Industrial Gases 101

Helium is the second lightest industrial gas. It’s colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and chemically inert. Helium is a commonly used product because it’s non-flammable and possesses a high thermal conductivity.

Hydrogen is the lightest of all pure gases. It’s colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and exists as a gas at atmospheric pressures and temperatures. Many manufacturing processes combine hydrogen with argon to increase production speed and improve the color match.

Nitrogen is a colorless, non-toxic gas that comprises 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere. It’s a non-flammable gas at atmospheric temperatures and is often used to purge gas after heat treating operations.

Oxygen is an odorless and tasteless gas that makes up 21 percent of the earth’s atmosphere. The presence of oxygen makes combustion possible, making it a key component in many oxy-fuel cutting processes.

Propane is a colorless, flammable liquefied gas that has a distinct odor. It’s a cost-effective fuel for processes that don’t require a quality weld cut.

Propylene is a colorless, flammable, liquefied gas with a slightly sweet odor. It has a moderate BTU capacity and combines the qualities of an acetylene flame with the secondary heating capacity of propane.

Industrial gases are the fuel that helps businesses maintain productivity. Here are some common industrial gas uses:

The construction industry requires a steady supply of industrial gases to maintain on-site welding operations. These include:

• Argon: Enhances arc welding processes
• Acetylene: Maintains cutting, welding, and brazing performance in welding
• Oxygen: Used as a heating accelerant for welding torches
• Propane: Improves flame cutting and serves as fuel for machinery

Pharmaceutical companies use nitrogen to reduce oxygen and humidity packaging medicine. Medical facilities use dry ice to maintain the quality of medical samples during transport, and oxygen plays an important role in inhalation therapy at hospitals.

Nitrogen is one of the most important industrial gases in the food and beverage industry. It maintains a food’s integrity by reducing spoilage, discoloration, and off-flavors. Liquid nitrogen is also used in the flash-freezing process, which allows for food transport over long distances.

Carbon dioxide is also a common gas used in the food and beverage industry. It preserves packaged foods and retains the shelf life of beer and soda through carbonation.

The metal fabrication industry relies heavily on industrial gases to maintain productivity. Some of the common gases used include:

• Argon: Protects the welding environment and stabilizes arc performance
• Carbon dioxide: Combines with argon to prevent atmospheric contamination
• Hydrogen: Mixed with argon to protect from gas in welding

The energy and chemical industries need a consistent supply of industrial gases to improve productivity while minimizing their environmental impact. Some of the industrial gases used include:

• Carbon dioxide: Replaces hazardous solvents in many biological processes
• Helium: Detects leaks in refinery equipment
• Hydrogen: Used in the chemical industry to manufacture insulation materials

The energy and chemical industries need a consistent supply of industrial gases to improve productivity while minimizing their environmental impact. Some of the industrial gases used include:

• Carbon dioxide: Replaces hazardous solvents in many biological processes
• Helium: Detects leaks in refinery equipment
• Hydrogen: Used in the chemical industry to manufacture insulation materials

We understand that the amount of industrial gases available is overwhelming. Thankfully the experts at Oxygen Service Company are available to help you find the best gas product for your needs. OSC offers a complete line of industrial and compressed gases for various industries. Some of the services we offer our clients include:

Our team knows that many businesses require an uninterrupted supply of industrial gas. That’s why we have an onsite chemist test our gases before they’re sent to your facility. Our quality assurance systems guarantee you’ll receive the high-quality gas you need.

The food and beverage and healthcare industries rely on dry ice to maintain product quality during delivery. OSC offers industry-leading dry ice delivery services that provide high-quality products to your facility. Our dry ice is never more than a few hours old, and we provide emergency services that quickly deliver the product when you need it.