Gas detection systems alert your team members to facility hazards. When the atmosphere becomes a safety risk, alarms sound so employees can clear the area or take proper measures to eliminate the issue. While detection systems keep people alert, they’re only as good as the calibration gases used to maintain them.

Test gases ensure your equipment performs as intended in whatever industrial or research space you monitor. The right gas mixture supports reliable sensor readings and regulatory compliance. Facility managers and industrial operations must understand their calibration gas options to protect their environments.

What Are Calibration Gases?

Calibration gases are gas mixtures that allow facilities to test and adjust gas detectors. Each mixture has a specific concentration of a target gas. It’s designed to mimic a real-world hazard or condition. 

Technicians then expose the sensors to the calibration gas. If the sensors register the mixture at the correct levels, teams know the devices work correctly. If not, technicians will adjust the sensors to detect gases accurately.

Facilities might use calibration mixtures during sensor calibration, maintenance and routine bump testing. You should employ test mixtures any time you need to test gas detection instruments. Inaccurate readings or poorly calibrated sensors can lead to false alarms and hazard exposure, risking team safety.

Types of Calibration Gases

Explore the two main types of calibration gases below:

Zero gas: Zero gas has no measurable amounts of contaminants or target gas. It’s composed of nitrogen, purified air or another inert gas. Technicians use it to establish a baseline for sensors. Testing zero gas ensures detectors are not picking up residual gases or background influences that could skew readings. 
Span gas: Span gas used for calibration contains a measurable target gas concentration. The sensor should be able to detect the gas at the correct levels. If not, technicians will fine-tune the detector’s sensitivity to trigger at the proper threshold. 

Types of Calibration Gas Mixtures

Testing mixtures come in single or multi-gas options. Single-gas mixtures work well for equipment targeting one specific hazard. Facilities should use multi-gas blends for fixed or portable monitors designed to detect multiple threats. The formula you select will depend on your equipment and needs.

Commonly Used Calibration Gases

Calibration gases are chosen for their inert properties or real-world presence and risk. Common gases include the following:

Nitrogen
Oxygen
Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen sulfide
Methane
Ammonia

Purity Levels and Regulatory Compliance

The accuracy of your calibration depends on the gas’s purity. Impurities can introduce measurement errors or degrade sensor performance over time. 

Groups like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have standards for gas traceability, so your operation can be sure it gets mixtures from a reputable source. These traceability certifications protect your facility from impure gases and ensure you can accurately monitor your atmosphere. 

Span Gas vs. Zero Gas

Span and zero gases are both used for calibration in different areas. Zero gas establishes the baseline for sensors. This is the first step in the calibration process. 

Technicians can use a zero or inert gas to get their monitor to start at true zero before testing. They use span gas to test the detector’s ability to measure the specific gas levels that require monitoring. Then, they compare the sensor’s response to the known concentration in the gas to verify accuracy. If it’s inaccurate, they’ll make adjustments.

The key difference between zero and span calibration is that zero calibration uses zero gas to establish a baseline. Span calibration is performed after zeroing and uses span gas to set the instrument’s detection thresholds.

Choosing the Right Gas for Calibration

Span and zero gas are integral to a two-point calibration process. But you still need the right gas within those categories. 

When choosing your test mixture, consider these factors:

Gas compatibility: The gas mixture should match the gases your detector is designed to measure.
Concentration levels: Use a span gas concentration close to the expected alarm or sensor operational range. Too high or too low can lead to inaccurate calibration.
Purity: Choose certified gas mixtures to meet industry traceability and purity standards.
Supplier: Work with reputable suppliers to ensure high-quality mixtures and fast delivery.
Regulatory requirements: Look for gases that meet industry-specific guidelines to remain compliant.

How to Use Calibration Gases

Calibration gases are used heavily in manufacturing and gas industries. Any operation dealing with hazardous atmospheric chemicals, substances or gas derivatives needs these mixtures. 

Additionally, various types of lab equipment need accurate gas detection to analyze samples correctly. Test gases ensure detection equipment is working properly. 

If there are leaks at facilities or hazardous gases are involved in production, your operation needs calibration gases. Proper procedures and safety practices protect teams from potential harm.

Instrument Calibration Procedures  

Bump testing and full calibration are two verification procedures:

Bump testing: Known gas concentrations are applied briefly to the sensor. This test confirms that the detector and alarms respond as expected.
Full calibration: This process involves the complete two-step process. Technicians zero the sensor and then use span gas to adjust the accuracy.

Calibration Gas Safety Guidelines   

Proper handling and storage are also essential when working with test gas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Standards Organization (ISO) provide guidelines for testing detectors and handling gases:

OSHA: OSHA recommends that each operation create standardized calibration procedures to ensure a safe environment. They also emphasize the importance of proper training and tools when dealing with calibration gases. Facilities should only use traceable gas for their testing.
ISO: The ISO provides guidelines for storing, transferring and handling calibration gases. They must be stable and handled carefully to avoid impurities and operator harm.

Your facility should have access to relevant industry materials to create and maintain safe gas procedures. Some best practices include:

Sourcing gases from reputable providers with traceable stock.
Storing gas cylinders upright and securely to avoid tipping.
Labeling gases clearly.
Checking expiration dates and cylinder pressure regularly. 
Wearing appropriate protective gear when handling cylinders. 
Documenting all maintenance checks and calibration procedures for audits.

Turn to Meritus Gas Partners for Your Calibration Gas Needs 

Meritus Gas Partners delivers when you need reliable, accurately mixed calibration gases. With a range of gases — including specialty products — we help industrial customers confidently meet their safety goals. We provide certified purity and fast delivery.

