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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/14/2025

Is Propane Flammable?

Propane is highly flammable when in its gaseous state – it can ignite at concentrations between 2.1% and 9.6% in air and burns at temperatures over 3,500°F (1,927°C). However, liquid propane (LPG) stored under pressure is not flammable until it vaporizes into gas. In this guide, we’ll explore propane’s flammability characteristics. You’ll also learn about …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 07/11/2025

Can CO₂ Tanks Explode?

CO₂ tanks can explode if exposed to extreme heat, physical damage, or over-pressurization. While these incidents are relatively rare, they can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In this guide, we’ll explore the main causes of CO₂ tank explosions. We’ll also show you some real-world incidents that highlight these risks and discuss …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2025

Why Do Rockets Use Hydrogen Fuel?

Rockets use hydrogen fuel because it delivers the highest specific impulse (efficiency) of any chemical propellant, producing more thrust per pound than any other fuel. In this guide, we’ll explore why hydrogen has become the preferred fuel for many space missions. You’ll learn why its unique properties make it indispensable for modern rocketry. Unmatched Energy …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 07/10/2025

Does CO2 Displace Oxygen?

Yes, carbon dioxide (CO2) displaces oxygen, especially in enclosed spaces where it can accumulate due to its higher density than air. This displacement happens because CO2 molecules take up physical space that would otherwise contain oxygen, potentially creating dangerous oxygen-deficient atmospheres. In this article, we’ll explore how oxygen displacement happens in more detail. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Is Xenon Gas Used For?

Xenon gas is used in high-intensity lighting, such as car headlights, movie projectors, and flash lamps. It is also used in ion propulsion systems for spacecraft and in medical imaging, including anesthesia and radiology. Its inert nature makes it ideal for controlled, high-energy applications. In this guide, you’ll learn about the key uses of xenon …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Is Krypton Gas Used For?

Krypton gas is mainly used for lighting, including halogen bulbs and fluorescent lights. It is also added to double-glazed windows for increased insulation, and its isotopes can be used to diagnose various diseases. This guide explores the most common use cases of krypton gas across industries.  Krypton for Lighting Applications Krypton is commonly used in …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 04/30/2025

Why Is Helium Used in MRI Machines?

Discover how helium powers MRI technology and why it's irreplaceable due to its cooling effect. Learn about safety innovations and supply management.

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 04/30/2025

What Are the Uses of Nitrogen?

Discover the most common uses of nitrogen across industries: food preservation, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/29/2025

How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protect Foods?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) protects foods by replacing the air inside packaging with a controlled mixture of gases that inhibits microbial growth, prevents oxidation, and maintains product freshness for longer periods. The exact mechanism depends on the gases used, with oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 being the main ones. In this article, we’ll explore how MAP …

Lawrence Haynes | 7 minutes | 04/28/2025

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a food preservation technique that replaces the air inside a package with a carefully controlled mixture of gases to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. It slows spoilage by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth and oxidation. In this guide, we’ll explore: Learn about how WestAir can supply …

Marco Balmer | 7 minutes | 04/25/2025

How Does Enhanced Oil Recovery Work?

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) works by injecting substances into oil reservoirs to extract additional crude oil that remains after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. This advanced technique can increase oil recovery from 20-40% to an impressive 30-60% of the reservoir’s original oil in place. EOR encompasses three method types: Each method alters …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 04/23/2025

Why Is Compressed Air So Expensive?

Compressed air is expensive mainly because it requires significant energy to produce. Energy costs account for 70-80% of the total lifetime expense of a compressed air system. This “fourth utility” in manufacturing facilities often goes unnoticed on balance sheets – despite being 7-8 times more expensive than electricity on a per-unit basis. In this guide, …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 04/22/2025

How Long Does Compressed Air Last?

Compressed air cans typically last 7-10 years on the shelf when properly stored and offer 300-1000 sprays of usage depending on can size and spray pattern. The exact longevity is affected by many factors, such as: This guide explores the lifespan of compressed air in more detail to explain precisely how long your cans should …

Marco Balmer | 5 minutes | 04/17/2025

Is Compressed Air Dangerous?

Yes, compressed air is dangerous and can cause serious injuries and even death when mishandled. The specific hazards range from physical injuries and internal damage to hearing loss and equipment-related accidents. The risks aren’t always obvious until an accident occurs, so proper awareness and safety protocols are essential. To help you avoid incidents, this guide …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 04/17/2025

How is Nitrogen Stored?

Nitrogen is stored as a compressed gas in high-pressure cylinders or as a liquid in cryogenic tanks at −196°C (−320.8°F). Cryogenic tanks are particularly useful for large-scale storage, while cylinders are often used for smaller quantities of nitrogen gas. This guide covers all you need to know about the main nitrogen storage solutions. We’ll cover …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 04/17/2025

Is Helium Reactive?

No, helium is not reactive – it’s a noble gas with a full outer electron shell. Helium’s stable configuration prevents it from forming chemical bonds with other elements under normal conditions. In this guide, you’ll learn more about what makes helium non-reactive. We’ll then cover its main applications, guidelines for safe handling, and environmental interactions. …