The secret to a perfectly carbonated beverage goes beyond the recipe. A high-quality and consistent gas supply is essential for keeping your drinks bubbly, refreshing and delicious. Whether you are a craft brewer, a restaurant owner or a beverage manufacturer, selecting a dependable gas supplier is crucial for achieving the ideal flavor, texture, safety and shelf life for your beverages. 

Essential Factors in Selecting a Beverage Gas Supplier

Understanding what to look for when choosing a beverage gas supplier can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Quality Assurance and Consistency

Impurities or inconsistencies in gas supply can lead to off-flavors, flat drinks or even health hazards. It is vital to choose a supplier that provides:

High-purity gases that meet industry standards for beverage production.
Regular quality checks and certificates of analysis (COAs) to verify gas purity.
Consistent supply to maintain optimal beverage dispensing without interruptions.

Supplier Comparison and Cost Analysis

Comparing suppliers based on costs goes beyond pricing. It entails evaluating the overall value each supplier offers. Some suppliers might have lower unit costs, but hidden fees like delivery rates, ancillary charges or rental fees add up. Also, consider how a supplier’s reliability, customer service and inventory stocking could save you time and money in the long run.

Delivery Reliability and Local Availability

Timely gas deliveries are essential to maintaining production schedules and meeting customer demand in the food and beverage industry. Assess your supplier’s delivery schedules, and be sure they can provide a reliable, local service that fits your needs and minimizes downtime.

Safety Standards and Industry Certifications

Safety is a nonnegotiable in the food and beverage industry. Your gas supplier should adhere to strict safety standards and possess certifications from recognized industry bodies like the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT).

Choose Meritus Gas Partners for Superior Beverage Gas Service

At Meritus Gas Partners, we have the expertise, experience and resources to provide outstanding beverage gas solutions. Here are some aspects that set us apart.

Customer Service and Consultation

We offer dedicated support to address our customers’ needs. Our experts provide consultation services that help you select the right gas mix for your applications, optimize gas usage and enhance beverage quality. 

Contract Flexibility and Bulk Supply Options

We recognize that every business has unique needs, so we offer flexible contract options catering to manufacturers of all sizes. Whether you are looking for short-term solutions or long-term bulk supply agreements, Meritus Gas Partners can provide cost-efficient options that scale with your business. 

Partner With Us Today for a Reliable Beverage Gas Supply

Your commitment to delivering high-quality beverages deserves a supplier who shares your dedication to excellence. Meritus Gas Partners offers high-quality, consistent and safe beverage gases to support your operations. Contact us today to discuss your needs, explore bulk supply options and discover how we can support your business with exceptional service.

There are many benefits to shipping with dry ice. Unlike wet ice, dry ice sublimes and prevents mess during transportation. It also enables you to keep your products fresh throughout transit. Dry ice is ideal for shipping various items, including food and medical products.

Knowing the regulations and best practices for safely shipping on dry ice, whether transporting it alone or with other products, is essential. This guide will teach you the basic requirements for shipping dry ice, including packaging, labeling and marking, documentation, storage, handling, and safety precautions.

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It’s commonly used as a refrigerant for various industrial purposes, such as medicine and food preservation during transportation. Dry ice differs from wet ice because it turns into gas and evaporates. Dry ice is created by freezing carbon dioxide at -109 degrees Fahrenheit. As it “melts,” it reverts to its gaseous state without becoming liquid.

Understanding Dry Ice Shipping Regulations

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the domestic transportation of hazardous materials in commerce, including dry ice, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides international guidelines. The regulations provide specific procedures for handling, labeling, packaging and shipping dry ice. They also provide the quantity limit for transporting dry ice by water or air.

To understand hazardous materials regulations, it’s vital to know the table under 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 172.101. The table identifies the hazard class for each listed material or specifies that the materials are forbidden in transportation. It also provides the material’s proper shipping name or directs you to the preferred proper shipping name, which describes the dangerous goods’ hazardous properties and composition.

The proper shipping name for dry ice is “dry ice” or “carbon dioxide, solid,” and it is considered a miscellaneous class 9 dangerous good with United Nations identification (UN ID) number 1845. Hazard Class 9 materials present hazards during transportation but do not meet the definition of any other hazard class.

Dry ice generates carbon dioxide as it sublimes, which can displace oxygen in the closed environments of an airplane, so it’s best to comply with the shipping requirements. The UN ID 1845 is specific to dry ice and can help in emergencies. For example, it can help the first responders quickly assess the type of hazardous materials.

