Whether you are looking to host an array of outdoor social events or for a cosy night under the stars with your family, a gas heater is the best option to keep you warm. Although winter is not everyone’s favourite time of year to be outside, don’t let the cold put you off. Instead, invest in a patio heater and make use of your garden all year round.
Advantages of Gas Patio Heaters
Gas heaters are relatively portable and robust, and their use of patio gas offers significant benefits compared to other fossil-fueled solutions. Although it’s a fossil fuel, LPG is the most environmentally friendly and reliable fuel for outdoor heaters. Gas outdoor heaters can withstand winter’s extreme weather without needing to be taken inside to preserve their life. They provide ample heat in various aesthetically pleasing and robust applications, requiring much less maintenance than electric heaters. So, if you want to keep warm in the garden this winter, read our helpful guide to provide you with various options and the advantages and disadvantages of multiple heaters.
The Best Patio Heaters for Large Gardens
Suppose you are fortunate enough to have a large garden with lots of space for entertaining in the garden. In this case, you will require a heater that will provide lots of heat and be sturdy enough not to be blown over in winter weather. There are two options for tall outdoor heaters, mushroom-style heaters or pyramid heaters. These stand up to 7 feet in height and offer the best solution for big open spaces.
The pyramid heaters get their name due to the shape of their appearance. Offering four sturdy sides, the pyramid heater is the most robust stand-alone heater available. They have reasonably broad bases, with the sides graduating into a tiny point towards the top. This design offers a sleek aesthetic and the reliability that you will be less likely to be standing it back up after a storm. It is also great for entertaining and will be less likely to fall over from accidental knocks. Many of these heaters offer safety shut-off buttons, temperature control and easy ignition, making them perfect for keeping away the cold winter night frost whilst enjoying the garden.
The other option for a large garden is the mushroom heater. Again these are very tall and produce much heat for keeping your guests warm. They are much more wallet-friendly and still offer a reasonably stylish appeal. With a broad cylindrical base for stability and an umbrella-style top, these fit perfectly with natural gardens, taking a much more fitting appearance. The design of this heater allows for a much longer burn and generally will use less fuel, offering a cheaper option than the pyramid style.
Both of these heaters are made with similar materials, and although the mushroom style usually comes at a lower price, both do the job they are required to do efficiently and safely. However, the mushroom style does offer the most cost-effective solution due to the less fuel it needs whilst still providing enough heat to keep you warm. Essentially the benefits usually come with whichever style you prefer for your garden.
The Best Heater for Under-Shelter Outdoor Spaces
A wall-mounted heater may be the best option if you have a sheltered outdoor space, for example, with a canopy or a wooden gazebo. Whilst LPG heaters are the most beneficial for outdoor heating, wall-mounted heaters are only available as electric devices. Although these can radiate significant heat, they are much less reliable and vulnerable to the elements.
While they may be under shelter, wind and water can easily cause them to malfunction and deteriorate, making their lifespan much shorter than their gas equivalents. They may also need mounting to the exterior of your property, which is not ideal for the integrity of your building. As an alternative, there are many smaller patio heaters which can offer more heat and be more potent against the elements.
Due to the many designs available, you could offer your outdoor spaces a stylish, functional heater to keep everyone warm. The likes of bullet gas heaters offer excellent benefits in sheltered outdoor areas. These patio heaters come in various sizes, with smaller options for tabletop accessibility. Of course, their size will dictate the output of heat from the device, but most of them come with temperature control to get the maximum heat possible.
Coal and Wood Patio Heaters
From open firepits to chimineas, there are many ways to heat your garden with wood or coals. A coal or wood burner could be an appealing option if you are on a budget. A real fire will offer significant heat for a much lower cost than a patio heater and come in various styles to fit any garden aesthetic. However, they come with many dangers.
Unlike a gas-fired heater which offers complete control of the flames and heat, there is much more risk of accidental fires, which could put your garden and home at risk. They also cause considerable damage to the environment with their fumes. In addition, when it is time for guests to leave, you may be waiting several hours to wait for the fire pit or heater to cool down. Leaving them unattended could be fatal, and extinguishing the pit quickly with water can ruin your heater. Whereas with gas, they burn much cleaner, reducing the fumes into the atmosphere and can be doused by cutting the fuel supply, meaning you are not sitting out in the cold waiting for the embers to cool and burn out.
Built-In Fire Pits
Over the past few years, the popularity of the built-in firepit has substantially increased. They offer many benefits, including providing vast amounts of heat and being a stunning addition to your outdoor space. Although there are many fuel options for built-in firepits, the best option for safety and ease of use is to choose gas.
Gas firepits offer all the benefits we have already covered with gas heaters. They offer continuous and reliable heat instantaneously and reduce the risk of accidental and rogue flames. They are much more environmentally friendly and are easy and quick to light. This is an excellent feature for those spontaneous garden parties or a quick cosy hot drink on the patio with friends.
