Stainless steel is one of the most common metals found across many industries. Thanks to its corrosion resistance, quality strength and clean aesthetic, it is an ideal metal for projects and mechanical work. However, if you have not worked with this product before, it is recommended to find out all you need to know to get the job done. We explore stainless steel, its applications and how to achieve the perfect weld.
Stainless Steel: Its Properties and Applications
As a metal, stainless steel offers strength and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent material for the manufacturer of cooking utensils, medical equipment and the construction of offshore technology. It can also be used for car manufacturing, shipbuilding and the construction of buildings and roofs.
This metal is also divided into three categories, and depending on which group you are welding, it will determine your welding equipment and methods. In addition, stainless steel can also be a very brittle metal to work with, which results in cracking when put under too much pressure.
The Three Categories of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a composition of iron, carbon and chrome, and it is the chrome element which is vital to the grading of stainless steel.
Martensitic stainless steel – This grade of stainless steel has a chromium ratio between 11.5% and 18% and is magnetic. It creates long white sparks with few forks during welding and can offer ideal material for more wear-resistant projects. Some examples are AISI 410, 416, 420, 431, 501, and 502 sheets of steel.
Ferritic stainless steel – Containing between 17-18% chromium, this category of stainless steel is ideal for work requiring a magnetic property from the metal elements. During the welding process, this material produces white or red sparks with few forks, and examples of ferritic stainless steel include AISI 405, 409, 432, 439, 442, and 446.
Austenitic stainless steel – The total nickel and chromium content is 23% of this category of stainless steel. This is one of the more common stainless steel metal grades, and their number usually stars with the number three. They are non-magnetic and do not harden by heat treatment.
Getting the Correct Method of Welding
Choosing a method before carrying out your weld will determine your required equipment. For example, MIG or TIG welding methods can be used for stainless steel, but depending on the thickness of the metal sheets, it could ascertain a preferred process.
MIG welding is perfect for thicker applications and workpieces, whereas TIG offers delicate but strong welds for more nominal thicknesses and details. Of course, if you need to use MIG welding, you will also need to find an adequate filler for each stainless steel grade.
The most common austenitic steels are 304, 308, 309 and 316. For 304 and 308, a 308 filler metal can be used. Popular ferritic grades are 409 and 430, with matching filler metals of 409 and 430. For the most used martensitic stainless steels, 410 and 420, these can be matched with 410 and 420 filler metals with similar characteristics.
The Best Gas for Stainless Steel
At Adams Gas, we understand the importance of having not only suitable gas but the best quality of gas for a perfect finish. Poor quality gas can lead to compromised joins and messy finishes, which is why we check every bottle of welding gas we sell, making us one of the leading bottled gas suppliers in the south of the UK.
MIG Welding Gas – We offer a range of options for MIG welding, all reliant on the thickness of the material being used.
- 2% CO2 and argon mix – Suitable for up to 10mm thickness of stainless steel
- 5% CO2 and argon mix – Ideal for welding up to 6mm thickness of stainless steel
- 12% CO2 and argon mix – Perfect thicknesses between 4mm – 10mm of stainless steel
- 20% CO2 and argon mix – Used ideally for thicknesses of between 6mm – 14mm of stainless steel.
TIG Welding Gas – We can also supply high-quality shielding gases for various applications if you require TIG welding for your project. When welding stainless steel using this method, it is recommended that pure argon is used for shielding your join as you carry out the weld. Argon helps protect the weld pool from environmental impurities such as oxygen and maintains a strong welding arc. Although helium is another alternative, by choosing argon, you help keep the project’s cost down, especially with our cost-effective rent-free bottled gas options.
We can supply pure argon in various sizes depending on your required needs, from 2L, which is great for mobility, to 50L, used for more industrial applications.
Things to Consider When Welding Stainless Steel
When it comes to welding with stainless steel, it is paramount that you consider your safety equipment. Ideally, we recommend a welding apron, gloves and helmet before carrying out any work with welding. Covering any exposed skin is essential regardless of methods or size, but safety boots are also recommended if you work with larger pieces of metal.
For TIG welding, you must ensure that the metal does not splash when joining stainless steel. Splashing results from too little amperage, and you require more strength and power. Alternatively, too much force can melt more metal than needed and compromise the workpiece.
MIG welding is a little trickier, and more must be considered when welding stainless steel. First, the torch’s protruding wire must be at least half a centimetre. In addition, when holding the torch to create the arc, you must ensure it sits at 30° to the workpieces you are joining. Like in TIG welding, if there is a splash from the metal, you must offer more power to your equipment, and if you find that your metal is melting too quickly, the power must be reduced to produce a smooth liquid cord which is easy to control.
With either method, allowing the piece to cool before moving the metal is essential. Moving it too quickly will adjust the molten metal and can concede to a poor join. In addition, you will also need to ensure that all your equipment has also cooled to prevent injury or harm to either yourself, others or the environment.
Suppose you are ready for your next welding project but are looking for a suitable bottled gas supplier. In that case, you can order our high-quality welding gases online, and we will be sure to take care of all your needs, including speedy delivery.
How to Weld Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most common metals found across many industries. Thanks to its corrosion resistance, quality strength and clean aesthetic, it is an ideal metal for projects and mechanical work. However, if you have not worked with this product before, it is recommended to find out all you need to know to get the job done. We explore stainless steel, its applications and how to achieve the perfect weld.
Stainless Steel: Its Properties and Applications
As a metal, stainless steel offers strength and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent material for the manufacturer of cooking utensils, medical equipment and the construction of offshore technology. It can also be used for car manufacturing, shipbuilding and the construction of buildings and roofs.
This metal is also divided into three categories, and depending on which group you are welding, it will determine your welding equipment and methods. In addition, stainless steel can also be a very brittle metal to work with, which results in cracking when put under too much pressure.
The Three Categories of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a composition of iron, carbon and chrome, and it is the chrome element which is vital to the grading of stainless steel.
Martensitic stainless steel – This grade of stainless steel has a chromium ratio between 11.5% and 18% and is magnetic. It creates long white sparks with few forks during welding and can offer ideal material for more wear-resistant projects. Some examples are AISI 410, 416, 420, 431, 501, and 502 sheets of steel.
Ferritic stainless steel – Containing between 17-18% chromium, this category of stainless steel is ideal for work requiring a magnetic property from the metal elements. During the welding process, this material produces white or red sparks with few forks, and examples of ferritic stainless steel include AISI 405, 409, 432, 439, 442, and 446.
Austenitic stainless steel – The total nickel and chromium content is 23% of this category of stainless steel. This is one of the more common stainless steel metal grades, and their number usually stars with the number three. They are non-magnetic and do not harden by heat treatment.
Getting the Correct Method of Welding
Choosing a method before carrying out your weld will determine your required equipment. For example, MIG or TIG welding methods can be used for stainless steel, but depending on the thickness of the metal sheets, it could ascertain a preferred process.
MIG welding is perfect for thicker applications and workpieces, whereas TIG offers delicate but strong welds for more nominal thicknesses and details. Of course, if you need to use MIG welding, you will also need to find an adequate filler for each stainless steel grade.