Another vital piece of information provided in the hazard materials table is the packing group, expressed in Roman numerals. The packing group shows the specified hazard class’s relative degree of hazard. Packing group I indicates a high degree of risk. Packing group II is moderate, while packing group III is low. Although dry ice is a Class 9 hazardous material, the DOT considers it to pose a relatively low degree of hazard.

According to the 49 CFR parts 171-180 regulations, employees who handle hazardous materials should undergo training. This applies to all employees engaged in shipping, receiving, handling or transporting dry ice, regardless of quantity. Complying with these rules and regulations prevents sanctions from the DOT and IATA.

Basic Requirements for Shipping Dry Ice

Here is a summary of the six basic requirements for shipping dry ice:

1. Labeling

As a requirement, you must label the outermost container with a UN ID number 1845 label, a hazard Class 9 label and the net weight of dry ice in kilograms. The label should be on the vertical side of the box. Regarding the weight limit, the maximum allowable net quantity per package is 200 kilograms.

2. Documentation

It’s vital to ensure proper documentation when transporting dry ice. For example, the air waybill or airbill should provide details such as the UN ID number, the number of packages and the net weight in kilograms. There could be additional documentation depending on the carrier and destination. It’s important to ensure you have the proper notation on the paperwork.

3. Package Integrity

The packaging used to transport dry ice should be highly durable. Additionally, the packaging should be securely closed to prevent content loss, which may cause vibration or changes in humidity and temperature.

4. Ventilation

Dry ice turns into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature, including most storage temperatures. The gaseous escape can cause difficulty in breathing when there is poor ventilation. Use well-ventilated packaging when storing and transporting dry ice.

5. Outer Packaging Materials

You should avoid plastics that can turn brittle or porous. Instead, use packaging specifically designed to contain dry ice, like an Expanded Polystyrene foam container for its insulating properties and a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box.

6. Inner Packaging Materials

The item must be secured in durable inner packaging so it doesn’t break, puncture or leak into the outer packaging during transport. For example, if the item shipped with dry ice is breakable, you must cushion it to control its movement. When the content leaks, the prospective properties of the cushioning material or outer packaging must remain intact.

Proper Packaging for Dry Ice Shipping

Choosing suitable shipping packaging is vital for safe delivery. As mentioned, dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in the surrounding environment. The gas can also build enough pressure to rupture the packaging.

When transporting dry ice, whether by itself or with other items, you must ensure the packaging allows pressure release to prevent it from rupturing. Using outer packaging like jerricans and steel drums and placing dry ice in plastic bags are not recommended.

Quality fiberboard or wooden boxes are appropriate packaging for shipping dry ice. Additionally, use an insulated container that can withstand freezing temperatures. You may place a layer of styrofoam in dry ice shipping boxes for insulation, but the styrofoam should not be sealed or airtight. Polyurethane foam packaging can prevent dry ice packaging from contacting the container walls directly — direct contact can cause leaks and damage.

Another point to note is that absorbent materials shouldn’t react with the contents of the container. However, you don’t need to worry about this if the inner packaging is secured to remain intact during normal transport conditions. As stated, you want to prevent the inner and outer packaging from breaking or leaking.

The shelf life of dry ice can vary depending on the handling. The amount of dry ice, the thickness of the styrofoam, the amount of space in the box and the area where it’s being kept are all aspects you should keep in mind when deciding how to ship dry ice. For example, if the destination is far or you expect long transit times, you may purchase more dry ice and use thicker styrofoam for the packaging.

Dry Ice Shipping Labeling and Documentation

Labeling and marking packages that contain dry ice is essential to ensure optimal safety during transportation. This identification tells anyone who comes into contact with the packaging that it contains hazardous materials. Therefore, you must label the package with the appropriate warnings and provide instructions for proper handling. Additionally, the label must include a description of the content and the weight.

Besides improving safety, markings indicating the specific hazard class ensure compliance. They show the risks of handling the package, so securely attach them to the packaging and ensure they can withstand the elements. Markings should be legible and accurate to eliminate confusion or mishandling during storage and transportation.

Markings on the package should contain specific information, including:

The shipping name and classification
The UN ID number
The quantity limit

The shipper’s and recipient’s name, address and contact information must be durably marked. Remember to use the minimum marking sizes on all dry ice packaging.