The Importance of High-Quality Gas
It’s clear that gas patio heaters are the apparent winner when it comes to finding the right outdoor heater for your garden, so when it comes to fuel, you need to make a suitable choice for your burner.
As a responsible bottled gas supplier, we ensure that all of our bottled gases are checked before sale to ensure they are of high standards and provide excellent performance for our customers. Poor quality gas can risk contaminants which may interfere with the fuel distribution, which could put your space at risk. So, whether you are looking for 5kg patio gas for your bullet gas heater or 13kg patio gas for your mushroom-style stand-alone heater, choose a supplier that offers the best gas. You can easily order our products online to take advantage of our quick delivery service.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Heater for Christmas Entertaining
Whether you are looking to host an array of outdoor social events or for a cosy night under the stars with your family, a gas heater is the best option to keep you warm. Although winter is not everyone’s favourite time of year to be outside, don’t let the cold put you off. Instead, invest in a patio heater and make use of your garden all year round.
Advantages of Gas Patio Heaters
Gas heaters are relatively portable and robust, and their use of patio gas offers significant benefits compared to other fossil-fueled solutions. Although it’s a fossil fuel, LPG is the most environmentally friendly and reliable fuel for outdoor heaters. Gas outdoor heaters can withstand winter’s extreme weather without needing to be taken inside to preserve their life. They provide ample heat in various aesthetically pleasing and robust applications, requiring much less maintenance than electric heaters. So, if you want to keep warm in the garden this winter, read our helpful guide to provide you with various options and the advantages and disadvantages of multiple heaters.
The Best Patio Heaters for Large Gardens
Suppose you are fortunate enough to have a large garden with lots of space for entertaining in the garden. In this case, you will require a heater that will provide lots of heat and be sturdy enough not to be blown over in winter weather. There are two options for tall outdoor heaters, mushroom-style heaters or pyramid heaters. These stand up to 7 feet in height and offer the best solution for big open spaces.
The pyramid heaters get their name due to the shape of their appearance. Offering four sturdy sides, the pyramid heater is the most robust stand-alone heater available. They have reasonably broad bases, with the sides graduating into a tiny point towards the top. This design offers a sleek aesthetic and the reliability that you will be less likely to be standing it back up after a storm. It is also great for entertaining and will be less likely to fall over from accidental knocks. Many of these heaters offer safety shut-off buttons, temperature control and easy ignition, making them perfect for keeping away the cold winter night frost whilst enjoying the garden.
The other option for a large garden is the mushroom heater. Again these are very tall and produce much heat for keeping your guests warm. They are much more wallet-friendly and still offer a reasonably stylish appeal. With a broad cylindrical base for stability and an umbrella-style top, these fit perfectly with natural gardens, taking a much more fitting appearance. The design of this heater allows for a much longer burn and generally will use less fuel, offering a cheaper option than the pyramid style.
Both of these heaters are made with similar materials, and although the mushroom style usually comes at a lower price, both do the job they are required to do efficiently and safely. However, the mushroom style does offer the most cost-effective solution due to the less fuel it needs whilst still providing enough heat to keep you warm. Essentially the benefits usually come with whichever style you prefer for your garden.
The Best Heater for Under-Shelter Outdoor Spaces
A wall-mounted heater may be the best option if you have a sheltered outdoor space, for example, with a canopy or a wooden gazebo. Whilst LPG heaters are the most beneficial for outdoor heating, wall-mounted heaters are only available as electric devices. Although these can radiate significant heat, they are much less reliable and vulnerable to the elements.
While they may be under shelter, wind and water can easily cause them to malfunction and deteriorate, making their lifespan much shorter than their gas equivalents. They may also need mounting to the exterior of your property, which is not ideal for the integrity of your building. As an alternative, there are many smaller patio heaters which can offer more heat and be more potent against the elements.
Due to the many designs available, you could offer your outdoor spaces a stylish, functional heater to keep everyone warm. The likes of bullet gas heaters offer excellent benefits in sheltered outdoor areas. These patio heaters come in various sizes, with smaller options for tabletop accessibility. Of course, their size will dictate the output of heat from the device, but most of them come with temperature control to get the maximum heat possible.
Coal and Wood Patio Heaters
From open firepits to chimineas, there are many ways to heat your garden with wood or coals. A coal or wood burner could be an appealing option if you are on a budget. A real fire will offer significant heat for a much lower cost than a patio heater and come in various styles to fit any garden aesthetic. However, they come with many dangers.
Unlike a gas-fired heater which offers complete control of the flames and heat, there is much more risk of accidental fires, which could put your garden and home at risk. They also cause considerable damage to the environment with their fumes. In addition, when it is time for guests to leave, you may be waiting several hours to wait for the fire pit or heater to cool down. Leaving them unattended could be fatal, and extinguishing the pit quickly with water can ruin your heater. Whereas with gas, they burn much cleaner, reducing the fumes into the atmosphere and can be doused by cutting the fuel supply, meaning you are not sitting out in the cold waiting for the embers to cool and burn out.