What sets Meritus Gas Partners apart is our local expertise, product quality and responsive support. Our network of independent gas distributors combines technical knowledge with personalized service so you get exactly what you need every time. 

Contact us for custom calibration gas solutions and tailored recommendations. Meritus Gas Partners is here to help you every step of the way.

Recent trends in electronics, such as growth in the memory integrated circuits segment, the increased adoption of electric vehicles, and more initiatives to enhance regional self-sufficiency, have contributed to the indispensability of semiconductors in everyday life.

With this massive growth, having a reliable source of high-purity gases is nonnegotiable. Learn more about which gases are essential for semiconductor fabrication and where to source high-quality gases for electronics.

Why Gases Are Critical in the Electronics and Semiconductor Industries

Without gases, there would be no semiconductors, and without semiconductors, modern electronics would look very different. Gases help ensure semiconductor devices offer high performance by enabling precise control over chemical reactions and material properties. Gases are used in the following processes:

Deposition: A thin film is applied to a wafer to give the wafer electrical characteristics. Physical vapor deposition involves metal films, while chemical vapor deposition (CVD) uses chemicals in their vapor form to coat materials. Plasma-enhanced CVD uses plasma (ionized gas), allowing for higher deposition rates and lower deposition temperatures.
Photolithography: This process uses light to transfer patterns onto wafers. The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive material called a photoresist, and a mask containing the right pattern is placed over the wafer. Light shines through the mask to reveal the pattern on the wafer, and the pattern that remains on the coating can be used as a mask for etching.
Etching: During the etching process, material is selectively removed from the thin film, leaving behind a pattern on the substrate. Gases involving carbon and fluorine, such as carbon tetrafluoride and sulfur hexafluoride, are commonly used for etching silicon materials, while chlorine and hydrogen fluoride are beneficial for metallic materials. A plasma-based etching process allows for more precise control.
Doping: Imparting controlled impurities onto the wafer allows the semiconductor to conduct electricity precisely. Dopant gases contain elements like arsenic and boron, and doping creates an imbalance where electrons bounce between the semiconductor host and the impurity atoms. 
Purging: Purging requires inert gases. During the purging process, inert gases displace other gases to prevent unwanted reactions and contaminants during semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductors are extremely sensitive to moisture and oxidation, and inert gases provide a dry environment for silicon wafer processing. Atmospheric gases are most helpful during this process.
Plasma cleaning: Plasma cleaning involves removing particles and residue from wafers and equipment. The process works by creating ions that interact with the material on the surface being cleaned. The resulting reaction can remove contaminants from the surface.

Here’s a quick, nonexhaustive breakdown of which gases can support these processes.

Everything from computers and cellphones to advanced healthcare equipment depends on semiconductors, and none of it would be possible without reliable access to high-purity gases. You can source yours from Meritus Gas Partners. Through our nationwide network of partners, we can help connect you with a reliable distributor.

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Common Electronics and Semiconductor Fabrication Gases

Explore more about the most common gases used in semiconductor fabrication.

1. Nitrogen

Nitrogen for semiconductor manufacturing is used throughout the fabrication process, especially for purging. It keeps surfaces free from contaminants like water vapor that may impact the fabrication process. Nitrogen is passed through piping networks to displace reactive oxygen and moisture from the silicon semiconductor wafers. Because it’s a core part of the process and readily available, many semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) keep nitrogen generators on-site. 

2. Argon

Argon is a noble gas, which means it’s incredibly chemically inert and resistant to chemical reactions. Like nitrogen, it protects silicon crystals from reacting with water vapor, oxygen and other gases. Argon is an effective option in cases where nitrogen is too reactive. Argon is also fairly easy to ionize, so it’s often used as a plasma gas for etching and deposition reactions. 

3. Helium

Like argon, helium is a noble gas. It’s also highly thermally conductive, so in addition to protecting components from unwanted chemical reactions and aiding with photolithography, it can prevent thermal damage.

4. Oxygen

Oxygen is used during the deposition, etching and cleaning processes, but it’s most effective when neutralizing reactive gases. Oxygen for semiconductor fabs is directed through abatement equipment to purge the system of reactive by-products. Similar to nitrogen and the noble gases, it prevents contamination.

5. Hydrogen

Hydrogen is used during the cleaning, etching and doping processes. While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, harnessing it for practical applications like semiconductor fabrication is challenging. Innovations like green hydrogen can help. Green hydrogen production involves using a renewable source like wind to remove hydrogen molecules from water. This process produces very low carbon emissions, making it more sustainable to generate hydrogen.

Explore Electronics Gases

Using Specialty Gases to Ensure Purity Levels and Quality Control

Gases used for semiconductor fabrication must have high purity, which means standard gases aren’t suitable. Specialty gases are high-purity chemical compounds that enhance efficiency and precision in specific processes. The general principle for determining purity is counting the number of nines in the purity percentage. For example, helium with 99.9999% purity is Grade 6. Grade 4.8, then, has a purity of 99.998% — four nines and one eight.

Specialty gases for electronics and semiconductor fabrication should be at least Grade 5 — 99.999% pure. These ultra-high-purity (UHP) gases help prevent contamination that can compromise the final product.

Source Your Specialty Gases From Meritus Gas Partners

Are you searching for specialty gases for your electronics products? Meritus Gas Partners offers a range of UHP gases to suit your semiconductor needs, including:

Argon: Purity levels up to 99.999%.
Nitrogen: Purity levels up to 99.999%.
Helium: Purity levels up to 99.9999%. 

We also offer pure oxygen and hydrogen, as well as specialty gas mixtures to meet your business’s specific industrial needs. We adhere to strict quality assurance protocols to ensure effectiveness and purity. When you purchase pure specialty gases from our wide network of partners, you can benefit from expert advice, timely deliveries and exceptional customer support. 