Again, comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations on shipping requirements for shipping dry ice. The air waybill and dangerous goods declaration are relevant when transporting dry ice by air. Having just the airbill is usually enough for domestic shipments. Other supporting documents to include, especially for international shipments, include:

The commercial invoice
The import permit or authorization
The export permit or authorization
The shipper’s export declaration

Safety Precautions and Handling Tips for Dry Ice

As with any hazardous material, you must ensure you and anyone in your facility handling dry ice knows how to do so properly. There are essential safety precautions to consider when working with dry ice, which generally include the following.

1. Dry Ice Hazards

Dry ice hazards can be broken down into three categories:

Contact hazard: Direct contact with dry ice at -109 degrees Fahrenheit can result in severe frostbite.
Asphyxiation hazard: Dry ice changes from solid to gas at temperatures above -109 degrees Fahrenheit, releasing carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide can displace oxygen rapidly in the surrounding environment, causing suffocation, loss of consciousness and possibly death. Keeping the dry gas in well-ventilated areas is vital to allow easy airflow.
Explosion hazard: Dry ice releases large volumes of carbon dioxide when they sublime and can pressurize the containers where they’re stored. Over time, the container can explode if the gas cannot escape. Explosions of this kind can cause serious physical harm.

2. Handling Dry Ice

There are many forms of dry ice, including blocks, pellets and flakes. Each state poses health hazards, so handling them with care is essential. Here are two tips to help you stay safe:

Wear personal protective equipment, like face shields, goggles and lab coats, when necessary. Wear loose-fitting, thermally insulated gloves when manually handling dry ice.
Use tongs to handle dry ice when possible.

If anyone in your facility comes into direct contact with dry ice while handling it, you should know how to address this. Treating dry ice burns is similar to treating regular heat burns. Generally, it’s best to contact a medical professional immediately to ensure the burn isn’t too severe. Always ensure that anyone working with dry ice understands the procedures for alerting someone they’ve come into contact with the product.

3. Storing and Disposing of Dry Ice

Always keep dry ice in well-insulated areas. Refrain from storing dry ice in confined locations with limited ventilation, like environmental chambers, walk-in registrators and cold rooms. As stated, don’t store dry ice in a tightly sealed container with no ventilation. Ensure dry ice is monitored properly when stored in open areas to avoid accidents.

The same applies when disposing of dry ice. Place dry ice in a well-ventilated area at room temperature and wait for it to sublimate. Avoid disposing of unwanted dry ice in trash cans, chemical waste containers or other waste cans. Disposing of dry ice in a sink is also not advised — the temperature difference can destroy plumbing systems.

4. Transporting Dry Ice

Use appropriate containers and methods when packaging dry ice for transportation. If you receive swollen or bulging containers or suspect improper packaging, place them in a secured location and take the appropriate steps to mitigate the issue.

5. Communicating With Recipients

The labeling and marking on the packaging inform the recipient of the package’s contents. However, it’s best to include additional information to ensure optimal safety. Provide clear instructions for safe handling and disposal and ensure a qualified person receives the package.

6. Monitoring and Tracking Shipments

Always track your dry ice shipments to ensure timely deliveries. This will allow you to address delays and other issues with the carrier. Additionally, you should monitor the temperature levels throughout transit to ensure safety.

Contact Meritus Gas Partners for Dry Ice Solutions

Dry ice regulations cover labeling, marking, packaging, storing and safely handling dry ice. The goal is to protect anyone who comes into contact with the material. Dry ice has many benefits, including food and medicine preservation. It allows you to ship your items at the required temperatures without contaminating them.

Meritus Gas Partners works with multiple partners to supply clients with a range of welding and gas services, including food and beverage gases like dry ice. If you need dry ice for your operations, we can help. Contact us today, and we’ll work to pair you with the right gas supplier for your dry ice requirements.

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.

Take the guesswork out of your gas supply by establishing a delivery schedule based on your needs and partnering with a reliable supplier. At Atlas Welding Supply, we aim to provide solutions with seamless customer service so that you can do your job better and maximize your business’s efficiency. This means we don’t want you to go a day, or even an hour, without an adequate supply of gas! 

When to Request Gas Delivery

To ensure our customers receive the best service possible without disruptions to their everyday business, we put together a list of best practices to help you better understand your gas supply and determine when it is time to reorder for your next delivery.  