The most common austenitic steels are 304, 308, 309 and 316. For 304 and 308, a 308 filler metal can be used. Popular ferritic grades are 409 and 430, with matching filler metals of 409 and 430. For the most used martensitic stainless steels, 410 and 420, these can be matched with 410 and 420 filler metals with similar characteristics.
The Best Gas for Stainless Steel
At Adams Gas, we understand the importance of having not only suitable gas but the best quality of gas for a perfect finish. Poor quality gas can lead to compromised joins and messy finishes, which is why we check every bottle of welding gas we sell, making us one of the leading bottled gas suppliers in the south of the UK.
MIG Welding Gas – We offer a range of options for MIG welding, all reliant on the thickness of the material being used.
- 2% CO2 and argon mix – Suitable for up to 10mm thickness of stainless steel
- 5% CO2 and argon mix – Ideal for welding up to 6mm thickness of stainless steel
- 12% CO2 and argon mix – Perfect thicknesses between 4mm – 10mm of stainless steel
- 20% CO2 and argon mix – Used ideally for thicknesses of between 6mm – 14mm of stainless steel.
TIG Welding Gas – We can also supply high-quality shielding gases for various applications if you require TIG welding for your project. When welding stainless steel using this method, it is recommended that pure argon is used for shielding your join as you carry out the weld. Argon helps protect the weld pool from environmental impurities such as oxygen and maintains a strong welding arc. Although helium is another alternative, by choosing argon, you help keep the project’s cost down, especially with our cost-effective rent-free bottled gas options.
We can supply pure argon in various sizes depending on your required needs, from 2L, which is great for mobility, to 50L, used for more industrial applications.
Things to Consider When Welding Stainless Steel
When it comes to welding with stainless steel, it is paramount that you consider your safety equipment. Ideally, we recommend a welding apron, gloves and helmet before carrying out any work with welding. Covering any exposed skin is essential regardless of methods or size, but safety boots are also recommended if you work with larger pieces of metal.
For TIG welding, you must ensure that the metal does not splash when joining stainless steel. Splashing results from too little amperage, and you require more strength and power. Alternatively, too much force can melt more metal than needed and compromise the workpiece.
MIG welding is a little trickier, and more must be considered when welding stainless steel. First, the torch’s protruding wire must be at least half a centimetre. In addition, when holding the torch to create the arc, you must ensure it sits at 30° to the workpieces you are joining. Like in TIG welding, if there is a splash from the metal, you must offer more power to your equipment, and if you find that your metal is melting too quickly, the power must be reduced to produce a smooth liquid cord which is easy to control.
With either method, allowing the piece to cool before moving the metal is essential. Moving it too quickly will adjust the molten metal and can concede to a poor join. In addition, you will also need to ensure that all your equipment has also cooled to prevent injury or harm to either yourself, others or the environment.
Suppose you are ready for your next welding project but are looking for a suitable bottled gas supplier. In that case, you can order our high-quality welding gases online, and we will be sure to take care of all your needs, including speedy delivery.
What Pressure Should Beer Gas Be?
Whether it is a home bar or you run a busy pub, ensuring the correct pressure for each of your drafts is a critical task. There are many contending factors to consider when adjusting your systems, and poorly pressured drinks can lead to disappointed customers, returned drinks and wasted money.
As gas cylinder suppliers, we want to help you ensure that every drink you pour is of the best quality and offers cool refreshments for all your customers. We will cover the correct CO2 pressure levels for various beverages and all the issues that may affect your system’s pressure.
Why Is CO2 the Best Gas for Drafts?
In a draft beer system, CO2 gas cylinders are just one essential component of producing great-tasting beer. CO2 is the best gas for assisting in dispensing beers, and at constant pressure, CO2 displaces alcohol in the barrel as you empty the keg, keeping the drinks carbonated and refreshing. Allowing a barrel to fill with oxygen can change the beer’s taste and be harmful to the beer. CO2 is naturally produced during fermentation, making it the best gas to keep the pressure right. Lack of CO2 will offer flat drinks, and you will find customers returning their drinks out of disappointment, which can be very costly to your business.
What Happens if the Pressure Isn’t Right in the Barrel?
A full gas cylinder has approximately 800 PSI which is far too high for dispensing drinks, which is why you will require a CO2 regulator, which will control the amount of pressure to the barrel needed for dispensing. If the pressure of the barrel is too low, it will lead to under-carbonated beers and drinks, which spoils the beer. Signs that the pressure is too low are as follows;
- Lack of bubbles when poured
- Looks like juice
- Tastes flat
Alternatively, too much pressure can spoil the perfect pint and create a lot of waste. This results in too much CO2 trying to escape and less beer being dispensed. These are the signs that your draft beer system is over-pressurised;
- Too much foam
- Tastes acidic
- Smells off
- It feels too carbonated (much like carbonated water)
These can also signal that the barrel is nearly finished, and you may need to replace the keg.
What Is the Correct CO2 Pressure for a Draft Beer System?
The ideal pressure for your beer will depend on the type of beer you wish to dispense. There are also many factors which can fluctuate this and must be considered.
Different Drinks and the Required Pressures
Most ales (including pale ales, IPAs, ambers, etc.) from a brewery with a carbonation volume of about 2.1 to 2.6 require a set regulator from about 7 to 13 psi. For lagers, a regulator set between 10 and 14 psi works best. Continental and light pilsners need slightly higher CO2 regulator settings, from 11 to 16 psi. Wheat beers, Belgian beers, and common American sours are generally the most carbonated beers, requiring about 15 to 20 psi. Stouts should be poured with beer gas and a stout faucet, using a nitrogen regulator at about 35 to 38 psi.
Factors Which Affect the Pressure
Three primary considerations may be calculated to achieve the perfect pint.
The length of the beer line – If you are unsure of the length of your beer line, you can measure the line from your shank to your coupler, and you will need to measure this in feet to help you achieve the correct calculations for achieving the suitable pressure.
The line resistance – Every foot of the beer line has an average line resistance. The smaller the inside diameter of the line, the more resistance and the larger the diameter, the less resistance. Below is the table to help you determine the line resistance of your draft system. There are usually two common types of lines, as you can see below;
For example, if your beer line from the tower to your keg measures 5 feet and your beer line is 3/16″ Inside Diameter. Multiply the length (5 Feet) X Line Resistance from the chart above (2.20 lb), which will result in the Line Resistance being 11 lb.
Gravity – The rise and fall within your draft beer system will determine your system’s gravity. It is measured between the two horizontal planes of your system: the centre of the keg and your faucet. For each foot of gravity in your system, a value of .45 PSI will need to be applied. You can round this to .5 PSI to make this calculation easier.
For example, if your faucet is 2 feet above your keg, your keg is 2 feet high. Add your faucet height (2 feet) + you keg height / 2 (1 foot). This would mean your gravity is 3 feet
In the final calculation, you must multiply the gravity by .5 PSI. We will walk you through this in the next step.
To help find the ideal pressure, you take the three calculations from the above factors and use the below formula;
Pressure = (Length of Beer Line (in feet) x Line Resistance) + (Gravity x .05)
For example, if your beer line length is 5 feet, the line resistance per foot is 2.2lb, and your gravity is 3 feet, the ideal pressure is 12.5 lb.