Built-In Fire Pits
Over the past few years, the popularity of the built-in firepit has substantially increased. They offer many benefits, including providing vast amounts of heat and being a stunning addition to your outdoor space. Although there are many fuel options for built-in firepits, the best option for safety and ease of use is to choose gas.
Gas firepits offer all the benefits we have already covered with gas heaters. They offer continuous and reliable heat instantaneously and reduce the risk of accidental and rogue flames. They are much more environmentally friendly and are easy and quick to light. This is an excellent feature for those spontaneous garden parties or a quick cosy hot drink on the patio with friends.
The Importance of High-Quality Gas
It’s clear that gas patio heaters are the apparent winner when it comes to finding the right outdoor heater for your garden, so when it comes to fuel, you need to make a suitable choice for your burner.
As a responsible bottled gas supplier, we ensure that all of our bottled gases are checked before sale to ensure they are of high standards and provide excellent performance for our customers. Poor quality gas can risk contaminants which may interfere with the fuel distribution, which could put your space at risk. So, whether you are looking for 5kg patio gas for your bullet gas heater or 13kg patio gas for your mushroom-style stand-alone heater, choose a supplier that offers the best gas. You can easily order our products online to take advantage of our quick delivery service.
How Gases Are Used in the World of Motorsports
There are various forms of motorsport racing, from amateur go-karting up and down the country to international circuits such as Formula 1.
Although bottled gases are not an instant association when thinking about motorsports, they play a significant part in the industry. We explore how our high-quality products are used in motorsports.
Tyre Inflation in Motorsports
One of the primary uses of gas in the motorsport industry is the use of nitrogen gas bottles for the inflation of tyres. Nitrogen is a very stable inert gas that offers little danger to users and has many benefits for tyre inflation. Atmospheric air, consisting of 78% nitrogen, also contains a variety of other gases, such as oxygen. Tyre pressure changes with the ambient temperate; the air inside will expand with heat and contract in colder temperatures. In the UK, we see a significant amount of temperature fluctuation throughout the year. Pure nitrogen, like normal air, will expand and contract in these fluctuating levels but does so at a slower rate and will retain the correct pressure for longer.
For this reason, nitrogen is commonly used among professionals taking part in motorsport racing. It offers much more consistency and will provide much more stability with the heat of the track from friction.
Welding in Motorsports
In many motorsports, welding is a necessity between races. The primary example of this is within banger racing. As drivers compete to be the first to cross the line, they are subjected to many bumps and scrapes, including deliberate crashes. This can damage the car significantly, and it must be in working order to continue competing in the next race.
Having a supply of TIG or MIG welding gas in the pits allows the pit crew to have the car fully working in time to race again. Welding is also helpful in modifying the vehicle. Like with most racing, there are specifications which must be adhered to before entering your car. For rally driving, this includes taking out much of the interior and installing a roll bar or cage for the driver’s safety. This will be done prior to entering the race and will need welding. So, having good quality bottled gas is essential for the driver’s safety.
Fire Extinguishers in Motorsports
Although filled with adrenalin and excitement, motorsports can be very dangerous and put lives at risk. Especially in Formula 1, a considerable risk is taken each time a driver sits in the car. One of the risks entailed in driving, especially at high speeds, is fires. Many motorsports’ vehicles are fitted with a range of electrical components, which bumps, and scrapes can loosen or break, resulting in an electrical fire. This is highly dangerous, especially as flame or heat near the petrol tank could cause the vehicle to explode.
CO2 offers the best way to extinguish an electrical fire, as water could cause serious harm to the components and put anyone in the vicinity of the fire at risk for electrocution. For this reason, many pit crews have an array of fire extinguishers for all types, including CO2 fire extinguishers. Although our CO2 gas bottles are not for fire extinguishing, they offer another great use within other facilities of the circuit venue.
Beer and Cellar Gas
Along with most motorsports, there is usually a crowd of spectators, and although alcohol is illegal for the drivers, for the thousands of visitors to the track, a cold beverage is often desired. Whether a pop-up tent is serving beers or an onsite pub, they will have a supply of beer and cellar gas to get the right consistency and great-tasting beer.
CO2 is also used to dispense soft drinks like lemonade and cola. Carbon dioxide is added to the concentrate under very high pressure. When the pressure is released as the condensed beverage and gas mix in the beer lines, it produces carbonated bubbles throughout the drink, offering the perfect cold refreshment as you cheer on the drivers. Without high-quality CO2, carbonated beverages will be flat and ultimately less enjoyable.
