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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/02/2025

Is Xenon Flammable?

Xenon is not flammable. As a noble gas, it has exceptional chemical stability and inertness, which makes it incapable of sustaining or supporting combustion under normal conditions.  In this guide, you’ll learn precisely what makes xenon non-flammable, after which we’ll explore its properties, uses, and safety considerations. Xenon’s Chemical Properties and Flammability Status Xenon belongs …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/30/2025

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

You should not TIG weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2 because CO2 causes arc instability, spatter, and oxidation. TIG welding requires 100% Argon to maintain a stable arc and prevent contamination. Using a CO2 mix will degrade weld quality and damage tungsten electrodes. Below is a detailed analysis of the feasibility of using this …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/30/2025

What Gas Do You Use to Weld Aluminum?

Pure argon is the main shielding gas used for welding aluminum, though helium and argon-helium mixtures can also be used depending on specific application requirements. Your chosen gas significantly impacts weld quality, penetration depth, and overall efficiency of the welding process. To help you make an informed decision, this guide outlines the most commonly used …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/29/2025

The Benefits of Adding Hydrogen to Argon in Welding

Adding hydrogen to argon in welding can significantly enhance welding performance, especially when working with austenitic stainless steel. This specialized gas mixture offers several advantages, which we outline in this guide. To help you get the most out of hydrogen and argon, we’ll also go over the key considerations and safety tips to follow. Enhanced …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/26/2025

What Is Liquid Oxygen Used For?

Liquid oxygen is an industrial and medical material that powers everything from hospital ventilators to rocket engines. Its ability to be stored compactly while providing high-purity oxygen makes it invaluable across sectors. This guide covers some of the most popular uses of liquid oxygen. You’ll learn about its benefits in different processes so that you …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/25/2025

Can Oxygen and Acetylene Be Stored Together?

No, oxygen and acetylene cylinders cannot be stored together due to considerable safety risks. These gases must be separated by either a minimum distance of 20 feet or a five-foot-high fire-rated wall to prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. In this guide, you’ll learn why these safety measures must be in place. We’ll then cover the additional …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/21/2025

What Is Liquid Helium Used For?

Liquid helium is used in various industrial, medical, and scientific processes. This is mainly due to its unique ability to maintain extremely low temperatures of -452°F (-269°C). This remarkable liquid powers some of the most advanced technologies we use today, from medical imaging to quantum computing. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why this is …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/21/2025

What is Process Piping?

Process piping is an interconnected system of pipes and tubes designed to transport materials like fluids, gases, and fine particulate matter throughout industrial facilities. This critical infrastructure is the backbone of many manufacturing and processing operations across various industries. This guide takes a closer look at process piping to outline everything you should know about …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/20/2025

What Is Compressed Air Used For?

Compressed air is used for many industrial processes, manufacturing operations, and specialized applications across virtually every sector. From powering pneumatic tools to ensuring precise automation control, compressed air is an indispensable component that many consider the fourth utility alongside electricity, natural gas, and water. In this guide, we explore the most common uses of compressed …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/20/2025

Propane vs Natural Gas

Propane and natural gas are fuel sources with unique characteristics that affect their industrial and commercial applications. Their key differences lie in: These differences make each option better suited for specific uses. In this guide, we’ll put them head to head so that you can see which fuel source is right for your needs. Tip: …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/19/2025

Is Acetylene Flammable?

Yes, acetylene is highly flammable and one of the most hazardous industrial gases due to its specific chemical properties and wide flammability range. This colorless gas requires careful handling and strict safety protocols in industrial applications. In this guide, you’ll learn about acetylene’s flammability range so that you can approach its use accordingly. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/19/2025

Is Acetylene Gas Explosive?

Yes, acetylene gas is highly explosive and requires careful handling due to its chemical properties. Its use requires strict safety protocols that prevent potentially dangerous situations. In this guide, we explain what makes acetylene so highly explosive. We’ll then show you how to prioritize safety when using this gas to get the most out of …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/18/2025

What is Acetylene Used For?

Acetylene is primarily used for welding, metal fabrication, and chemical manufacturing, though it also has various specialized applications. Its unique properties and high flame temperature make it a valuable resource across industries. In this guide, we explore the most common uses of acetylene to show you the many ways you can leverage it. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/17/2025

What Is Helium Used for in Hospitals?

In modern healthcare, helium is used for MRI machines, respiratory therapy, and various medical procedures. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable in several hospital applications. This guide covers some of the most popular use cases to explain how widespread and indispensable helium is. We’ll also discuss how to manage and conserve this valuable material effectively. …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/14/2025

What is Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid form of nitrogen that exists at extremely low temperatures of -196°C (-321°F). This colorless, odorless liquid plays a crucial role in various industries, from food processing to healthcare and manufacturing. In this guide, we cover all the basics of liquid nitrogen, including: Tip: Check out WestAir’s nitrogen. Understanding Liquid …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/13/2025

What Is Deuterium Gas Used For?

Deuterium gas is a stable isotope of hydrogen used in various industrial settings, from nuclear fusion to semiconductor manufacturing. This versatile gas is crucial in advancing technology and scientific research across multiple sectors. In this guide, we’ll explore some of deuterium’s main uses in more detail. You’ll learn exactly how it benefits different industries, after …