Meritus Gas Partners is building a national group of gas distributors. Learn more about our partners and our solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry, or contact one of our experts today!

Medical gases are vital for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, from powering medical devices to providing anesthesia and breathing support. Storing and handling these gases properly is crucial for minimizing the risks of accidents, injuries and property damage.

Medical gases are stored under high pressure, making them at risk for fire or explosions if not handled appropriately. Some medical gases are toxic, and most canisters are extremely heavy, adding extra risk to incorrect storage and handling.

Due to these potential hazards, healthcare and medical facilities must follow strict medical gas storage standards and safety recommendations. Learn more about gas storage and accessibility considerations in health care facilities below.

Common Hazards of Medical Gas Cylinder Storage

Storing and handling medical gases correctly is key to creating a safer environment. Appropriate processes minimize the risks and hazards that can occur from improper actions. Common but dangerous hazards include: 

Fire hazards: Many medical gases are nonflammable, but other gases are, like ethylene oxide, which is used for sterilization. Oxygen, a common and necessary gas in medicine, is nonflammable but supports combustion. Should oxygen leak, it contributes to a fire hazard.
Physical risks: Gas cylinders are under high pressure, and storing or handling them incorrectly can cause them to rupture or explode. Cylinders are also extremely heavy. If a cylinder ruptures or falls over, it can create serious safety issues.
Asphyxiation and health hazards: Inert gases can displace oxygen if they leak, which can lead to asphyxia. Other medical gases are toxic. Exposure to carbon monoxide, a gas used as an anti-inflammatory agent, can cause death. 

Regulations and Compliance in Medical Gas Storage

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both publish regulations for compliance in medical gas storage.

OSHA Requirements for Medical Gases

The OSHA requirements for storing, using and handling compressed medical gases include the following:

1910.101(a): Cylinders must be inspected visually to determine they are in a safe condition. 
1910.101(b): Compressed gases must be handled, stored and used in accordance with Compressed Gas Association requirements.
1910.101(c): Compressed gas cylinders must have pressure relief devices installed. These devices must be installed and maintained in accordance with guidelines published by the Compressed Gas Association (29 CFR 1910.101(b) and Pamphlet P-1-1965).

Additionally, in regard to surgical suite compressed gases, OSHA states that all cylinders must be in an upright position — whether empty or full — and cylinders must be secured so they do not drop or strike any objects with force. When transporting medical gases, the cylinders must be secured with protective caps and should never be rolled or dragged.  

NFPA Standards

NFPA 99, also referred to as the “Health Care Facilities Code,” is a detailed outline of standards created by the NFPA to minimize the risk of fires, explosions and other related hazards in medical settings. Part of the guidelines and standards focuses specifically on carefully storing and using medical gases.

Some of the basic recommendations outlined in NFPA 99 for health care facilities include:

Clearly labeling and color coding piping systems. 
Storing gases in designated, well-ventilated areas. 
Separating gases accordingly to prevent cross-contamination or other potential hazards. 
Ensuring regular inspections, maintenance and staff training and education.

The NFPA also has requirements to ensure health care facilities adhere to fire codes.

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Best Practices for the Safe Handling and Storage of Medical Gases

These practices can help medical professionals avoid common mistakes when handling and storing medical gas cylinders.

1. Label Gas Cylinders for Identification

Gas canisters, valves, station inlets and outlets, distribution piping, alarm panels, and source equipment should be color-coded and labeled appropriately. There should be a wraparound label on all canisters that identify the gas and other key properties.

The name of the gas must be written in lettering that is at least 2 inches high and be either in white against the proper designated color or written in the correct designated color. The label should clearly indicate the gas is “for medical use.” Other components, like valves, should also be clearly labeled. 

The color codes for medical gases are as follows:

Medical air: Yellow
Carbon dioxide: Gray
Helium: Brown
Nitrogen: Black
Nitrous oxide: Blue
Oxygen: Green
Mixture or blend: Corresponding colors for each gas component in the mixture

2. Store Gas Cylinders Safely and Accessibly

Following medical gas storage standards are crucial for creating a safer environment. Some of the best practices to follow for storing medical gases include: 

Implementing fire-resistant enclosures for cylinder storage and supply systems.
Separating oxidizing gases — storing inert (nonflammable) gases in the enclosures is permissible. 
Ensuring enclosures have the correct vents. 
Installing proper gas monitoring systems and smoke detectors. 

Keep in mind that although they should be enclosed, gases must still be accessible, especially in emergency situations. 

3. Train Staff on Safety Requirements for Gas Cylinders

Training for risk management in health care facilities typically includes education on proper gas cylinder labeling and storage. All medical personnel working with or around gases should receive training and regular refresher courses in handling medical equipment and supply systems correctly.

Staff should also be trained on how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, and how to properly inspect and maintain cylinders. Personnel must also be trained in emergency protocol in the event of a gas leak, fire or other hazard.

Get in touch with a Meritus Gas team expert to learn more about finding the right PPE and safety equipment for your team.

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4. Implement Gas Monitoring

One of the most vital elements of storing gases is having reliable and well-maintained gas monitoring and leak detection systems, as well as smoke alarms. There are various types of gas sensors and systems available. Multigas sensors are an effective choice as they can detect a range of gases, including combustible gases and other common medical gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Explore Medical Gas Solutions With Meritus Gas Partners

Following approved methods and safety regulations for storing and handling medical gas is essential for all medical facilities. Regulations and protocols for handling medical gas are in place to help keep staff, patients, visitors and property more secure. 

At Meritus Gas, our partners are reliable and trusted distributors in the industry you can turn to for your medical gas supplies and solutions. Our partners provide quality gas that helps you streamline operations and maintain compliance with government regulations. Our partners also provide PPE and other safety equipment that equips staff to handle and store gas.