The Future of Gas in Motorsports
It’s no secret that motorsports are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. However, like with most industries, the motorsport world is looking at its carbon footprint and trying to understand how to improve to reduce its impact on the planet. Fossil fuels still power most vehicles, and unfortunately, many sectors of the sport are a long way off from finding a suitable alternative fuel. The switch to electricity could cause issues during the racing.
Despite this, there have been some significant strides within motorsports that go as far back as 2004 with the introduction of LPG fuelled vehicles. This conversion doesn’t reduce the vehicle’s performance, and although it is still a fossil fuel, LPG is much more environmentally friendly. There are, of course, more recent discoveries that could assist in fuelling motorsport vehicles, including fuel cells, hydrogen, and the use of CO2. Still, without further investigation and more accessible applications, liquid petroleum options such as butane gas is an instant and easy conversion to reduce emissions.
High-Quality Bottled Gases
Whether you are looking for TIG welding gas to fix cars up or high-quality beer and cellar gas to provide the thousands of spectators at the side of the track, you need the best-bottled gas available. This is where we can help. All our bottled gases are thoroughly checked before sale so that we know they are free from contaminants and offer the best performance. You can order our products online, or feel free to enquire about more regular and contractual needs.
5 Welding Problems and How to Fix Them
Welding takes time and skill to perfect. Having the perfect join every time will require years of experience working with various metals. However, if you notice that you seem to be coming across the same issue every time, perhaps we can help. We explore some of the more common problems found in welds and how you can adapt to prevent them.
1. Splatter
When welding a sheet of metal or join, do you notice little balls of molten metal cooling upon your work piece that regularly need taking off? This is what we would call splatter, and it only happens during the MIG welding process. They can appear on the workpiece and the welding nozzle and cause poor quality welds and regular cleaning of your welder. It also wastes material, which can cost you in the long run.
How to Fix It
Start by checking the settings on your equipment and adjusting them to ensure that you get the optimum settings for your workpiece and fuel. Another part to check is the welding equipment. If you have poor-quality equipment, it will produce poor-quality welds. Finally, you need to check the gas. Using the incorrect gas will also cause problems. Make sure you are using the correct MIG welding gas for your material. Keeping your nozzle clean can also help reduce any splatter.
2. Porosity
Porosity in a weld can be caused by moisture, rust, grease, or paint on the plate edges. So, you get the job done, and it looks great. However, upon closer inspection, there are small holes throughout your joint. This is where small gas bubbles have been trapped in the molten metal. It is a common problem, but it can ruin the overall finish of the weld, risking your reputation and customer confidence. Another issue could be the shielding gas itself.
How to Fix It
There are many reasons for porosity in a weld, but like with most issues, you should always use the correct instruments and equipment. Incorrect welding electrodes, contaminated materials, and poor technique will affect porosity. You should see fewer issues with small holes in your work by correcting these issues. Alternatively, by re-baking, using fres welding consumables and ensuring the material is free from dust or contaminants will offer you better results.
3. Poor Penetration and Fusion
Incomplete root fusion is when the weld fails to fuse one side of the joint in the root. Incomplete root penetration occurs when both sides’ root regions of the joint are unfused, resulting in an excessively thick root face in the weld and many other imperfections.
How to fix It
There are many ways to improve poor penetration issues, including controlling the weld angle, reducing the current of the weld, slowing the welding speed down and reducing the width of the weave. If these don’t improve your fusion, consider changing your posture and checking your equipment for faults.
4. Erratic Arcs
If you have a welding arc that struggles to keep stable through penetrating the workpiece, then an issue is afoot. It will lead to various imperfections, creating uneven welds and poor finishes of your work. It can also make many of the above defects with more splatter potential, and the risk of porosity, which we have established, could cause the join to break easily.
How to Fix It
The first issue to check is the gas supply. A common cause of an erratic arc is the incorrect gas mixture. Whether you are using MIG or TIG welding gas, it could be contributing to an unsteady welding pool. Ensure the consistency is correct; if so, you could check the equipment’s voltage. It could be as simple as needing a minor adjustment. However, if your consistency is correct and your voltage is accurate, it may be time to assess each element to ensure you are using the proper equipment.
5. Brittle Welds
Brittle welds are frequently identified after testing by a visible granular fracture surface, with little or no stretching or yielding. Brittle welds usually incur a resistant spot which can reflect poor performance in the hold of the weld. Depending on the application, it will cost you time and be potentially dangerous.
How to Fix It
To produce high-quality welds which will not break or cause an issue with the workpiece, you should look at the electrodes you are using. A bare or incorrect-sized electrode will most likely result in a brittle join. To increase your chances of producing strong welds, use shielded arc electrodes, avoid using too much current and go over the weld multiple times for confidence and security.
Get the Perfect Weld Every Time
Although there is no hard and fast rule for welding, each job is different in its own way. Following specific procedures can help prevent many common issues from welding.