Scheduled Deliveries

Knowing when to request a gas delivery is not always an exact science, so it’s useful to set up scheduled deliveries to eliminate downtime and ensure a steady supply. We advise customers to monitor their gas usage to establish a pattern, which makes it easier to set up a more accurate delivery schedule with us. 

Remember that gas requirements can change at any time. A sudden influx of orders in an industrial setting or a long leave period can affect gas levels. That is why we recommend that customers check gas levels regularly and keep an emergency gas supply available so they are never caught short.  

When Should Dental Offices Request Gas Delivery?

Managing your gas stock and ensuring a stable supply at your dental practice will go a long way to ensuring you and your patients experience less anxiety. Common gases for dental offices include:

Oxygen: With oxygen cylinders, you can see your true gas usage as the gauge on the regulator slowly moves from 2,000 psi to 0 psi. When the oxygen levels on your regulator reach around 500psi, swap to your backup tank and make a call to request your next delivery.
Nitrous oxide: With this type of cylinder, it’s best to judge what is remaining in the tank by its weight. Once the cylinder is empty and you swap to your backup tank, please make a call to request your next delivery. 

If you do not have backup tanks for these gases, let your Atlas Welding Supply contact know so we can provide one.

How Often Should Dermatology Offices Request Gas Delivery?

Liquid nitrogen comes in different shapes and sizes, depending on your usage. At Atlas Welding, our goal is to find the right equipment that fits your operational needs. Here are two common solutions:

Liquid Tanks (180L):  These are filled at our plant and delivered to your location. If these tanks are not pulled from or used daily, their pressure will build up, and you may hear a loud pop. Don’t be alarmed — this is normal. The job of Liquid Tanks is to consistently build pressure within the inner container of the tank to ensure it has the correct pressure needed to fill your handheld bottles. The best way to determine how much liquid nitrogen you have remaining in the tank is to try to move it. For comparison, move a full tank to estimate the difference between a full and almost empty tank. Call to reorder a liquid nitrogen tank when it starts feeling light and becomes easier to move.
Smaller Liquid Dewars:  These are available in various sizes ranging from 20L to 50L. To avoid wasting product, keep the lid on when not in use. These tanks are refilled on-site at our customers’ locations.

A good rule of thumb for both liquid nitrogen tanks and liquid dewars is to let your Atlas Welding Supply contact know when you fill your final bottle. This should ensure that we have 1-2 days to get you your next gas delivery on time.

When Should Industrial Customers Request Gas Delivery?

No matter what type of gas you are using, always keep an emergency reserve supply on hand. If you don’t have a reserve cylinder, let us know, and we will ensure you get one. Depending on the project you are working on, place an order for your next delivery when you start using your final bottle or when there are only 2-3 bottles remaining.

Delivery Reliability

Atlas Welding is a top gas supplier, and we know how essential a reliable gas supply is to your business operation. That’s why we go out of our way to ensure you get what you need on time, every time.

Cost-Efficiency

Since we carry a wide assortment of gases, we can provide excellent value on fulfilling your order. Popular gases in our inventory include helium, propane, specialty gases and welding mixtures. Although we will make ad hoc deliveries if required, anticipating future usage and setting up a reliable delivery schedule ensures the greatest cost efficiency and peace of mind.

Inventory Monitoring

Atlas Welding Supply is all about efficiency, new solutions and seamless customer service. Two new, convenient ways to reorder gas cylinders include:

 Cell-Based Telemetry: With cell-based telemetry, your system will automatically notify our distribution center that it’s time to replenish your cylinders, and we will schedule a delivery. While it’s a more expensive option, cell-based telemetry allows both you and Atlas Welding Supply Company to constantly monitor your gas consumption. 
New QR Codes: Don’t feel like calling for delivery? Ask your Atlas Welding contact about our new QR codes. We will place a QR code sticker linking to an order form on your tank, allowing you to quickly and easily submit an order. All you’ll have to do is hover your phone over the QR code and you will be directed to an order request form.

Delivery Logistics

Take the stress out of ordering gas. We understand the importance of building meaningful relationships to optimize the supply of gas to our customers. Our team will help you assess your gas and keep tabs on your gas requirements. Our reliable delivery distribution system and customized gas solutions mean you never have to run out of gas and can enjoy hassle-free deliveries so you can get on with work.    

Contact a Meritus Gas Partner to Request Gas Delivery

Keeping your gas supply topped up and avoiding expensive downtime is easier than you think. Atlas Welding Supply is your reliable gas provider. To learn more about ordering your next gas delivery, contact us today!