If you’re taking up MIG welding, there are a few things you should know, including the types of gases you can use. MIG welding, which stands for metal inert gas welding, works by consuming the electrode wire, which is fed to the arc zone from the spool.
Choosing the correct gases and their quantities is essential when welding, so in this blog, we’ll look at some of the basics for MIG welding, including shielding gases and their uses.
What Are Shielding Gases?
Simply put, shielding gases have a very distinct purpose in MIG welding. They protect the weld area from oxygen, water vapour, nitrogen and hydrogen. Without this protection, the welding is not done correctly and can lead to several problems, including holes in the weld.
There are many different shielding gases, but the most commonly used ones are:
- Argon
- Helium
- Carbon Dioxide
- Oxygen
We’re well-established suppliers of MIG welding gas across the UK, so don’t hesitate to speak to us today if you’d like to learn more about our products.
Choosing the Right Gas
It won’t do to pick a random gas and hope for the best – you must choose the right one for the application at hand since each gas has unique benefits and drawbacks depending on how and where they’re used.
Argon
Argon is a noble gas with the symbol Ar and the atomic number 18. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, you can use it alone or mixed with other gases – mixtures can create better arc stability or reduce spatter and lead to more attractive welds.
If you want to weld materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, a mix of argon with CO2 can be the better option, though it’s important to balance the quantity of gases because too much carbon dioxide can lead to more spatter – this refers to the drops of molten metal produced near the welding arc.
Argon is also an excellent choice for butt and fillet welds and can be used to weld non-ferrous metals in its pure state. This means that choosing the right gas will also depend on the materials and metals you’re working with. Argon is, therefore, a great choice if you’re welding metals like aluminium or copper.
Helium
In the periodic table, helium has the symbol He and the atomic number 2. This gas is often used for non-ferrous metals as well, and it offers a great performance if you’re working with thick metals. Helium produces a hotter arc than other gases, which increases your welding speed.
It can be used together with carbon dioxide and argon when welding stainless steel, and you can also use it to prevent oxidation.
The downside of using helium is that it’s a costlier gas, as it’s a non-renewable resource that’s slowly disappearing. It also has a higher flow rate than gases like argon.
Carbon Dioxide
You’ll want to choose CO2 when you have a stricter budget and want the cheaper option. This is because carbon dioxide is the most reactive of all these shielding gases and doesn’t require the addition of an inert gas, so it’s not a surprise that this is such a popular option for both beginners and professional welders.
Carbon dioxide gas is also great for thick metals, so you can use it for a wide range of applications.
The cons of choosing CO2 is that the arc it produces is not as stable as the one created by other gases, such as argon and helium. Additionally, it can also create more spatter, so you may want to mix it to prevent this.
Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that if aesthetics is not as important in your project, then this gas is a good choice. However, if you want the weld to be visible and, therefore, as ‘perfect’ as possible, you may want to mix it with other gases.
Oxygen
This is also a reactive gas. Oxygen has the symbol O and the atomic number 8, and is used in small quantities when mixed with other gases (around 9% or less). Adding oxygen ensures arc stability and helps it penetrate materials like stainless steel better.
However, oxygen should be avoided if you’re working with metals like aluminium and copper, since it can lead to oxidation.
This gas is also used in oxyacetylene welding, which uses both oxygen and acetylene to produce flames with temperatures of around 3,200oC.
Adams Gas Can Help
In short, shielding gases are all different and better for certain applications, from non-ferrous metals to more attractive welds. After all, shielding gases impact the weld penetration, the stability of the arc, the quality of the finished weld, the properties of the weld, and more, so you’ll need the right gas for your project.
We have everything you could possibly want at Adams Gas, from pure gases to mixes, so browse our website to see them for yourself. And, if you have any questions about the products we stock (not just our MIG gases, but supplies like TIG welding gas or beer gas), don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team, who will be more than happy to advise you further.
Shielding Gas Basics for MIG Welding
If you’re taking up MIG welding, there are a few things you should know, including the types of gases you can use. MIG welding, which stands for metal inert gas welding, works by consuming the electrode wire, which is fed to the arc zone from the spool.
Choosing the correct gases and their quantities is essential when welding, so in this blog, we’ll look at some of the basics for MIG welding, including shielding gases and their uses.
What Are Shielding Gases?
Simply put, shielding gases have a very distinct purpose in MIG welding. They protect the weld area from oxygen, water vapour, nitrogen and hydrogen. Without this protection, the welding is not done correctly and can lead to several problems, including holes in the weld.
There are many different shielding gases, but the most commonly used ones are:
- Argon
- Helium
- Carbon Dioxide
- Oxygen
We’re well-established suppliers of MIG welding gas across the UK, so don’t hesitate to speak to us today if you’d like to learn more about our products.
Choosing the Right Gas
It won’t do to pick a random gas and hope for the best – you must choose the right one for the application at hand since each gas has unique benefits and drawbacks depending on how and where they’re used.
Argon
Argon is a noble gas with the symbol Ar and the atomic number 18. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, you can use it alone or mixed with other gases – mixtures can create better arc stability or reduce spatter and lead to more attractive welds.
If you want to weld materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, a mix of argon with CO2 can be the better option, though it’s important to balance the quantity of gases because too much carbon dioxide can lead to more spatter – this refers to the drops of molten metal produced near the welding arc.