To get started, visit one of our branches or contact us for any additional information.

The impact of high-precision gases on laboratory research is undeniable — they play a major role in enabling researchers to conduct important experiments and create life-saving medicines and equipment. Learn about high-purity gases and their importance in lab research here.

What Are High-Purity Gases?

The minimum purity of a gas represents how many impurities are in it. One hundred percent purity is impossible because chemical compositions change during manufacturing. In other words, purity in terms of gas refers to the absence of impurity in a particular compound.

Three common gases used in laboratory research include:

Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) is an odorless and colorless gas that is appreciated in many industries for its inert nature. It’s the most abundant naturally occurring gas and has many crucial uses. This nontoxic gas doesn’t react with any other chemicals and is non-poisonous.

Laboratories primarily use nitrogen to maintain an adequate atmosphere for sensitive procedures and specialized equipment. It controls oxygen, temperature and humidity levels in critical areas like mass spectrometers, cell incubators and dry boxes. Operators also use it for mixing, pressurizing, blanketing and purging. 

Nitrogen prevents delicate items from reacting with the oxygen in the air, which can cause decay. It’s commonly used in blister packs to preserve pharmaceuticals during transportation and storage. It’s also used in mass spectrometry experiments in the instrumental analysis field to identify unknown compounds and study their reactivity and structure. Another typical use for nitrogen is leak checking. Researchers can use it as a pressurizing agent to find leaks in pipes, tanks and vessels. 

Different industries require varying purities of nitrogen. For example, the pharmaceutical industry typically uses ultra-high purity (UHP) nitrogen, which has a gas concentration of 99.999%. This level of purity is particularly useful in chromatography applications where nitrogen is used as a carrier gas. The cryogenics field uses liquid nitrogen to preserve biological samples.

Oxygen

Oxygen (O) is a common green oxidizing agent. Various labs use it in different forms. Chemists typically use it in a synthetic air form, which consists of about 10% oxygen combined with nitrogen. This mixture prevents combustion, which is a possibility with pure oxygen.

Lab operators also use oxygen to manufacture chemicals in fermenters. In these cases, industrial-grade pure oxygen supplies are used to enrich the internal environment of cell cultures, enhancing growth rates. It’s also used in the production of textiles, steel and plastics.

Oxygen’s uses keep expanding. A recent study revealed that oxygen paired with copper can be used to create life-saving drugs at a fraction of the cost. Researchers used oxygen as a reagent and copper as a catalyst, which broke down and converted carbon bonds into amines. Typically, companies use expensive metals to fulfill this purpose, resulting in expensive medications. 

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is similar to nitrogen in its inert properties. It’s an excellent general-purpose gas used in blanketing and packaging, which are vital for most lab work. Lab researchers use it in the gas phase for incubators or to control the pH of wastewater. 

Carbon dioxide is also applied as a supercritical fluid that sits at an intermediate state between liquid and gas. In this state, quality carbon dioxide gas is pivotal for organic compound extraction. 

Another key use of carbon dioxide is “micronization,” which allows operators to produce tiny particles of active medicinal substances. Biology researchers can use CO₂ for cell cultivation in a lab, while other industries use it for gas chromatography or pH regulation.

Common Laboratory Applications Using High-Purity Gases

In the lab, testing, examining and analyzing are critical stages that help create important supplies, and high-purity gases are at the core of these applications. High-precision gases come in different grades for various works in this field. Here are four typical laboratory uses for high-purity gases:

1. Instrumentation

Impurities can cause problems with laboratory instruments and result in inaccurate results. Lab researchers generally use high-purity gases because they have lower levels of impurities. These gases are also referred to as instrument-grade gases and typically have a 99.999 percent purity.

High-precision gases minimize noise and baseline drifting while also lowering background interference. These benefits offer operators increased sensitivity, which results in accurate analysis.

Some instruments are prone to damage from impurities, so high-purity gases extend their life. Common instrument-grade gases include: 

Nitrogen
Helium
Argon
Hydrogen

2. Chromatography

The two most commonly used gases for chromatography are grade 5.5 industrial helium and industrial-grade hydrogen gas products, but other gases like nitrogen and argon are applied as carriers. Helium and hydrogen have a better flow rate and are compatible with most detection systems.

Different detection systems require varying mixtures of carrier gas. Generally, high-purity gases with low oxygen levels are best. 

3. Atmosphere Control

Laboratories have sensitive equipment, and operators perform delicate procedures. The atmosphere needs to be maintained at all times, or the equipment and procedures can quickly become health or fire hazards.

Pure oxygen can cause other flammable materials to explode and burn rapidly. Atmospheric control is essential to prevent fires when working with flammable chemicals or equipment. Nitrogen is the main gas that maintains the laboratory atmosphere and controls oxygen levels.

4. Evaporative Light-Scattering Detectors (ELSDs)

Evaporative light scattering (ELS) detection uses UV radiation to detect non-UV-absorbing compounds. ELSDs typically use high-pressure liquid chromatography to accurately identify samples that aren’t absorbing UV.

ELSDs require an inert gas to convert the wash fluids into a spray — nitrogen is typically the common choice. The operator heats the nitrogen spray to evaporate the tested samples. Clean inert gas is preferred because other mixes require the removal of oil and water.

Contact a Meritus Gas team expert to find the best gas products for your laboratory needs. 

What Are the Laboratory Gas Hazards and Safety Measures?

Laboratory gases help operators perform important research, but they can also threaten safety. Without proper measures, gases can pose risks such as toxicity and rapid combustion.