Keep It Clean
The most important way to ensure the perfection of your weld is to keep all your equipment clean after each job. Wait for the equipment to cool down and remove any excess material, which not only helps to reduce issues but can prolong the life of your equipment. This will save you money in the long run.
Use the Right Equipment for the Right Job
This may take a little more experience, but using the wrong wire feed, gas, or other consumables will guarantee the production of imperfect welds—research which equipment you will need for your specific metal and choose the corresponding welding gas.
Don’t Cut Cost Corners
Make sure you source everything from reputable suppliers. Whilst it may feel cost-effective to find the cheapest consumables available, it may not benefit you in the long run. Poor-quality materials will produce poor-quality work.
As a bottle gas supplier, we take pride in the strict testing of our gas to ensure our customers only receive the best. So if you need to find a high-quality supplier for your welding gas, we are happy to help. You can order our gases online or contact us for a more customised arrangement.
Why Off-Grid Homes Should Switch to Gas as Back Up
Over the past year, there has been a significant worry about bills. From redundancies through the pandemic of 2020 to the cost-of-living crisis, financial hardship has been ongoing.
Unfortunately, fuel and heat are bills that must be paid, especially for homes that are off-grid and rely on fuel delivery. Off-grid properties range from static homes, cabins, eco-home and even some rural properties in little hamlets across the British countryside. Although it is not as heard of, four million properties in the UK are off the grid regarding their power.
Why Do People Still Live Off-Grid?
Whilst some have no choice but to live without a mains supply of power and fuel, for others, it is a choice they make. Living off the mains supply of electricity and gas can reduce your carbon footprint and helps to make you much more aware of the energy you use. Unlike having a constant supply, knowing there is a limit before your supply runs out significantly affects personal efficiency and use.
Often people choose to go off-grid to reduce their bills. For example, a static caravan can offer less space than a bungalow, but they also cost much less to run. With minimal heating and electricity, lower rental or purchase prices and many sites allowing year-round residency, it could be an ideal solution for couples or those living alone to reduce their bills.
What Are Fuel Options Available for Off-Grid Homes?
Although it would be idealistic to imagine a home back to the basics without the need for electricity, in a modern world, it is not practical. Luckily, there are many options to fuel your off-grid home to provide it with heat and electricity.
Renewable energy. This is a great eco-friendly way to provide your home with power. It offers complete green energy, has no environmental impact, and is a fantastic way to live sustainably. Unfortunately, whilst this may offer some off-grid houses the benefits of being eco, it is not always possible to harness renewable energy. Either due to lack of consistent sun, lack of wind, or not being situated near running water sources. However, even if your home cannot be sustained by renewable energy, it can provide a subsidiary which can help keep your carbon footprint down.
Generators. Various kinds of generators can be used to fuel an off-grid home. There are petrol generators and gas generators. Of course, whilst these are efficient for minor electricity uses, they are extremely noisy and can impact the noise pollution of an area. This is not ideal for everyday use, but if this is an option you may be considering, LPG canisters offer a much greener fuel and are much more cost-effective than petrol.
Oil-fuelled heating systems. Although this option does not include fuel electricity, it can provide off-grid homes with the heat they require to stay warm. These systems are found in rural locations and are popular for non-mobile homes. Unfortunately, though, this option is not very cost-effective year-round and offers very little efficiency.
LPG heating systems. The most versatile and efficient way to heat a home is by installing an LPG boiler. LPG is much more environmentally friendly than oil, with fewer carbon emissions. In addition, due to the construction of LPG, it is physically much cleaner than oil, meaning there will be much less maintenance of the boiler over time.
Oil Heating Systems Vs LPG Heating Systems
Oil burners may have their advantages, but when it comes to saving money, LPG heating systems will offer more benefits. In remote locations, finding an oil supplier may be difficult, and you could be limited to one supplier, giving them a monopoly on prices. However, with the high demand for bottled gases for many applications, you are never too far from an independent supplier.
Another advantage is the maintenance of an LPG heating system. Although they need an annual service, they are less prone to breakdowns due to the lack of liquid than an oil boiler. Oil builds up and can clog the mechanics required to keep everything running smoothly. You may find that with an oil boiler, there are many more callouts and downtimes whilst it waits for repair, which is not ideal in cold winter weather.
Finally, the environmental benefits are much greater than other forms of fuel. LPG is the most environmentally efficient and reliable fuel of all the ways to heat and power your off-grid home. Although LPG is classed as a fossil fuel, it is much cleaner than other fossil fuels, such as coal.
Installation of an LPG Heating System
Mains gas and LPG boilers are very much identical in design and functionality. A typical LPG boiler can cost between £600 and £2000, with the labour costs matching these prices. Conversion to LPG is relatively easy and can be done in a day or two. LPG boiler systems work similarly to gas systems and heat the central heating in your home through a radiator with an efficient heat exchanger.