Getting the Right CO2
If you’re searching for a more cost-effective cellar gas solution for your business, no matter how big or small it might be, we can offer you quality gas cylinders at affordable prices. We even stock home bar gas for domestic setups. Our high-quality, mixed beer gas can help to improve the taste of beer, extend the life of your customer’s favourite draught beers and improve the overall presentation.
We stock a range of sizes from 6.35kg – 50L for every need of business or bars. You can order our bottled CO2 online or contact us directly for more regular and contractual requirements.
How to Supply Your Customers with LPG
Joining Adams Gas’s growing network of suppliers can benefit a business in many ways. It can improve the footfall of your premises, allowing you to upsell your own products and increase sales. In addition, we will offer you guidance and support and provide you with any leads we receive through our website from within your area. As an Adams Gas supplier, we will also give you exclusivity of our gas within your local vicinity, allowing you to dominate your local market with high-quality bottled gases.
LPG is potentially one of the most straightforward gas to sell to your customers. Unlike some of our other gases required by a specific industry or field, LPG has so many applications that you will never struggle to find customers for this product.
What Is LPG?
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a fuel gas mixture of hydrocarbon gases. The three most common gases under this category are propane, butane and propylene. Each of these gases has its pros and cons and can be used for heating appliances, cooking equipment and vehicles.
LPG gas cylinders are versatile and widely used in domestic and commercial settings. As a gas which offers less harm to the environment, it is becoming a much more prefered gas to use in refrigeration and propellants within aerosols. Households not on mains gas rely on LPG gas bottles for heating and cooking, which are used regularly in several recreational and business activities.
Industrial Uses of LPG
Although predominantly assumed as a more domesticated gas, LPG is still commonly used throughout many industrial processes. From agriculture to industrial metal cutting, LPG gas has a reasonably dominant stance within the industrial industry.
Automotive industry – As fuel for hybrid cars, LPG has been used to reduce the emissions from using petrol or diesel vehicles. Unfortunately, whilst an impressive 1500 garages offer LPG in the UK and a staggering 160,000 vehicles on the road, since the introduction of electric cars, the idea of an LPG car has become less popular due to its constraints.
Metal industry – The most apparent user of LPG for industrial applications are manufacturers and welders in the metal industry. It can be used as an essential requirement for cutting metal and offers a cost-effective solution.
Farming Industry – LPG is an ideal fuel for production in agriculture. It can be used to dry crops for feed due to the lack of bad smell or taste the gas offers.
Hospitality – Within the hospitality industry, LPG has an imperative use for heating various appliances. LPG offers a low sulphur content and a controllable temperature, making it ideal for cooking facilities and can also be used for outdoor heating elements such as patio heaters or gas burners.
Mobile Catering – A significant sector of LPG sales is the use of gas within mobile catering businesses. They are used to fuel the generators, heat the appliances and can even be used for portable refrigeration requirements from mobile catering businesses.
Equipment Fuel – Much like in the automotive industry, LPG offers a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel option than petrol. Especially for machinery which never uses main roads, such as forklifts and other warehouse equipment. Having forklift gas onsite can add efficiency to any business.
Domestic Uses for LPG
As with the industrial industry, the domestic market can also require significant amounts of LPG. As a gas, it offers instant and efficient burn and choosing the right LPG gas can provide year-round usage.
Camping – Whether for fuel for camping cooking equipment or as fuel to run the power of a motor home, LPG is an essential gas for those who like to get back to nature and travel off the grid.
BBQs – As an alternative to coal, you can purchase a BBQ fueled by gas. These are usually much preferable to coal due to the instant heat you can achieve and their cleanliness. Coal BBQs take a while to heat up and may take hours to cool down to clean. A gas BBQ provides and much more preferable piece of equipment for a busy modern household.
Off-grid living – Whether it is a personal choice to be off-grid or their home is located in a remote location, for those who have no mains connections, bottled LPG is often the only option for fuel.
Finding Your Market
Our LPG offers a year-round business opportunity for our stockists, with limitless profit margins. With so many applications of LPG, finding the market for this product can be easier than the likes of our other products, such as our TIG welding gases. As a business, you may find a surge in domestic demand for LPG gas throughout the summer. However, in winter, you may find more requests from the hospitality sector.
We will offer high-quality LPG bottled gas along with training and technical support for the sale and distribution of the gas. In addition to your own marketing, Adams Gas will offer leads from anyone in your area that may come through from our online enquiries. We receive over 183,000 unique visitors to our site each year, and with exclusivity to your location, any leads within your catchment will come directly to you.
As a bottle gas supplier, we offer a range of bottled LPG you could offer your customers, such as;
If you believe your business would benefit from joining our expanding network of stockists but are still a bit unsure, we have many case studies which can offer you examples of excellent success. For more information on how to sell our bottled LPG, feel free to enquire online, and our expert team will get back in touch.
Is it Safe to Weld Inside?
Whether you are an expert or a beginner, finding the best space to carry out welding work can often be challenging without an extensive welding ventilated garage. Summer is excellent for that welding project. With shorter nights and warm temperatures, it offers a perfect opportunity to carry out welding outdoors in safe and ventilated areas without worry.
Welding inside in a domestic setting can be extremely dangerous for numerous reasons and should be avoided at all costs. However, sometimes it could be the only option for your project or work. If this is the case, preparing your desired welding area is essential.
What Are the Dangers of Welding Indoors?
Unless you are a garage or facility that can suit indoor welding, there are many dangers of carrying out welds in enclosed spaces.
Ventilation – Without adequate ventilation, you expose yourself to chemicals and fumes, a byproduct of fusing metal together. These fumes along can cause severe damage to your health and pose a high risk.
Heat – Welding uses significant heat to make the desired join. As with any process that uses high heat levels, it poses a considerable fire risk in confined areas. Not only is there a risk with the heat source, but some welding methods provide sparks, which would cause a fire to nearby equipment, interiors or fabrics.
Risk of Injury – Welding will require heavy metal, and if you choose to do this in a shared domestic space, the metal pieces could cause an obstruction. Post-welding, metal should be left to cool. If you are using a family space, you may be unsure who else may come through the area, who could injure themselves on sharp edges or, worse, cause severe burns.
Should You Weld Indoors?
Most domestic homes are unsafe to weld in, and setting up your equipment in an average living room or dining room is dangerous and should be avoided where possible. As a rule, welding indoors is always a bad idea. Even the most experienced welders will weld in open spaces and outdoors unless it is an absolute emergency.
There are ways to weld inside safely, but it will require a less domestic setting such as a garage, spacious barn or a specifically designed workshop.
How to Create Adequate Ventilation for Welding
Ventilation is one, if not the most important, factor when setting up your indoor welding space. To prevent fumes from causing significant health issues for yourself as a welder, you must ensure that your area provides ventilation. If that isn’t quite possible, you must find a mask which offers a built-in filter for harmful gases.
If you are setting up a workshop or area for welding on a regular basis, installing a welding fume extractor could assist in supplying the space with adequate ventilation. They fluctuate from mobile equipment or wall mounted machines. Depending on your budget will vary your access to these, but they could offer excellent health benefits.