Since most laboratories use inert gases to maintain a stable atmosphere, explosions aren’t a common hazard. However, some gases, like carbon dioxide, require specialized safety measures. Installing gas sensors keeps operators safe by allowing for constant monitoring of gas levels. These devices can pick up excess levels of harmful gases and detect leaks.

Here are some of the top safety tips for working with gas in a laboratory: 

Store gases with other compatible gases.
Keep cylinders strapped or secured to prevent rolling.
Ensure valve caps are closed when not in use.
Don’t keep flammable gases near oxidizers.
Evacuate immediately if toxic or flammable gases are leaking. 

It’s a good idea to put up a compressed gas safety poster in your lab as a reminder of the safety measures. 

Contact a Meritus Gas Partner Near You for Laboratory-Grade Gasses

At Meritus Gas Partners, we understand the impact of high-precision gases on laboratory research, offering decades of experience to help you find the right products for your laboratory. Our partners have extensive selections of safety-compliant high-purity gases, including nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.

We can save you money and time by helping you select the right combination of gases. Visit one of our branches or contact us for expert advice on high-precision gases today.

Medical gases are indispensable in healthcare. There are numerous uses for medical gases, especially for respiratory support, anesthesia and diagnostic procedures. Healthcare professionals and facility owners must understand the properties of these medical gases, their administration methods and safety considerations to help protect patients, providers and hospitals.

What are the different types of gases used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities? This article will be your comprehensive guide on the fundamental concepts of medical gases. From the life-sustaining properties of oxygen to the analgesic effects of nitrous oxide, each gas contributes to patient care — in one way, shape or form.

7 Common Medical Gases and Their Uses

Let’s explore the seven commonly used gases in healthcare, their unique applications and safety considerations.

1. Oxygen

Oxygen has numerous life-saving applications in healthcare. It’s crucial in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms and ambulances.

Oxygen is a vital medical gas for patients with respiratory insufficiency or hypoxia. Air and oxygen in medical gas systems also help keep patients alive during surgeries and after major traumas. Additionally, oxygen therapy is used to help improve oxygen levels in the blood and alleviate breathing difficulties.

Medical oxygen can be delivered through a nasal cannula, face masks or ventilators. The delivery method depends on the patient’s condition and the required oxygen concentration. For example, nasal cannulas are commonly used for low-flow oxygen, while masks are suitable for higher concentrations.

While oxygen is essential for life, it should be handled with care. Measures should be taken to prevent combustion, as oxygen supports combustion and can enhance the intensity of fires. Facilities must follow strict safety protocols for storing, handling and administering medical oxygen.

Moreover, the key to medical-grade oxygen is high purity. If it’s contaminated with other gases, it may pose risks to patients. Healthcare facilities must partner with a supplier that can provide high-purity oxygen for their patient’s well-being.

2. Nitrogen 

Nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas, has various applications in healthcare settings. While it is not typically used on patients, it has multiple uses for medical equipment and support processes.

For instance, nitrogen is commonly used to power pneumatic systems in medical devices. Think of surgical tools and equipment used in diagnostic procedures. Additionally, cryogenic nitrogen can preserve blood samples and other cells for lab examination.

The inert nature of nitrogen makes it suitable for applications where non-reactive gas is needed to avoid chemical reactions. Nitrogen is also used to preserve and pressurize medical gas systems. It can help maintain pressure in storage cylinders to prevent the ingress of contaminants. As a result, it can help stabilize other medical gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide.

While nitrogen is inert and non-reactive, it is crucial to handle it with care to prevent asphyxiation in confined spaces. Healthcare facilities must adhere to safety protocols to store, handle and transport nitrogen cylinders.

3. Medical Air

Medical air is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, with the oxygen content adjusted to meet therapeutic needs. It is used for various medical purposes, such as providing respiratory support to patients with breathing difficulties.

Medical air is often employed in mechanical ventilation to assist patients with respiratory failure. It can be blended with other gases to reach specific oxygen concentrations. The controlled delivery of medical air helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the patient’s bloodstream.

Furthermore, medical air is commonly humidified before its administration. This is to prevent the drying of the respiratory mucosa. Humidification is crucial for patients receiving prolonged respiratory support to enhance comfort and minimize potential complications.

4. Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide can be used for insufflation in medical procedures but is especially crucial in respiratory care. End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring is a non-invasive method used to assess a patient’s ventilatory status. It measures the concentration of carbon dioxide at the end of expiration. This measurement provides valuable information about ventilation and perfusion.

In addition to monitoring, carbon dioxide is used in respiratory therapies. For example, administering a controlled mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide (carbogen) has been explored for specific medical conditions. Carbon dioxide levels are carefully regulated to gain therapeutic effects without adverse consequences.

While carbon dioxide itself is not typically administered as a therapeutic gas, monitoring its levels is crucial for patient safety. Proper calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment and adherence to safety guidelines will help provide practitioners with accurate and reliable readings.

5. Helium

Helium is a noble gas known for its low density, making it useful in respiratory therapy. The combination of helium and oxygen (heliox) reduces the density of the gas mixture. This reduction in density makes airflow more efficient in cases of upper airway obstruction or severe respiratory conditions.

Heliox mixtures are especially useful to help treat conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and certain upper airway obstructions.

The use of helium gas in healthcare is generally considered safe. However, facilities using heliox mixtures must adhere to safety guidelines. Proper equipment calibration and staff training are essential to ensure the accurate delivery of heliox therapy.

6. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a colorless and odorless gas with anesthetic properties. Medical nitrous oxide is commonly used in dental procedures and minor surgical interventions. It induces a state of relaxation and reduces pain perception in patients.

The gas is administered through a mask or nasal hood. This administration methods help with precise concentration control.

