Bulk gases make it possible to supply industrial gases to users with high-volume needs. Various industries and businesses rely on bulk gas, including automotive manufacturers, nuclear power plants, medical facilities and more.

In some industries, the gas consumption required for applications is too large to rely on cylinders but is not big enough to warrant bulk gas. In these instances, microbulk gas is an excellent solution for bridging the gap between bulk gas deliveries and cylinders.

Both options also have great benefits, from providing cost-saving advantages to eco-friendly gas storage solutions. 

The Importance of Bulk and Microbulk Gases

Bulk and microbulk gas systems are both a crucial part of powering vital industries, including:

Manufacturing: Having a bulk gas supply is crucial for large manufacturing plants. Bulk and microbulk gas supplies make metal fabrication processes like welding possible. Bulk gas systems are also needed for semiconductor manufacturing and assembling electronics, as well as chemical processes for manufacturing plastics and polymers. 
Healthcare: Bulk and microbulk gas supplies are essential for various medical applications. Bulk nitrogen is vital for cryogenic applications like tissue preservation and MRI cooling. Oxygen plays an important role in respiratory therapies. Several other gases also have vital roles in medical applications.
Food and beverage: Bulk supplies of food-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen are necessary for producing large volumes of carbonated beverages. Gas also plays a significant role in food processing. Bulk gas is used to freeze and chill products to preserve their quality and extend their shelf life. 
Water and wastewater treatment: Several gases play a role in water treatment and wastewater management. Oxygen is necessary for treating and purifying water and wastewater. Additionally, CO2 is used to get water to the correct pH levels.

Cost Savings and Efficiency Benefits

Bulk industrial gases offer substantial cost savings compared to smaller, individual cylinders. By purchasing gases in bulk quantities, businesses can benefit from economies of scale and reduce the overall cost per unit of gas. This cost efficiency extends beyond the initial purchase. Bulk and microbulk gas supplies help reduce handling, transportation and storage expenses. Plus, bulk supply reduces administrative costs associated with frequent orders and invoices and streamlines procurement processes.

The business benefits of gas systems in bulk don’t end at costs. With a bulk supply, you save not only on expenses but also on time. Switching out individual gas cylinders requires a significant amount of time and labor. With bulk supply, you eliminate the time and effort of changing cylinders. You also minimize interruptions and downtime due to running out of gas and then needing time to transport and set up new cylinders.

Enhanced Safety and Convenience

Managing numerous small gas cylinders can pose safety risks due to handling and storage requirements. Bulk storage systems, on the other hand, are designed with safety in mind. They are equipped with advanced safety features and comply with industry standards to mitigate risks associated with gas handling. Furthermore, bulk supply reduces the frequency of gas changeovers and cylinder handling and minimizes the potential for accidents. This enhanced safety not only protects your workforce but also improves operational efficiency.

Environmental Sustainability

Transitioning to a bulk industrial gas supply is also a step toward environmental sustainability. Businesses can minimize their carbon footprint by reducing the usage of disposable cylinders. Our bulk supply systems are designed to maximize gas efficiency, contributing to overall energy conservation and environmental responsibility.

Customized Gas Supply Solutions

Bulk industrial gas suppliers like us offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries. Whether it’s modifying delivery schedules, adjusting gas compositions or implementing advanced gas management systems, we work closely with our customers to optimize their gas supply chains. Our expertise allows us to recommend the most suitable gases and storage solutions that align with your operational requirements and sustainability goals.

Comparing Bulk and Microbulk Systems

Bulk and microbulk gas equipment offer similar benefits but have some key differences to consider:

The primary difference is the volume and consumption of gas your operations require to be functional and efficient. Bulk is essential for processes that regularly require large quantities of gas. Microbulk gases and systems are an ideal middle ground if operations don’t justify a bulk setup but require more than cylinders to operate efficiently.
Bulk gas systems require large storage tanks that are fixed on-site. They require significantly more space than microbulk tanks, which are smaller and more flexible to relocate.
Bulk gas systems have a higher upfront cost but lower per-unit cost. Microbulk systems have a lower initial cost but are not as competitively priced per unit as bulk.

Meet All Your Bulk and Microbulk Gas Supply Needs

The benefits of buying bulk and microbulk gases are multifaceted and impactful. From cost savings and operational efficiency to safety and sustainability, bulk supply offers a strategic advantage for businesses across diverse industries. 

As a trusted gas supplier, we are dedicated to empowering our customers with reliable, scalable and innovative gas supply solutions. Let us partner with you to unlock the full potential of bulk industrial gas and propel your business toward greater success!

Founded in 1944, Atlas Welding Supply provides you with the equipment and supplies to do your job better. With decades of experience in gas and welding applications, we are confident we can be your trusted partner for everything from supplying the appropriate gas to troubleshooting equipment and providing customized solutions for your project for maximum efficiency.