Hybrid Gas and Renewable Energy as The Way Forward
Of course, renewable energy is the greenest and most environmentally friendly energy you can use for your home. However, if you’re looking for a backup energy source if your renewable energy fails through lack of sun, water or wind, LPG offers the greenest option. Although it is classed as a fossil fuel, it is classed as the most eco-friendly fossil fuel due to its minimal impact on the environment.
A hybrid solution can often be the best way to fuel your home. Oil boilers tend to break down quicker and rely on more maintenance than LPG, which may make them more costly in the long run. In addition, although the expense of installing an LPG system into your off-grid home currently using oil may seem steep, and the unit costs are cheaper, gas can still save you money.
Finding Suitable Gas
When finding the right gas for your off-grid LPG fuelled property, you must ensure you find reliable and high-quality gas supplies. At Adams Gas, we offer regular delivery in Kent, South and central London. We check all our gases before sale to ensure they are of the highest quality and have no contaminants that may cause dangerous implications when in use.
You can browse through our site to order your gas online and learn more about our delivery and how to order. Alternatively, for more regular deliveries, you can contact us directly, and one of our team members will be sure to help you out.
The Advantages of Camping in Winter
Camping? In winter? Why? We hear this a lot. However, there are so many reasons why you should pack up the car and hit the road. First of all, winter is a beautiful time of year. The morning frost and the early sunsets for just two reasons, but there are plenty more. So, let’s see if we can convince you that a camping holiday in the winter offers the best experience.
Not a Bug in Sight!
Summer may be lovely, but with humid temperatures and the glorious sun comes the arrival of bugs. Now, we aren’t just considering the beautiful butterflies, the polka dot ladybugs. We are talking about every bug. Pitching a tent or parking a motorhome can invite swarms of critters, such as ants, flies, wasps, bees and those pesky midges.
However, these are significantly reduced throughout the winter due to their incapability to handle cold climates. This absence of creatures means enjoying your coffee sat lakeside without worrying about applying the insect repellant first.
Cheaper Sites to Pitch Up
Although the prices of pitching a tent or visiting a touring site can be relatively low, they are even lower through the winter months. Most people are put off camping and touring in winter due to the weather, but if that doesn’t bother you, the prices of camping pitches are much lower and with more opportunities to visit a usually fully booked facility.
Throughout the summer, the demand for pitches is very high, so much like other holiday facilities, the prices rise to meet this demand. Throughout the colder months, most UK campsites lower their costs as holidaymakers seek the warmth of an abroad holiday. You may also find that attractions you wish to visit also reduce their prices when you pop in out of season.
Fewer Crowds and Tourists
With a camping holiday, you may be looking to escape the crowds and daily life’s general hustle and bustle. During the summer months, this can be pretty challenging. Campsites usually fill with families, couples and groups of all ages, leading to lines at the facilities, noisy grounds and a busy environment. Throughout the winter, most people will be looking for holidays indoors or out of the country, meaning you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a tranquil camping holiday. The only people you may come across are those looking for the same escape from the crowds as you.
Experience More Stunning Nightlife and Winters Gifts
It’s no secret that winter offers the best nights, from the clear skies and twinkling lights to the cosy warmth of the campfire. Winter can provide the most romantic nights of the year, and what better way to experience the true beauty and peace that long nights bring than pitching up in the middle of nowhere (with permission, of course)?
In the winter, we recommend heading up to the North with your tent or motorhome, as this can be the best way to see the night sky like never before with the Northern Lights. Beautiful greens, purples and deep blue flashes can be seen dancing across the sky whilst you sit back and enjoy from the comfort of your camp bed. These are far more prevalent through the winter skies than the summer, making the winter the best time to pack the tent up for your first glimpse of the dancing lights.
In addition to the stunning night sky, winter also brings the hope of snow. During regular day-to-day life, snow is beautiful for around half a day before becoming grey sludge, causing a bit of a nuisance. However, when you are camping, snow can offer so many fun activities to keep you and your family entertained, skiing, sledging, snowball fights, snowmen and much more. Enjoy all of the snow’s pleasantries with a winter camping experience.
BBQ Season Never Has to End
When camping in the winter, you must ensure you keep warm and nourished. The best way to do this is with the help of a camping stove, allowing you to BBQ no matter what the weather brings. As Brits, we love nothing more than a good BBQ, but when it comes to lighting it up at home, you can often get the odd, funny look in winter. Escape your neighbours’ judgement and enjoy a peaceful holiday with nothing but you and your camping stove.
Camping stoves offer a range of advantages for camping in the winter. They are essential to any winter camping trip, from warm, freshly cooked food caught from a spot of hunting or fishing to boiling the stove kettle for a warm hot drink to beat the chill from your winter walk.