If you are doing an odd job that cannot be carried out outside for whatever reason, ensure that you create a flow of external ventilation with open doors or windows. Creating a flow encourages any fumes to be expelled from the space and allows you to carry out your work in a safer manner.
Clearing Space for Welding
In addition to ventilation, you must consider the risks of the sparks your process will create. Of course, this will vary on the method of welding you will be using. Suppose you require the tungsten inert gas welding method, which uses our high-quality TIG welding gas. In that case, it is unlikely you will produce sparks, and more often than not, if you see sparks with TIG welding, it means that something has gone wrong, and it is best to stop to assess the issue.
However, with metal inert gas welding, you will create the join using the sparks from the process, which means they are essential for welding, making a more hazardous method if you need to weld inside as the sparks could cause severe issues with burns and cause a huge fire risk.
So, if you have limited indoor space, TIG welding would offer the least risk for fires, but with either method, be sure to clear significant space around where you will be welding to ensure optimum safety. Having suitable gas is also essential as bad quality gas can offer contaminants which may cause even worse fumes and smoke. We stock a selection of TIG and MIG welding gas in various sizes to suit all applications, and it is all quality tested for customer confidence in our products.
Preparing for Inside Welding
If you must weld inside, there are several ways you can prepare your area to ensure optimal safety as you weld;
Clear away any distractions or clutter – The less interaction with other items, the less chance of heat damage or fire.
Organise your equipment well – With your gear organised, there will be less risk of accidents and trips which could be dangerous.
Welding blankets – Covering your welding area with fire-retardant blankets will help ensure the floor’s safety and potential heat spreading to other items.
Fire-resistant clothing – Even if welding outside, the correct apparel is essential with any weld. From aprons, gloves, trousers and helmets, having a complete kit to weld in may feel like overkill for a small job, but protecting yourself from the heat and potential sparks is essential.
Check your equipment – Besides organising it, ensuring it is fully functioning and connected correctly is important before welding, indoors or outdoors. Checking that your equipment is working will reduce the risk of anything going wrong, which could be problematic, especially indoors.
Metal tables – If you require a surface to weld on, never use a wooden one. An aluminium table is best for most welding uses.
However, if you have the opportunity to weld outside, it is much more preferred. This option provides a much safer environment for you and potentially others around you.
For more information on safety equipment and learning more, we have some great top tips for beginner welders for you to look through. Don’t forget, for all your welding gas needs, we have a large selection with one bound to suit you and your applications. As bottled gas suppliers, we take pride in our gas and customer services, so if there is anything you may be unsure about, feel free to contact us to ensure you have the correct gas for the job.
What Are the Easiest Metals to Weld?
Welding can be challenging, and the science behind it can strike a difficult balance. Still, with the right methods and the proper training, welding offers a permanent and secure connection between two workpieces. Metals can come in various sizes and densities, each with an optimal welding method. The two main methods are TIG and MIG. Your industry or equipment will determine which method you will most commonly use.
Of course, your preferred method could depend on the regular use of the type of metal you will be welding. Each metal will come with its own pros and cons, and as bottled gas suppliers, we will ensure to cover the difficulties of each metal, advising which is easiest for entry-level welding. If you are looking for more tips on beginning a career or project with welding, we also have a helpful guide for beginners with more information about having the correct tools and equipment.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is a metal which contains low amounts of carbon and is predominantly made up of iron. Low carbon levels provide the metal with more ductile and machinable properties, and it is the most commonly used metal in construction and manufacturing. It is used for structural steel, signs, automobiles, furniture, etc. One of the reasons it is used for a lot of manufacturing is due to its ease when it comes to welding. It can be welded with both MIG and TIG methods and is one of the more versatile metals in welding. However, you must ensure to use the corresponding gas, and if you are unsure about which MIG or TIG welding gas you require, our knowledgeable staff can always help.
Stainless Steel
304-grade stainless steel is very easy to weld but can warp if too much heat is applied, which is why this metal may be more difficult for an entry-level welder. The best welding method for this metal is MIG and using the right amount of welding gas can help, and practice makes perfect. Stainless steel, much like mild steel, is a very versatile metal used worldwide.
Its resistance to corrosion offers a sterile solution for pharmaceutical and scientific solutions, whilst its heat resistance provides an excellent use in the hospitality and food sector.
Nickel
Remarkably similar to mild steel, this metal is easy to weld using MIG or TIG welding methods. Although its ease of application within the welding process makes it ideal for entry-level welders, the metal does not produce the strongest hold. It is susceptible to porous materials, which will make the metal joins give over time.
Aluminium
When it comes to welding aluminium, it offers good strength-to-weight ratios at low-cost solutions. Therefore it is an excellent metal for manufacturing and construction. You can use MIG or TIG welding methods for this particular metal, and if you take the time to learn about the metal and the process, it can be a reasonably easy metal to work with. Aluminium also requires a lot of specific equipment, including drive roll. When applying the MIG welding method, you will need aluminium MIG wire and good quality MIG welding gas.
Bronze
When welding bronze, it is recommended that you use the MIG welding method. It is mainly used for medals and musical instruments but is also used to produce bushes and bearings for industrial applications. It isn’t an easy metal to bond with a weld and may require some experience due to needing a hotter weld. It takes a lot of continuous heat to ply the join together, which can overload your machines and be a somewhat challenging process.
Copper
Unlike the metals above, copper requires soldering or brazing for the perfect finish. Much like bronze, the MIG method is the most appropriate when welding. The most common use of copper is within electrical wiring due to its excellent conductive properties, and its malleability makes brilliant material for copper piping. Although the difficulty of this metal is not challenging, it does require a confident knowledge of the process and knowing when soldering would be a more suitable join.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is one of the more difficult metals to weld due to its brittle nature. Heating or cooling cast iron too quickly can result in cracking later on and can compromise your weld. Stick welding is often the safest option when working with this material, and the difficulty lies in understanding the welding process. Despite being a complex metal to weld, repairing cast iron welds is not too complicated and, with experience, can become a relatively uncomplicated process.
Galvanised Metal
Zinc is used to help reinforce this metal, and when welding can lead to many health hazards. Working with galvanised metal is not only a problematic weld but can be dangerous due to the zinc coating. It requires vital protective equipment, and the zinc can interfere with the weld, which often is not caught until the job is finished. The reinforcement layer also makes it more challenging to penetrate the material. If you are going to weld galvanised metal, it is advised that MIG is used as a welding method.
Working With Other Metals
Of course, depending on your field of work or project, there could be many other metals that will require welding. For the likes of titanium and brass, once you have learnt its properties and the best way to conduct a weld, it can become second nature. This is recommended for any welding process, understanding your equipment and material to ensure the best finish and a reliable join.
Using a responsible and expert company is always the best solution for all your welding equipment and needs. We have a range of welding products online to browse through, including all the welding gases you require for various metals. If you ever need advice on the best gas for your particular application, you can contact us; our staff are happy to help.