While nitrous oxide is generally considered safe, proper ventilation is essential to prevent excessive exposure. Facilities using nitrous oxide must have scavenging systems to capture and remove excess gas. Healthcare facilities must continuously monitor and adhere to the recommended exposure limits to create a safe clinical environment.

7. Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is a gas with vasodilatory properties, particularly in the pulmonary circulation. It is used to treat conditions such as persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns and acute respiratory distress syndrome by improving blood flow in the lungs.

Nitric oxide therapy requires careful monitoring of gas concentrations to prevent toxicity in the body. Facilities must have monitoring systems in place and healthcare providers should be trained to recognize and manage potential adverse effects.

Medical Gas Regulations and Standards

Gas storage and distribution are just as important as understanding the different types of medical gases — they’re a critical aspect of healthcare infrastructure.

For instance, gas cylinders are commonly used for storage and their handling must adhere to specific safety protocols. Facilities often use pipelines for a continuous and efficient medical gas supply to various points of use within healthcare settings.

Ensure your facility adheres to the regulations outlined in 29 CFR 1910.101(b) and Compressed Gas Association’s Pamphlet P-1-1965. For comprehensive safety measures regarding medical gas storage and distribution, familiarize yourself with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards:

29 CFR 1910.101 for compressed gases. 
29 CFR 1910.103 for hydrogen. 
29 CFR 1910.104 for oxygen. 
29 CFR 1910.105 for nitrous oxide. 

Additional resources include OSHA’s Compressed Gas and Equipment page and the NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code.

Meritus Gas Partners Is Your Trusted Medical Gas Solution Provider

Healthcare professionals can rely on Meritus Gas Partners for high-quality medical gases from our trusted suppliers. Our network features reputable partners like Atlas Welding and Ozarc Gas, so you’ll know you’ll receive a seamless supply of medical gases that meet the highest industry standards.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help your healthcare facility’s medical gas needs.

When you’re searching for compressed gases for your business operations, you’ll likely come across grades of gases referred to as “specialty.” With so many types of gases already on the market, you may not know how specialty gases differ from natural compressed gases and why they might be best for your needs. Explore our guide to learn more about specialty gases, their applications in different industries and how you can choose the best specialty gas supplier for your business.

What Is a Specialty Gas?

A specialty gas is made up of unique chemical compounds and is used in industrial, medical and scientific applications. These gases can come pre-made off the shelf or feature custom, one-off mixtures to enhance efficiency and precision in a specific process. Unlike standardized gases, specialty gases must meet a set of analytical specifications for certain uses.

Generally, specialty gases are zero gases, carrier gases, instrumentation gases, bump test gases or calibration gases. These gases include compounds distinguished by their unique properties and tailored for specific applications in manufacturing, research and other industries. Examples of specialty gases include a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen or a combination of methane in argon.

In particular, purity is a crucial factor for specialty gases. Thanks to their high purity, specialty gases can perform accurately and reliably in industries where precision is paramount, like pharmaceutical production and semiconductor fabrication. Additionally, the integrity of certain products relies on gas purity, such as in electronic components.

Specialty Gases vs. Standard Gases

Specialty gases are high-purity chemical compounds that are made for specific applications in medical, scientific and industrial fields. Their controlled composition and purity levels differentiate them from standard gases, as they offer more accuracy and reliability.

Although the elements that make up natural and specialty gases are similar, they have significant disparities in their purity and composition. Where standard gases have widespread use, specialty gas compositions suit specific roles in various industries.

Ultimately, standard gases lack specific attributes and purity levels, making them ideal for less refined applications such as heat-treating processes in manufacturing.

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The Critical Role of Specialty Gases

Several industries can benefit from using specialty gases — they’re even necessary in certain applications. For example, medical research teams can use specialty carbon dioxide in medical imaging and diagnostics for accurate readings. At the same time, food processing centers could use special mixtures of oxygen to preserve foods. These products provide various industries with unparalleled precision to reduce inefficiencies and drive productivity by elevating processes.

Applications of Specialty Gases in Commercial Manufacturing

While specialty gases are applicable in many industries, they have especially far-reaching and diverse applications in commercial manufacturing.

These gases contribute to exact control and calibration to ensure end-product quality. Additionally, they help to facilitate precise calibration in production and semiconductor manufacturing and create a controlled atmosphere in welding — argon-helium mixtures enhance weld quality. For meticulous accuracy, cutting and marking laser systems use gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Other applications of industrial specialty gases highlight their critical role in advancing efficiency and technology in modern manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing: A combination of argon and nitrogen creates controlled atmospheres in 3D printing processes, which improves material properties and reduces final product defects.
Semiconductor manufacturing: Gases like silane and nitrogen ensure exact conditions for the intricate processes of chip manufacturing.
Environmental testing: Sulfur hexafluoride helps to detect system leaks during environmental testing, which adds to sustainability efforts in manufacturing processes.

Ensuring Compliance With Compressed Gas Regulations

Becoming familiar with local, national and international regulations governing compressed gases is essential. These standards include those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By integrating essential regulatory practices into operations, you can ensure your operations are compliant:

Continuous emissions monitoring (CEM): The EPA monitors industrial setups with vast exhaust emissions. CEM standards help run facilities more sustainably by utilizing zero gases and reporting monitoring data about gas quality.
Gas safety regulations: Keep employees safe through proper handling, transportation and storage of compressed gases. OSHA offers a thorough insight into hazard recognition, evaluation, control and standards for each industry handling compressed gases.

Partnering with a reputable compressed gas supplier can help you ensure you’re using the correct specialty gases and handling them properly to meet compliance standards.