Get the Right Fuel for Camping
Although a camping holiday is not complete without your camping stove, making sure to get the correct fuel is essential. Firstly, you need to ensure you are only getting the best camping gas bottles. At Adams Gas, we ensure that every bottle we sell is tested to make sure there are no contaminants compromising the gas.
Another factor to consider is which gas to get. Although there is a range of suitable LPG gases, winter camping requires a gas that will last in cold weather. The propane vs butane debate has been around for many years. Propane gas bottles can last longer in the cold due to having a lower boiling point, but butane gas and the canister it comes in can be much lighter to travel with, making it better for camping.
Speak to our team today about which gas will suit your winter camping trip the best. Alternatively, you can order the gas you want online, taking advantage of our speedy delivery.
How Is CO2 Used for On-Stage Effects?
From enhancing the lighting to eliminating unwanted pests, CO2 offers the entertainment industry many advantages.
Whether it’s TV shows, live concerts or theatrical shows, their experiences would not be the same without the use of CO2 fog machines. We explore how they work, where they are used and how to ensure your next on-stage appearance is the best it’s ever been.
The Properties of CO2
CO2 is used for many purposes across many industries and offers excellent use on stage for various reasons. Carbon dioxide gas is colourless and is produced from the combustion of coal or hydrocarbons, by fermentation of liquids and the breathing of humans and animals, and by volcanoes. Within entertainment, and with a specialist machine, you can use CO2 for special effects and offer your performance a cloudy fog-like appearance in various ways.
How Does a CO2 Fog Machine Work?
Two kinds of fog machines use CO2 to produce harmless misty smoke.
Heated fog machines use an inert gas like CO2 (or even nitrogen) to propel either mineral oil or glycol-based fluids into a heat exchanger. Once the liquid is warmed, it will evaporate into vaporised particles, which creates a dramatic fog-like appearance. Each fog machine varies in features, but most will allow you to control the output by varying the amount of gas used to propel the liquids.
Chilled fog machines work differently and have a specific purpose compared to the generic heated fog machines. Unlike its counterpart, chilled fog machines were designed to offer a thick cloud just above the surface of the floor. This machine works with the help of boiling water and dry ice (compressed CO2). By placing a piece of dry ice into the heated water, the solid CO2 vaporises into a gas and is propelled with fans, and as it rises, the fog will disperse.
Fog Machines for Pest Control
Although fog and smoke are predominantly used for exaggerating and impressive effects, it is also used for cleaning and pest control. Ultra-Low Volume fogging offers fine droplets between 20-30 micrometres, which is optimal for pest control. This helps prevent rats, roaches, and fleas from creating devastating damage to a building that is regularly empty for long periods, such as cinemas and theatres, which remain closed for most of the day.
Make an Entrance With CO2 Fog Machines
Fog machines offer excellent additions if you wish to make an impression with an on-stage entrance. The likes of singers and musicians use the mystery of fog to conceal their entrance until it disperses. This can often be seen used in conjunction with a rising stage. As the floor rises, the smoke will too and reveal the singer.
Entrances like this encourage suspense and build up excitement in the audience. Often fog machines will undergo tests before the show, which can start to engage the audience’s interest and captures their attention for when the show does begin.
Other examples can be seen in reality TV and competition shows. For example, Stars In Their Eyes utilised fog in the 90’s to transition between costume changes and is still used in contestant-based shows such as The Voice and The Masked Singer.
Create an Ambience
With the likes of dry ice fog machines, you can create a sense of mystery. As the fog lays close to the floor, it acts as a blanket, insinuating something eery or concealing. This effect is utilised heavily for the likes of plays and theatrical shows and has started to become popular around Halloween for domestic decorations.
It is done so due to the immersive effect. It can draw in the audience. As the fog spills over the edge of the stage or the threshold, it flows and disperses into the audience, connecting onlookers to the story and display on a more personal basis.
Adding a fog machine to your equipment list instantly upgrades any dull room to one filled with beauty, mystery, and excitement. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in couples using them for weddings to add that natural romantic dream ambience to the couple’s first dance.
Enhance the Lighting
Whether it is a concert, light show, or event, if there have been lasers and lighting, there will have been the use of fog somewhere down the line. Although lights can look beautiful on their own, lighting teams have discovered their impressive effects when supplied by under haze of fog.
Haze machines are very much like fog machines, the only difference being the involvement you wish to add to your performance. A fog achieves a feature and an effect by itself, whereas a haze machine will help to accentuate the lighting and effects.
Lights and laser shows rely on the thickness of the haze to bounce the light off the droplets, allowing it to reflect. Imagine the old school cartoons of burglars finding the alarm beams with a spray can; the same is used with haze. Beams of light offer many better experiences and can provide a more enjoyable display.
How To Make the Best Quality Fog
What you intend to use the fog or haze for will depend on which machine will suit you. You would choose a cooling fog machine for a spooky and eery blanket for the likes of Halloween. Whereas if you wish to add some thrill to an entrance, then a heated fog machine would work best. Either way, for CO2, you must ensure you are only getting the best quality CO2 gas bottles.