Using Gas for Mobile Catering
Mobile catering can be an exciting business to own, travelling up and down the country, attending big events and getting front row seats at festivals (when you have the time to look up). However, when it comes to gas, do you really know where to start? Are you getting the right gas for your business?
Mobile Catering Equipment That Needs Gas
Within your catering business, you will use various equipment to produce quick and delicious meals. If you are looking to start a successful burger van, the most crucial piece of equipment will be the stove. This piece of equipment can come in various sizes depending on your needs and offers the perfect solution to fast-cooking burgers for your customers whilst still ensuring the best flavours.
As a mobile doughnut catering company, you will require the use of a deep fat fryer. Once again, these can come in many sizes, depending on your van size. However, unlike the grill, fryers take up much less space and offer a more compact piece of equipment. Due to having smaller countertop sizes available, this could also provide an excellent addition to a fast-food catering van, making chips and fries ready within a matter of minutes.
Every mobile catering business requires hot water. Whether for hot beverages for customers or instant access to hot water for cooking, a gas water tank can provide boiled water in an instant. This cost-effective piece of equipment prevents customers from waiting for their hot drinks.
Finding the Suitable Gas for Your Business
As experts in bottled gas, we understand the importance of finding suitable gas for you and your business. Luckily we stock a range of products, each with their own attributes to mobile catering.
Butane Gas Bottles – Butane gas offers one of the best cost-effective solutions to LPG. It provides a more efficient burn in warmer conditions, making it ideal for mobile catering vans, and the gas is easy to use with easy connections. The bottles are also thinner than other alternatives, making them perfect for travelling.
Propane Gas Bottles – The most significant benefit of using Propane is the year-round use it can provide. Unlike butane, this gas will not freeze below 0°C, meaning you can take your catering business across many climates from the top of Scotland to the south of England without worrying if your gas has frozen, even in the winter months.
Calor Gas – Whilst our selection of Calor gas is an excellent choice for heating and portable uses, you will require a more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution when it comes to catering. However, if you only own one piece of gas cooking equipment, these may offer ideal options, primarily if you use very little. We deliver Calor gas to Kent and the surrounding areas.
If you are unsure what kind of gas you require for your business, feel free to give our helpful staff a call, they will be able to help point you in the right direction.
Safety with Gas
When it comes to dealing with bottled gases, safety should always play heavily with procedures in place to ensure the safety of you, your staff and your equipment. As responsible bottled gas suppliers, we offer access to all our gas safety documents.
Manual handling is usually an essential safety concern for most businesses. Although it may not be as dangerous as other scenarios, such as keeping a gas bottle away from naked flames, it is the one that most staff and businesses forget about. Transporting a canister from one location to another may seem quickly done, but if you move it daily and incorrectly, this could affect your spine and lead to back problems later on. Ensuring you and your staff are trained on the manual handling of gas cylinders should be part of your induction to the business.
Another document worth noting is the carriage of LPG cylinders by road. This documents the safest way to transport bottled gas, especially if you plan to transport more than one or will be using a van to collect and transport your gas.
Disposing of Bottles Safely
We offer rent-free canisters to provide our customers with the most economical solution to their bottled gas requirements. When purchasing your gas, a part of the price will be for the deposit of the canister. You can return the bottle to refill, in which you will only pay for the cost of the gas. If you no longer wish to use your gas canister, by returning it to us, you will receive the deposit you paid. There is no time limit for the deposit; it will only ever be returned to the customer who purchased the gas. By doing this, we ensure the safe disposal of our canisters if they require it.
We will always aim to refill a gas bottle for further use and only ever dispose of a canister if there is damage to the bottle. If you have a spare canister, it should never be disposed of with regular waste. It should never be put into a skip or any other waste disposal option. We will always buy your canisters from you, even if they have come from an alternative supplier.
For all your mobile catering gas requirements, we have various sizes available depending on your use and space. At Adams Gas, we offer gas cylinder filling on a contractual basis, which involves collecting, filling and re-delivering customer-owned cylinders. Even if you don’t have one of our canisters, we can still offer you a quick, high-quality gas refill. Contact our team for more information.
An Introduction to Oxy Fuel
Oxy fuel plays a vital component in the cutting and welding process of metal. At Adams Gas, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service while providing high-quality and cost-effective gases. In addition, we offer various sizes of oxy fuel, from 2L canisters to 50L units, for more industrial requirements.
If you are at the beginning of your welding journey or wish to know more about finding the right products for cutting metal, we will provide information on everything you need to know before ordering our oxy fuel gas.
What Is Oxy Fuel Gas?
Oxy fuel gas is made up of oxygen and an additional injection of another gas. Combining oxygen and another combustion gas is required to produce a high-quality product. As bottled gas suppliers, we predominantly sell our gas for cutting and welding. We offer various options of either pre-mixed and individual gases, which you can mix at home through your oxy-fuel welding machine.
The most common combinations of oxygen are usually one of the following:
- Acetylene
- Hydrogen
- Propylene
- Butane
The mixture will mostly depend on the job it is required to complete. Of course, the cost and the flame control are the two most significant contributors.
What Is Oxy Fuel Used For?
As mentioned, two main processes require oxy fuel; welding and metal cutting. Each need requires its own correct mixture and percentage.
Welding – Oxy Fuel welding, like arc welding, requires heat to conjoin two sheets of metal together. How each process achieves the heat required is not the same. For arc welding, the heat is managed with electricity and can reach up to 10,000°F, whereas with oxy fuel the heat is achieved using a flame and only reaches temperatures of 6,000°F. The heat provided by the flame is then used to melt the surfaces of the workpieces, which form together, creating a join. Oxy fuel welding can be used with and without filler, depending on your requirements and the strength required. This welding method was developed in the late 1920s and was the only welding process available until coated arc welding electrodes were introduced.
Metal Cutting – Oxy fuel cutting is the thermal process of melting the metal to such heat that it creates separation. Primarily used within industrial settings, with the help of oxy fuel, thicknesses from 0.5-250mm can be cut easily and offers a more cost-effective solution than industrial metal cutting blades. This process can be carried out either manually or mechanised. A mixture of oxygen and the chosen combustion fuel is used to pre-heat the workpiece to its ignition temperature, which makes the metal glow, but does not bring it to boiling point. Once the workpiece reaches the correct temperature, a jet of pure oxygen is then directed at the area creating a chemical reaction between the oxygen and the metal to form iron oxide (or slag in its more common term). The jet then blows away the slag, allowing the pure oxygen jet to penetrate through the workpiece and create the beginning of the cut.
Getting The Right Mix of Oxy Fuel
Depending on the job, it will depend on the mix of oxy fuel you may require. Each of these mixes provides its own benefits;
Hydrogen Fuel – This low-density gas offers a clean flame and is most suited for welding aluminium. If mixed at a 2:1 ratio, this oxy fuel combination can reach up to 3600°F, making it an ideal option for underwater welding and cutting.
Propylene Fuel – This gas burns hotter than the alternative and cuts metals very similar to propane. It is by far the most cost-effective of the fuels as this gas will last longer than other oxy fuels and is usually a safer option. It offers excellent use in fusion welding, brazing, silver soldering and metal cutting. This gas is colourless and has a double bond which gives it an advantage over the likes of other gases such as propane.
