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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 …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 06/05/2025

What Is a Carrier Gas?

A carrier gas is an inert gas used to transport sample molecules through analytical instruments, particularly in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. This mobile phase plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate analysis and reliable results across many industrial applications. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about carrier gases, most notably: …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 06/04/2025

What Is the Role of Nitrogen in Food Preservation?

Nitrogen helps preserve food by displacing oxygen, which slows down oxidation and microbial growth. In packaging, nitrogen gas prevents spoilage and rancidity in products like chips, nuts, and meats. By reducing moisture and limiting bacterial activity, nitrogen extends shelf life without the use of additives and helps maintain the product’s texture and quality. In this …

Nick Vasco | 5 minutes | 06/04/2025

Is Nitrogen Inert?

Nitrogen (N₂) is inert under normal conditions due to its extremely stable molecular structure and resistance to chemical reactions. However, nitrogen can react under high temperatures or with specific catalysts, especially in industrial or biological processes like ammonia synthesis. This guide will cover: WestAir supplies nitrogen across California and Arizona. Is Nitrogen a Noble Gas? No, nitrogen …

Tyler O'Brien | 3 minutes | 06/04/2025

Is Nitrous Oxide Flammable?

Nitrous oxide is not technically flammable, but it supports combustion and can be dangerous under certain conditions. This distinction is crucial for industrial and medical professionals who work with this gas regularly. This guide explores nitrous oxide’s properties and how they contribute to combustion under specific circumstances. You’ll then learn how to handle this gas …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/03/2025

What Does Nitrogen Do for Beer?

Nitrogen transforms beer by creating a smoother, creamier texture with a cascading effect and longer-lasting head compared to traditional CO2 carbonation. This specialized gas plays a crucial role in both the serving and production processes of various beer styles. Whether you’re a brewer or just a beer enthusiast, this guide will teach you about nitro …

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 …

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 …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/28/2025

What Shielding Gas Improves FCAW Weld Penetration?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the shielding gas that provides the best penetration for Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. It creates deeper and broader weld penetration profiles than other options, which makes it ideal for applications requiring maximum joint strength. In this article, we’ll explain why CO2 excels at improving penetration and how different shielding gases …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 05/28/2025

Can You Weld with Nitrogen?

You can weld with nitrogen, but only in specific applications. Nitrogen isn’t typically used as a primary shielding gas like argon or helium, but it serves valuable purposes in specialized welding scenarios. In this article, we’ll go over those scenarios to explain when you should use nitrogen in welding. We’ll also explore its advantages and …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/28/2025

Is Gas Welding Faster than Arc Welding?

No, gas welding is not faster than arc welding. Arc welding processes typically achieve higher speeds due to: In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that influence welding speeds and how these two fundamental processes compare in different welding applications. Heat Source and Temperature Differences Gas welding relies on a chemical reaction between oxygen …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/27/2025

What Gases Are Used for TIG Welding?

Argon is the main shielding gas used for TIG welding. Helium and various gas mixtures can also be used depending on the specific application and metal being welded. In this guide, we’ll explore the different gases used in TIG welding in more detail. We’ll discuss their properties and show you how to select the right …