How to Choose the Right Specialty Gas Supplier

As specialty gases often require custom gas blends and specific compositions, you must find a supplier that is a gas expert. During the process of selecting a specialty gas provider, consider the following factors:

Gas quality: Only work with a supplier that can offer the most high-quality gases and equipment possible.
Regulatory compliance: The supplier must comply with relevant industry standards for your products. This level of compliance helps to meet legal requirements and maintain integrity.
Purity requirements: The gas provider must understand specific purity levels for different industries and processes.
Quality control: Inquire about quality control measures, testing procedures and certifications.
Traceability: The supplier must be able to provide detailed documentation and certificates of analysts on each batch. This traceability ensures compliance and quality of gases.

A long-term partnership with a specialty gas provider ensures consistent quality in your specialty gases. It also minimizes operational disruptions as you can expect consistent, timely delivery of custom gas blends. Additionally, you may find volume discounts or competitive rates when negotiating pricing structures thanks to an ongoing relationship.

Our Partners

Ensuring precision and quality in specialty gas composition and mixtures requires high expertise. Meritus Gas Partners is an industry expert in gas provision, offering you the following advantages:

Analytical skills: The ability to conduct analytical testing that includes mass spectrometry and gas chromatography to verify specialty gas composition and purity.
Chemical expertise: An in-depth knowledge of chemical formulations and properties lets professionals understand each specialty gas’s unique characteristics.
Industry-specific knowledge: An understanding of the diverse applications of specialty gases in various industries and the nuances of tailoring formulations to specific needs.

Trust Meritus Gas Partners for Your Specialty Gas Needs

Meritus Gas Partners is a gas provider and expert that connects your business with trusted specialty gas providers and distributors around the nation. Whether you’re in plastics, metal fabrication, health care, energy or another industry requiring compressed gases, we’re here to support your needs with high-quality gases and gas supplies.

With decades of experience in specialty gases, we can work with your business to understand your needs and help you discover the best options. Explore our selection of pure gases to find specialty variations and mixtures that suit your applications.

Get started today — contact the Meritus Gas team for expert advice or to order your specialty gases.

Quality control is a major issue with our customers. Having complete control of the packaging process allows our Specialty Gas Center to produce the highest quality specialty gases on the West Coast. Quality is achieved by design features and operating procedures that separate specialty gas production from industrial gas production. Separate pumps and vaporizers send gases through stainless steel lines to one of five stainless filling manifolds; one each for pure argon, helium, and oxygen, one for nonflammable mixes, and one for flammable mixes. This unique single-gas service concept means there is never any cross-contamination from a previously filled gas.

99.999% Pure

Prior to initial filling each cylinder goes through our vacuum/bake-out system. They are baked at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit while being vacuumed. Each cylinder must pass stringent maximums of moisture preparing them to accept purities to 99.999%.

Will Not Stratify

After blending, each mixed gas goes to the cylinder roller where it is rolled for up to four hours to achieve a truly homogeneous mixture that will not subsequently stratify.

No Contamination

Each pure gas cylinder is fitted with a special “residual pressure valve” to prevent contamination by moisture, hydrocarbons, and atmosphere that are siphoned back into a cylinder when the valve is left open. Our pure gas cylinders can be filled only on manifolds dedicated to filling cylinders with pressure retention valves.

Quality Assurance

Attention is given to details to ensure the customer receives the same quality products we use in our own lab.
Each Bulk tank is analyzed daily to ensure that only high-purity product is used.
Cylinders are painted white for cleanliness and labeled with gas contents for easy visual identification.
Permanent batch records are kept on pure gas products and can be provided on request.
Valves are shrink wrap sealed to keep out dirt and moisture during storage and transportation.
Cylinder labels and valve tags give complete information on the contents and analysis of gases.
Certification is provided with each primary or certified standard mix. Individual records by serial number are stored in a computer database and can be retrieved at any time.

Precise Blends

Cylinders can be mixed by pressure or by weight where smaller components or greater accuracy is required. The Setra gravimetric fill system, available on both the nonflammable and flammable mix manifolds, allows gases to be blended with a sensitivity of 0.2 grams of product.

Flammable gas mixtures of up to four components are filled on a dedicated manifold. Cylinders can be blended by pressure or gravimetrically.

Micro Gas Chromatograph

The cornerstone of our analytical lab is an MTI micro gas chromatograph which is twenty times faster and ten times smaller than older chromatographs. This PC-operated GC performs two tests at once and is used for parts per million analysis in the 1 PPM range. It can be used for analyzing mixture components or impurities in pure gases.

Other analytical equipment in our lab includes:

Gow Mac 580 Gas Chromatograph
Spectra Physics 4290 Integrator
Gow Mac Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer
Meeco Aquamatic Moisture Analyzer
Delta F Trace Oxygen Analyzer
Thermox TM-1A Trace Oxygen Analyzer
Thermco multi-range detector
Draeger Gas Detector Pump
Gow Mac Gas Leak Detector

For more than 60 years, dentists and dental practices have relied on Atlas Welding Supply as a trusted supplier of medical gases, mixtures, and equipment. We take care of dentists’ gas and equipment needs so that taking care of their patients can be their top priority.

Dentists Can Rely on Atlas Welding Supply for …

High-Quality Medical Gas

Atlas supplies dentists with high-quality medical gas, specifically nitrous oxide, that they need to do their job. Nitrous oxide is a sedative and analgesic colorless, odorless gas that is primarily used for medical procedures, such as anesthesia and to alleviate anxiousness during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is produced by the reaction of hydrochloric acid with ammonium salt, such as ammonium nitrate under controlled temperatures and pressures. While it is highly flammable in its purest form, in some cases, it is safely stored in canisters at room temperature and standard pressure. All of our medical gases are manufactured to the highest quality standards using the FDA’s Compressed Medical Gases Guidelines and in strict adherence to USP and NF specifications.