Propane – Being quite similar to Propylene, this gas offers an excellent option for cutting metal, but due to its lower burning temperatures, it does not do well for welding as other alternatives. In addition to being unusable for welding, the lower temperature will also provide a longer cutting time for a workpiece. The advantages of propane are purely due to the commonly low expense, making it perfect as a hobby welding gas.
Buying Oxy Fuel for Your Project
Being a national bottled gas distributor, we aim to provide only the highest quality of gases to our customers. Our trained experts will be able to help with any gas requirements. Even if you are unsure of the exact mix or type of fuel you require, our staff will help you guide you to the correct size and combination. We offer sizes to suit all, from 2L canisters ideal for welders on the go or trade welding gas in 20L bottles. We will have the size you need. Find our full stock online or contact us for more regular deliveries.
How to Supply Your Customers with Helium
Helium gas is possibly one of the most known gasses on the market, and for one main reason, balloons. Being tasteless, odourless and colourless, it makes the ideal filling for latex and foil balloons. Helium is also used for cooling, maintaining controlled environments, leak detection and even has uses in medical practices.
Businesses That Use Helium
Due to the many applications of helium, there is always an ongoing demand for helium canisters. From manufacturing to the medical and hospitality industries, helium has many uses.
Event Planners – with so many events to plan, having a direct supply of gas for balloon inflation is ideal for any event planner. For most events, having a bottle of helium on hand is perfect for those last-minute touches.
Hospitality Venues – From birthday parties to milestone anniversaries, venues will usually have endless balloons to inflate. Having high-quality helium on site can help ensure that those balloons are ready for any wedding or party. Venues are also an excellent opportunity to find sales of cellar gas, which we have covered previously in our Supplying Your Customers with Cellar Gas guide.
Retail Stores – Whether it is the local supermarket, the corner shop or a designated card retail shop, all have a supply of helium for those extra-large foil balloons and will usually go through quite a lot in the space of a week.
Diving Tank Manufacturers – Helium is used within diving tanks to replace a portion of nitrogen, allowing divers to breathe underwater safely. While this market is complex to supply, it could provide an extortionate profit return if you find yourself near one of these manufacturers.
Metal Fabricators – Whilst helium is not usually a standard component sought after for welding, it can help to deliver a broader and more shallow penetration pattern during the welding process when mixed with argon.
Now, whilst balloons are not the only use for helium, the competition for the other industries is niche. Unless you have a diving tank manufacturer locally, the leading target group for helium will be the hospitality and entertainment industry.
How Much Helium Can I Expect to Sell?
Of course, if you are looking to stock helium as an added business opportunity to increase revenue, there has to be a significant demand locally. Before purchasing a supply, market research is essential. Suppose you are surrounded by beautiful wedding venues or have a theatre close by. In that case, you can be sure there is an opportunity to provide the local area with ample high-quality helium in 20L helium canisters. Alternatively, if you are situated within a built-up residential area, there is also the potential to sell more domestically for parties and personal events; this will require our smaller range of helium bottles, such as our 2L canisters.
While conducting your market research, reach out to the local card sellers and ask where they received their helium. This could provide you with a regular customer who may prefer to buy locally.
Balloon Decoration Companies
Over the past few years, there has been an influx of creativity within the balloon industry. From imaginative gifts to stunning features, their applications are growing. Balloons are being used for impressive arches at weddings, elf on the shelf arrival gifts and even baby shower gender reveal components. This increase in use requires an increase in helium, which opens the door to regular purchasing and an increase in sales. With a bit of time contacting these local companies who provide these services, you may find yourself selling out of helium relatively quickly.
We offer all of our helium tanks with an additional inflator nozzle, so you don’t need to worry about finding one that fits correctly for your customers.
Safety with Helium
Helium is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas and whilst it is a non-toxic gas, it comes with the usual warnings you would expect from a gas which displaces oxygen. For more information on the use of helium and safety, please find our information sheet online.
Another danger which comes with supplying gas is the manual handling of the products. Canisters are heavy and require correct lifting procedures to prevent personal damage and suffering. If needed, consider moving them on a trolley to lessen the strain of manually carrying the weights around your storage facility or shop floor. As a responsible bottled gas supplier, we offer a range of guidance documents online on our safety page for more information on handling pressurised canisters.
How to become a Helium Gas Stockist
Our successful stockists will often find their customers and create an impressive clientele through networking and advertising. Most of our stockists see up to 50% clear profit margins from their sales of our products—however, the potential to earn more lies with you. We will delegate any potential local leads within your area, but you will soon find that you will generate your own customer base without our assistance through promoting the products.
What we offer:
- Supplying you with leads from your area, we had over 183,000 unique visitors to our site, many of whom were passed on to stockists.
- High-quality products, training and technical support for selling and distributing our gas.
- Provide you with a dedicated sales area, inside which we will not set up any further stockists.
What we expect in return:
- You to be comfortable running a collection and delivery service in your area.
- Handle sales enquiries on a daily basis (Monday to Friday).
- Promotion of your gas products in your local area to supplement leads from Adams Gas.
- The ability to go out and set up smaller stockists within your assigned area (optional).
If this business opportunity sounds like something that would benefit your existing company, you can fill in the online enquiry form, and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
How is Argon Gas Used in Welding?
Welding is used for many applications throughout various industries, but the process and outcome essentially are the same, fusing two metal workpieces. Whether you MIG weld or TIG weld, you want to be sure that the join will hold and provide stability. To do this, you require the best quality shielding gas.
Argon is a shielding gas we regularly provide to our clients, and it offers a range of benefits when welding.
What is Argon Gas?
Odourless, colourless and tasteless, argon makes up 0.93% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Due to the gas being non-flammable, argon makes an ideal option for welding, where temperatures can reach 3,871°C. In addition to not supporting combustion, the gas is non-toxic. However, with its ability to decrease oxygen levels in the air, ventilation is essential when using this for welding.
As an inert gas, argon does not react with other gases, making another great reason to choose this as a shielding gas for your work.
Why Do You Need Shielding Gas for Welding?
The main purpose of shielding gas is to prevent the weld you are applying to the workpiece from being contaminated by the elements in your work environment. Whilst you may ensure that your workplace is free from pollutants, the air contains nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen, which can cause various issues such as porosity and excess splatter if they contact the molten metal. This could compromise the join, which could prove dangerous when working with life-supporting structures such as bridges, aerospace, and automotive repairs.
Ensuring you are using high-quality TIG or MIG welding gas can instil confidence that your weld will hold when required.
What Makes Argon a Good Welding Gas?
Argon is an inert gas and provides the stability needed for safety when heating metal to high temperatures during the welding process. It also produces a narrower penetration profile which offers a clean and minimal but strong bond between the two workpieces.
As a gas bottle supplier, we offer a CO2/Argon mix for both industrial applications and hobby welding gas.
Pure Argon for TIG Welding
When looking for TIG welding gas, you will require a pure argon gas, which produces a clean weld with no oxidisation. It can significantly increase your welding execution for many reasons;
- It’s heavier than air quality and offers complete protection of your weld.