Poor-quality gases can result in poor-quality effects, and when you have an audience looking for something incredible, you need to be sure that your equipment can live up to expectations. As a responsible bottle gas supplier, we triple-check all our gases to ensure that there are no contaminants and our customers are receiving high-quality products.
We offer online and speedy delivery of our gases, so why not order yours today?
How Environmentally Friendly Is LPG?
Staying environmentally friendly can be challenging when looking for fuel. As the world seeks more sustainable solutions across every industry to help slow down climate change, many businesses are addressing how they obtain more environmentally friendly energy.
Of course, the most popular access to cleaner energy is through renewable energy such as solar, wind and water. However, other fuels require less installation and are more efficient at generating power. LPG offers the benefits of green energy with less downtime than electrical power and is much more beneficial for many applications. We explore LPG as green energy and how it can offer a better alternative than other fossil fuels.
What Is LPG?
Liquid Petroleum Gas in its natural form is a gas, but when compressed into a pressurised container, it forms a liquid. LPG has a versatile range of applications and is often a highly sought-after gas with commercial, industrial and domestic uses. LPG is colourless, odourless and combines two natural gases, propane gas and butane gas. Natural fuels formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms are categorised as fossil fuels, which LPG is. Other examples of fossil fuels are coal and petroleum, and when burned to produce energy, release carbon and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, negatively impacting the environment.
Although LPG is classed as a fossil fuel, it is also considered green energy due to having little implications for the atmosphere with harmful gases. For this reason, and its other benefits, many industries choose this gas. For example, this gas can be stored in canisters of various sizes and is at low risk of keeping in bulk outdoors and indoors.
How Is LPG Different From Other Fossil Fuels?
Firstly, it produces up to 90% less carbon dioxide and is non-toxic. LPG does not contain sulphur, so when burned for fuel applications, it does not release as much carbon into the atmosphere, unlike other fuels such as coal and oil. In addition, LPG is much easier to store due to its ability to compress it into more compact solutions than oil and coal.
LPG is a much more reliable fuel as it does not become impacted by the surrounding environment and does not require draining or keeping dry when stored outside. There is also no useless by-product such as ash after use, which means this kind of fuel requires less maintenance and attention. Furthermore, as the gas is non-toxic, suppose there was a leak of some sort, it would pose less of a danger than alternative options.
Finally, the utilisation per kilogram is much more efficient than fossil fuels, which can also result in a much more cost-effective solution. It is easy to transport and, when choosing a smaller LPG canister, can easily move about work sites.
What Can Be Fuelled by LPG?
As businesses consider their carbon footprints more, there has been an increase in the applications of LPG for many appliances and machinery.
LPG-powered forklifts are increasing in popularity. With many of these machines used within large warehouses, having one which LPG fuels can benefit the space with cleaner emissions than one driven by petrol or diesel. In addition, unlike their electrical counterparts, there is no downtime whilst they recharge, and you can ensure you are stocked up on fuel in advance without losing vital warehouse space.
Domestic supply for off-grid homes is another example of using LPG for energy applications. For remote locations, often, there is no mains connection to provide the property with gas. In the past, these homes have been fuelled by oil. However, as the price of oil increases and more homes consider the environmental ramifications, many are switching their supplies to LPG as these can be stored more efficiently and cost much less than oil or coal.
In addition, when looking for an environmentally friendly alternative for cooking and heating on a domestic level, LPG BBQ and patio gas can provide a cost-effective solution. These also offer instant heat and do not require hours of waiting to reach desired temperatures.
Mobile hospitality businesses often use LPG for refrigeration appliances and air conditioning systems. The portability and compact nature of pressurised LPG canisters mean it is much easier to transport and has a much less impact on the environment than petrol generators.
LPG fuelled vehicles have been on the roads for many years. Prior to the popularity of electric vehicles, LPG was the cheapest and more environmentally friendly way to fuel a car. Any car can be converted to LPG, but due to a lack of incentive and promotion from the government, ensuring you could find a fuel station was difficult, and the conversions took up vital space within the vehicles. However, the benefits included cheaper fuel and would prolong a car engine’s life.
Finding Reliable LPG gases
Whilst having machinery or appliances fuelled by LPG is much more beneficial for the environment, it can lead to challenging predicaments without a reliable supply of high-quality gas. Luckily as a leading bottle gas supplier, we offer a variety of sizes of LPG canisters which can suit a wide range of applications. In addition, all our gases are tested prior to sale to ensure that every canister is of the best quality for our customers.
You can purchase our LPG Calor gas canisters online, with a broad network of stockists to offer local and reliable services. If you would like more regular supplies and contractual deliveries, feel free to contact us directly to see how we can help you.
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.