Reliable Gas Supply

In addition to providing the gas products required, we ensure dentists never run low or out of medical gas. After all, we don’t want customers to go a day, or even an hour, without an adequate supply! We simplified the process of ordering medical gas, which you can read more about in this blog post. We can also put dental customers on a weekly route check to ensure they always have an adequate supply of medical gas.

Excellent Customer Service

Last, but certainly not least, dentists can count on Atlas for customer service that borders on being seamless when it comes to medical gas supply, equipment and on-time delivery. Let us be your trusted partner!

Request a Solution from Atlas Welding Supply

Atlas provides medical gases and equipment services, such as breathing air, USP grade carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, NF grade nitrogen (compressed and liquid), for other medical providers, as well. 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, troubleshooting equipment, or providing customized solutions for your project for maximum efficiency. Contact us to request a solution!

Medical gases are crucial for healthcare facilities and services, as they offer life-sustaining support in surgeries and respiratory therapy.

At Meritus Gas Partners, we aim to provide solutions with seamless customer service so your patients remain your top priority. This means we don’t want you to go a day or even an hour without an adequate supply of medical gas!

When you’re placing a medical gas order, consider the following points to help streamline the process and ensure your facility always has a proper supply.

Basics of Medical Gases

Before placing an order, it’s vital to understand the basics of medical gases and safety and compliance in gas supply. This knowledge will help ensure gas supply safety and compliance within healthcare settings. There are various types of gases used in healthcare, each for different purposes.

For example, oxygen is crucial for respiratory therapy and life support, while nitrogen powers surgical tools. A consistent gas supply for laboratories and research centers is also crucial. For instance, helium is a carrier gas, and argon helps with research processes and instrumentation. These are just the tip of the iceberg, as the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry also relies on medical gases. Those looking to order medical gases must know which type best meets their needs.

Adhering to regulatory standards set by organizations like the Federal Drug Administration ensures the safe handling and storage of medical gases. These standards include everything from cylinder storage to shipping. Becoming familiar with these laws is essential for anyone responsible for buying medical gas. As such, partnering with certified suppliers who adhere to these critical standards is necessary.

Preparing to Order

Preparing to order medical gas requires careful consideration of the available suppliers and delivery options. Factors such as reliability, certification, pricing and service support are crucial when selecting a supplier. Furthermore, you must understand the different delivery options, such as cylinders, liquid containers or pipeline delivery. Each method is suitable based on the facility’s needs and usage patterns.

Consider Meritus Gas Partners as your reliable supplier. Meritus Gas Partners offers a network of distributors with access to industry-leading partners that can fulfill your medical gas needs.

The Process of Ordering Medical Gas

Ordering medical gas from Meritus Gas Partners is designed to be a straightforward process. Here’s how to order medical gas through us:

Identify your needs: Assess your current medical gas inventory to determine the types and quantities needed.
Find a local Meritus Partner: Next, locate a distributor near you.
Contact your selected supplier: Reach out via the supplier’s preferred contact method — email, phone or online form. 
Specify your order details: Clearly state the product(s), quantity and size of the required cylinders.
Confirm delivery schedule: Agree upon a delivery date or regular cycle that suits your operation’s needs.
Delivery and usage: Upon delivery, your supplier’s representative will place “Full” or “Empty” hang tags on the cylinders for easy use and inventory management.

Check cylinders and regulators daily, ensuring the correct cylinder is in use and turning off gas cylinders nightly. Your supplier will return on the agreed date to swap out empty cylinders for full ones, maintaining a seamless medical gas supply and delivery flow.

Safety and Storage

When receiving medical gas deliveries, there are best practices and storage guidelines to follow. Once you’ve received a medical gas delivery, consider the following:

Ensure only trained personnel handle gas cylinders.
Verify that the type and quantity of gas delivered match your order.
Inspect cylinders for damage or leaks upon arrival.

Always follow basic medical gas storage guidelines to maintain a safe environment:

Store gases in well-ventilated areas — away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Use appropriate signage to identify medical gas storage areas.
Secure cylinders in upright positions to prevent tipping. Chains or stands designed for this purpose are used.
Organize gases by type and compatibility — oxygen and flammable gases should be stored separately with adequate spacing.

Inventory Management

Conduct regular inventory checks to ensure an adequate supply is always available. This may reduce the likelihood of shortages during critical times. Meticulous record-keeping is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance, as it provides a precise account of gas use and distribution.

This method helps improve operating efficiency while ensuring that healthcare facilities, laboratories and research centers can consistently satisfy their gas supply requirements and follow industry standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have other questions about ordering medical gases? Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions.

How Do You Know Which Grade of Medical Gas to Order?

Consult with your supplier to determine the appropriate grade based on your specific application and regulatory requirements.

What Sizes of Medical Gas Cylinders Are Available?

Medical gas cylinders come in various sizes, ranging from small portable cylinders to large bulk containers, catering to different usage needs.

How Do You Ensure the Safety of Medical Gas Storage?

Follow strict storage guidelines, including proper ventilation, secure anchoring and segregation of gases according to compatibility. You can refer to the Compressed Gas Association for standards. 

How Do You Dispose of or Return Empty Medical Gas Cylinders?

Contact your supplier for guidance on proper disposal or return procedures, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Choose Meritus Gas Partners for Your Medical Gas Needs

Trust Meritus Gas Partners for unparalleled quality, safety and customer satisfaction. Our commitment to excellence ensures a reliable gas supply for various industries — including healthcare. With a network of trusted partners and a dedication to meeting regulatory standards, we prioritize the needs of our customers above all else.

Find a distributor near you or contact us today and let us support your mission of delivering exceptional care.