- Prevents any burning through of thinner materials.
- Offers a consistent, reliable and narrow arc for a more precise weld.
- It requires less power and voltage during TIG welding and is more affordable than other options.
The only disadvantage to using pure argon versus other inert gasses is that it cannot operate at high voltage, which may mean longer welding times. However, with the excellent quality of argon, it may be worth taking the extra time for a more accurate weld.
Argon/CO2 Mix for MIG Welding
Unlike TIG welding, MIG welding requires a mixture of argon and CO2 gas. Whilst there are many options for MIG welding gas, argon mixed with CO2 offers;
- Fewer splatters and undercuts than you would get with pure CO2, providing a smoother output.
- The arc will be more stable.
- The weld pool will provide deeper penetration.
- The correct mix will give you the right amount of heat for bending and twisting.
Whilst argon 80% / CO2 20% is the best all-around mix for a wider variety of applications, the specific combination depends on the thickness of the weld. A favourable mix for those wishing to weld thinner steel parts, a 5% CO2, 95% Argon mix offers the best option. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us, and our helpful team will be able to advise you on the best mixture.
Argon and Other Gas Mixes
For the process of MIG welding, you can find argon mixed with other gases such as helium in addition to CO2. These are best for stainless steel, carbon, and low-alloy steel welding applications.
Dangers of Argon
As a stable and inert gas, argon is relatively safe in welding due to its non-toxic and non-flammable nature. However, besides the standard precautions required for handling pressurised bottled gas, the biggest hazard is asphyxiation when using this gas.
Argon replaces the oxygen in the air, leading to nausea, headaches, rapid breathing, drowsiness and other symptoms that a decrease in oxygen can produce. To shield yourself from these risks, it is imperative that your workplace is well ventilated and the proper equipment is used. Taking regular breaks away from the area if you are working on a large piece is also advisable.
Argon Gas for Welding at Adams Gas
We offer a variety of cylinder sizes for any application of welding. We can supply 2L canisters for mobile welders, 50L for industrial uses and other sizes in between. To ensure we give low-cost options with our rent free bottles and offer speedy delivery nationwide. To ensure you receive only the best, high-quality gas for your welding, order online or feel free to call us for more specific needs or regular deliveries.
How to Supply Your Customers With Welding Gas
Are you looking to improve your revenue and footfall within your business and already order from us? Perhaps you are looking for new business opportunities to help support your current one? We hope to supply the nation efficiently with high-quality welding gas by expanding our network of stockists nationwide.
We offer to ensure the products are delivered to you to distribute across your local area and take any profits as your own. However, as a business, we understand that you will wish to know all about selling welding gases and how to store and distribute them safely and competently.
Which Businesses Use Welding Gas?
As a business that may already buy your gas from us, you may already be aware of the types of companies that use welding gases, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore that may be unknown.
Aerospace Industries – Across England, there is an abundance of aeroplane manufacturers. To produce high-quality transportation, they require high-quality equipment. Initially, TIG welding was created for use in this industry but has since spread to other sectors. Reaching out to this market could open you up to the regular distribution of welding gas for either repair, maintenance or manufacturing.
Automotive Industry – This target market is possibly one of the more popular and common industries. With thousands of garages, autobody repair facilities and manufacturing lines, it is a market that will always require an excellent supply of gas. MIG welding offers deep penetration, making it the ideal for sheet metal joining in the automotive industry.
Construction and Infrastructure – The process of MIG welding was invented to join non-ferrous metals such as aluminium. MIG welding is also used for Steel welding, and with over 50% of the steel produced globally being used within building constructs, a regular supply of MIG welding gas is always required. Each of these industries uses an excessive amount of MIG and TIG welding gas. However, when it comes to more modest businesses that could potentially increase your revenue, there is a selection of independents renowned for being our usual clientele.
· Farmers
· Engineers
· Motor mechanics
· Maintenance departments within larger companies
· Mobile site welders
· Air-conditioning engineers
· Hobby Welders
Of course, how much you potentially require to supply your local need will depend on the size of the companies in your area. When joining our stockist’s network, be sure you know the demand for a particular gas within your area by calling potential customers and companies. As a gas cylinder supplier, we want to make sure that you are making the most of this business opportunity and that it doesn’t leave you with excess stock you cannot sell.
Manual Handling Safety
The most significant risk when it comes to stocking and selling welding gas is the safety of your staff and yourself when delivering or taking delivery of stock. Gas Cylinders are not light-weighted items and, when mishandled, can pose severe damage to physical health.
Where possible, be sure to use the correct handling equipment. Mechanical lifting or moving aids will provide the momentum required to transport either from vehicles or warehouses and storage. We have a full safety document outlining exactly how to handle the different weights and sizes of cylinders correctly on our safety page.
Transporting Safely
When it comes to delivering bottled gas, safety is paramount. There are regulations for commercial transport of gases to ensure driver safety and other road users’ safety.
However, these regulations are there for vehicles carrying a large number of bottled gases, and for inert and oxidising gases, it is 1000kg and over. If you are transporting over this amount, we advise you read the Carriage of LPG Cylinders by Road document.
For smaller than 1000kg loads, there are three main points to adhere to;
· Risk assessment of the carriage, the loading and unloading of the cylinders. Baring in mind the procedures of manual handling when it comes to the loading of the vehicles.
· Drivers should be trained in:
o The associated hazards and dangers of the goods
o Safe handling of gas cylinders
o Emergency procedures and the use of fire fighting appliances. Their employer should keep a training record.
· Vehicles used to transport gas cylinders should be open; if this cannot be accomplished, the vehicle should be well ventilated with roof spinners and floor vents as appropriate.
· When the vehicle contains bottled inert gases, a 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher should be on board.
· Basic cylinder-safety training must be provided to persons handling and delivering bottled gases.
How To Become a Welding Gas Stockist
Our successful stockists will often find their customers and create an impressive clientele from networking and advertising. Most of our stockists see up to 50% clear profit margins from their sales of our products—however, the potential to earn more lies with you. We will often delegate any potential local leads within your area, but you will soon find that through promoting the products, you will generate your own customer base without our assistance. There is a variety of bottled welding gas, from large requirements of gas cylinder fillings to hobby welding gas in need nationwide.
What we offer:
· Supplying you with leads from your area, we had over 183,000 unique visitors to our site, many of whom were passed on to stockists.
· High-quality products, training and technical support for selling and distributing our gas.
· Provide you with a dedicated sales area, inside which we will not set up any further stockists.
What we expect in return:
· Be comfortable running a collection & delivery service in your area.
· Handle sales enquiries on a daily basis (Monday to Friday).
· Promotion of your gas products in your local area to supplement leads from Adams Gas
· To be able to go out and set up smaller stockists within your assigned area (optional)
If taking this business opportunity sounds like something that would benefit your business, you can fill in the online enquiry form, and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
How Can Gas Help My Catering and Hospitality Business
Although it may often go unnoticed by customers, many types of gas are integral to catering and hospitality businesses, both large and small. For example, gas helps dispense beer, fill balloons, fuel patio heaters in beer gardens and cooking equipment on food trucks. The type of gas you’ll use will depend on what kind of catering business you’re operating. Knowing which gases are available and how they can be used across hospitality may even present new business opportunities you’ve not thought about before.
