

Is Krypton Rare?

Yes, krypton is rare. It makes up about 1.14 parts per million of air by volume, or roughly one krypton atom for every million molecules of air around it. That works out to 0.0001% of the atmosphere. It isn’t the rarest gas on Earth, though. Xenon is scarcer, at about 0.087 parts per million, which …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/16/2026

Why Is Nitrogen Used in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Nitrogen is used across pharmaceutical manufacturing because it keeps oxygen and moisture away from drugs that degrade on contact with either. It shields reactions, clears equipment, fills the space above a sealed dose, and freezes biological material for storage. This one gas covers all of it, which is why it shows up at nearly every …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 07/16/2026

What Is Helium? The Complete Guide to the Element and Its Uses

Helium is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical symbol He and atomic number 2. It’s the lightest of the noble gases and the second-lightest element overall, sitting right after hydrogen. Helium is completely inert and colder as a liquid than anything else in existence, which is why it turns up in medical scanners, leak-testing …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/16/2026

Can You MIG Weld Without Gas?

Yes, you can MIG weld without gas, but not by running standard solid wire with the gas turned off. That gives you weak, porous welds every time. Real gasless MIG welding means switching to self-shielded flux-cored wire, which carries its own shielding inside the wire and doesn’t require a separate gas cylinder. WestAir supplies gas …

Tyler O'Brien | 10 minutes | 09/15/2025

Working in Confined Spaces: Managing Atmospheric Hazards

Confined spaces are where essential tasks happen—maintaining pipelines, cleaning tanks, repairing utility lines underground. But the conditions can be some of the most hazardous on any job site. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,030 workers died from occupational injuries involving a confined space from 2011 to 2018. Over that period, 126 workers died …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 09/15/2025

Can You Weld with Nitrogen?

No, you cannot weld carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel with pure nitrogen because it causes severe porosity, arc instability, and brittle welds. The only exception is copper and certain copper alloys, where nitrogen provides adequate shielding. While nitrogen fails as a primary shielding gas, it has specific uses in welding operations including back purging …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 09/15/2025

How to Store Propane Tanks

Propane tanks must be stored outdoors, upright on flat surfaces, and safe distances from buildings and ignition sources. Indoor storage creates serious explosion risks since propane vapor is heavier than air and pools in enclosed spaces. How to Store Propane Tanks Outside Store propane tanks upright on a flat, stable surface with proper clearances: smaller …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 09/15/2025

How to Store CO₂

The best way to store CO₂ is upright in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area below 70°F, with tanks and cylinders secured by chains or straps to prevent tipping. Whether you’re managing a single cylinder or an entire inventory, proper storage prevents dangerous pressure buildup, product loss, and safety incidents. WestAir provides carbon dioxide to its …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 09/15/2025

How to Add Nitrogen to Soil

To add nitrogen to soil, apply organic matter like compost for gradual release or use synthetic fertilizers for quick results – and time applications during active plant growth periods.  Test soil first so you’re not guessing. Over-fertilization wastes money and can actually hurt your crops. WestAir supplies gas for crop farming across California and Arizona. …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 09/15/2025

Is Oxygen Reactive?

Yes, oxygen is highly reactive because of its electron configuration, driving it to form chemical bonds with most elements. This reactivity makes oxygen both essential for industrial processes and creates safety risks. WestAir supplies oxygen across California and Arizona. Why Is Oxygen So Reactive? Oxygen is highly reactive because it has six electrons in its …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 09/15/2025

Is Nitrous Oxide Flammable?

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is not flammable on its own, but it acts as a powerful oxidizer that supports combustion and can create explosive conditions when mixed with flammable materials. This makes it more dangerous than some other non-flammable gases. WestAir supplies nitrous oxide across California and Arizona. Why Is Nitrous Oxide Dangerous Despite Being Non-Flammable? …

Nick Vasco | 6 minutes | 09/15/2025

What Is Propane Used For?

Explore propane's versatile uses in manufacturing, homes, and specialized applications. Learn about its efficiency, safety, and environmental benefits.

Nick Vasco | 10 minutes | 09/05/2025

Gas Cylinder Safety Tips: Essential Guidelines for Safe Handling and Storage

Discover essential gas cylinder safety tips for industrial users. Learn about proper storage, handling, PPE, and emergency protocols to ensure workplace safety.

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 09/04/2025

What Is a Carrier Gas?

A carrier gas is an inert gas that moves sample molecules through an analytical system, serving as the mobile phase in gas chromatography. Without it, your gas chromatography (GC) won’t function—samples would sit in the injection port or stick to the column instead of reaching the detector for analysis. WestAir supplies gas for gas chromatography …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 09/04/2025

How Much Nitrogen Does Corn Need?

Corn typically needs 180-250 pounds of nitrogen per acre, or about 1 pound per bushel of expected yield. Your exact rate depends on yield goals, soil organic matter, previous crops, and manure history. WestAir supplies gas for crop farming across California and Arizona. What Factors Determine How Much Nitrogen Your Corn Needs? Your corn’s nitrogen …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 09/04/2025

How Long Does Soda Last?

Unopened regular soda typically maintains good quality for 6-9 months past the printed date when stored properly, while diet sodas maintain quality for about 3 months past the printed date. The actual shelf life depends on storage temperature and container type. WestAir supplies gases for beverage carbonation across California and Arizona. What Factors Affect How …