Cellar Gas for Dispensing
Cellar gas is arguably the most important gas for bars, pubs, restaurants, or other hospitality businesses dispensing draught beer or soft drinks. Without cellar gas, it’s impossible to get beer from the keg to the glass (unless you’re using a hand-pull pump and only dispensing cask beer), making it a vital part of any cellar dispensing set up.
Cellar gas allows hospitality businesses to dispense a vast range of beers, lagers, ciders and soft drinks, and those who supply hospitality businesses with cellar gas usually offer a range of both pure CO2 and CO2/nitrogen mixes suitable for a variety of different drinks. Whilst many highly carbonated lagers, ciders and soft drinks require pure CO2 to retain their effervescence, stouts, smooths, and pale ales need a specific concentration of nitrogen mixed into the CO2 to create their recognisable creamy texture. It’s essential to identify the suitable gas for each product, as different beers require different ratios of CO2 to nitrogen for correct efficient dispensing.
Propane Gas for Heating
Many establishments will have outdoor facilities. Since the smoking ban of 2007, more customers have moved outside. However, unlike countries abroad, the UK climate is not quite as forgiving for dining alfresco all year round.
Propane’s primary use within the hospitality sector is for outdoor heating. Often for patios or beer gardens, but sometimes at the entrance to the building to keep customers warm as they wait to enter the venue or when departing. The range of patio and outdoor heater designs available has made them not only practical but aesthetically pleasing for an incredible outdoor dining experience. They also offer all-year-round use of outdoor facilities which may have otherwise been closed, such as pools or waterside activities. With our various sized propane bottles, you can be sure to find a size to suit your patio heater and keep your customers warm.
Cooking With Gas
Many head chefs and restaurant managers will choose a gas oven and hob over an electric one. Gas allows for more control and a quicker change in the desired temperature. This is essential for beautifully cooked sauces and food when it comes to cooking. You could also save up to 30% in energy costs when opting for a gas cooker instead of an electric one.
Propane can also be used to power the ovens and stoves, and whilst most hotels, pubs and restaurants are connected to the mains gas supply, businesses in more rural areas often need to find their fuel source through bottled gas suppliers.
However, if you run a mobile catering business that prepares hot food, perhaps a food van or container, you will need to find a supply of bottled gases. While many mobile catering businesses still use petrol-fueled generators, you can halve generator running costs by 50% by converting to an LPG generator. LPG provides a constant supply of energy at an affordable price, and with our rent-free butane gas bottles, you can be sure that you are using quality gas.
The summer months are usually busiest for most mobile catering companies, with festivals and events typically taking place. However, if you plan on cooking outside in the winter months or colder climates, you may wish to choose one of our propane bottles. They burn efficiently in all weather due to their much lower boiling point, preventing the gas from evaporating.
Helium for Balloons
As a catering business, your priority is cooking. Whilst many hospitality establishments choose to contract out decoration and event planning; it can never hurt to be prepared for any celebrations, special bookings or occasions with our bottled helium gas.
Whether it is an anniversary party, wedding celebration or a milestone birthday, they all look better with balloon décor. They not only serve a purpose in decoration, but by the end of the event, you can guarantee they have kept most of the children (or some adults) entertained with games and fun.
Order online with us and take advantage of our speedy delivery to make sure you are only getting the best quality gas for your business.
What Are Industrial Gases and How Are They Used?
Industrial gases are manufactured to be sold and used in industrial applications, such as manufacturing, oil refining, cleaning and transportation. There are different types of industrial gases, including nitrogen, helium, CO2, argon, propane and butane, and we supply them all at Adams Gas.
What Are Industrial Gases?
As we already mentioned, industrial gases are those used in industry. Many of them are the same as gases used in a domestic setting but offered in much larger cylinders to satisfy the demands of industrial applications. They can be stored in other forms and can be sold and used in a pure state or mixed with other gases. These industrial gases must also be ready to use at any time, which means that they need to be stored adequately and transported safely.
We have several industrial gas cylinders available, so if you have any questions about any of our products, don’t hesitate to speak to us. Take a look at some of the industrial gases you can find at Adams Gas and how they’re used:
Nitrogen
Our nitrogen gas cylinders can be used in many different sectors and industries, including the food and drinks manufacturing sector, where it’s used to package fizzy and still drinks (from water to wine) and helps to extend the lifespan of packaged consumables.
Nitrogen can also be found in air conditioning applications, as it can help you clean AC units and keep them from oxidising. If you’re a fan of motorsports, you’ll be happy to know this gas is used to inflate tyres and assist drivers in making the most of every millisecond.
Carbon Dioxide
CO2 can be used in many different ways and industries, such as theatre and hydroponics. Our CO2 bottles are also popular for applications such as glass frosting, including in bars and pubs, since they allow for glasses to be served cold to customers (this can help to keep drinks fizzy and ensures the ice on their drinks doesn’t melt as soon as it gets to the table).
Carbon dioxide can help create special effects in theatre and stage plays, ensuring a better experience for viewers and also promotes plant growth in aquariums.
This means that carbon dioxide is useful for a wide range of applications and can be used as an industrial gas. Whether you’re looking to play paintball or set off a confetti cannon, you need CO2 to make it happen.
Helium
Helium gas is widely known around the world as gas for balloons (and the gas that makes people’s voices funny), but you can use it for many other things.
For example, helium is incredibly useful in manufacturing LCD panels and fibre optic wire, as it keeps all components cold enough to ensure nothing gets damaged or breaks. Helium is also a welding gas, suitable for metals like aluminium.
And, yes, if you want to have a balloon that floats up instead of dropping to the ground as soon as you release it, helium is the gas for you – this is also why it’s used in meteorology as well, as it lifts balloons carrying instruments.
Argon
Because this gas is inert, it’s often mixed with other gases to weld non-ferrous metals, meaning it’s a must-have in the industrial welding sector. Argon can also be used in the casting industry (for example, in heat treatment), to make neon lights, and in 3D printing.
Take a look at why you can’t use the same gases for MIG and TIG welding in our blog, as we talk about this and other gases.
Propane
There are many applications for propane as well, mainly in manufacturing. In fact, this gas is heavily used to create plastic and run the machines needed to manufacture products in factories. Industrial uses for propane also include metal cutting and manufacturing solvents and even rubber.
If you’re looking for propane gas, you’ll find it at Adams Gas. Let us know if you have any questions about how to best use it – our experienced and knowledgeable team will be happy to help.
Butane
Another gas we stock is the highly flammable butane gas. This product doesn’t have any colour or odour. It can be found in the domestic, commercial and industrial appliances sector because it acts as fuel and refrigerant. For instance, butane can be found in lighters, stoves and aerosols.
No matter why you need industrial gas bottles, we’ve got you covered. As gas cylinder suppliers, we can help you find the best gases for your project, either direct through our online store or one of our stockists. If you are interested in becoming an Adams Gas stockist, we have plenty of business opportunities for reputable businesses looking for a reliable, additional revenue stream for their existing offering.