Argon is also an excellent choice for butt and fillet welds and can be used to weld non-ferrous metals in its pure state. This means that choosing the right gas will also depend on the materials and metals you’re working with. Argon is, therefore, a great choice if you’re welding metals like aluminium or copper.
Helium
In the periodic table, helium has the symbol He and the atomic number 2. This gas is often used for non-ferrous metals as well, and it offers a great performance if you’re working with thick metals. Helium produces a hotter arc than other gases, which increases your welding speed.
It can be used together with carbon dioxide and argon when welding stainless steel, and you can also use it to prevent oxidation.
The downside of using helium is that it’s a costlier gas, as it’s a non-renewable resource that’s slowly disappearing. It also has a higher flow rate than gases like argon.
Carbon Dioxide
You’ll want to choose CO2 when you have a stricter budget and want the cheaper option. This is because carbon dioxide is the most reactive of all these shielding gases and doesn’t require the addition of an inert gas, so it’s not a surprise that this is such a popular option for both beginners and professional welders.
Carbon dioxide gas is also great for thick metals, so you can use it for a wide range of applications.
The cons of choosing CO2 is that the arc it produces is not as stable as the one created by other gases, such as argon and helium. Additionally, it can also create more spatter, so you may want to mix it to prevent this.
Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that if aesthetics is not as important in your project, then this gas is a good choice. However, if you want the weld to be visible and, therefore, as ‘perfect’ as possible, you may want to mix it with other gases.
Oxygen
This is also a reactive gas. Oxygen has the symbol O and the atomic number 8, and is used in small quantities when mixed with other gases (around 9% or less). Adding oxygen ensures arc stability and helps it penetrate materials like stainless steel better.
However, oxygen should be avoided if you’re working with metals like aluminium and copper, since it can lead to oxidation.
This gas is also used in oxyacetylene welding, which uses both oxygen and acetylene to produce flames with temperatures of around 3,200oC.
Adams Gas Can Help
In short, shielding gases are all different and better for certain applications, from non-ferrous metals to more attractive welds. After all, shielding gases impact the weld penetration, the stability of the arc, the quality of the finished weld, the properties of the weld, and more, so you’ll need the right gas for your project.
We have everything you could possibly want at Adams Gas, from pure gases to mixes, so browse our website to see them for yourself. And, if you have any questions about the products we stock (not just our MIG gases, but supplies like TIG welding gas or beer gas), don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team, who will be more than happy to advise you further.
Our Guide to Calor Gas
At Adams Gas, we’re one of the biggest distributors in the South East, and we’re proud to supply our gas products up and down the country.
You’ll find everything from BBQ gas, butane, propane, Camping Gaz plus forklift gas in our Calor range. Whether you’re looking for products for commercial or domestic usage, we’re confident that we have the gas bottles you need.
In this blog, we’ll look at the different uses and applications for Calor gas.
Calor Butane and Propane Gas
Calor gas is a bottled butane and propane brand that creates a wide range of home, business, and automotive fuels. Our range of Calor gases are extremely popular and versatile — they can be used at home, in your workplace or on holiday. The smaller bottles are great for portable use, whilst the larger canisters are suitable for heating caravans, patios or powering barbecues.
View our 7kg Butane cylinder | View our 15kg Butane cylinder
When lighting up your gas BBQ with butane or propane, it’s important to consider that butane will burn cleaner as it only produces CO2 when lit. Butane is more energy-efficient, producing around 12% more energy than propane when the same volume of each gas is burned. This makes butane particularly attractive to those who light up their BBQ a few times a week.
If you’d like to find out more information on these gases, check out our blog on the differences between butane and propane.
Our patio gas bottle refills are available in 5kg or 13kg at affordable prices. We’re proud to provide gas bottle refills on a contractual basis, including the collection, filling and, of course, re-delivery of cylinders that you own.
Forklift and AutoGas
The two main types of forklift truck gas are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). LPG forklifts are a popular and versatile choice, running off a mix of propane, butane and other chemicals.
Our 12kg and 18kg refill cylinders are ideal for forklift trucks and any other liquid off-take requirement.
Forklift gas works by allowing air to enter a “one-way” valve, enabling the gas to go in without leaking back out. When the amount of gas in the cylinder increases, the pressure inside it does too. The pressure, applied across the area of the piston head, creates an upward force.
Camping Gas Bottles
We stock a range of different camping gas brands, so you can guarantee you’ll always find what you’re looking for.
Our compact Coleman C250 canister is great for a couple of nights wild camping or for longer trips, choose our Campingaz 907 bottle — it’s ideal for cooking and heating.
If you’d like to find out more about caravan and camping cooking equipment, follow the link to our blog and start planning for your next trip.
Business Opportunities
If you’re seeking a new business opportunity to sell gas as one of our stockists or to expand your range further, we’re here to help with up to 50% profit on each sale.
You can choose from our wide range of gas products, and you’ll be pleased to know that we take care of the heavy lifting when we supply. So, all you need to focus on is delivering products to customers in your local area for a healthy profit each month.
Head over to our blog on how to supply various industries as a stockist to find out more information on how to provide gases to the various industries that need them.
We deliver butane cylinders and refills, forklift cylinders, patio cylinders, and propane gas regularly throughout Kent, East Kent, East Sussex and South London.
For more information about Calor gas or our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01843 220 596 or 0800 195 4445 to discuss your requirements today!
5 Ways for Businesses to Reduce their Carbon Footprint
Reducing your carbon footprint can play a significant role in lowering costs and boosting your corporate social responsibility goals.
At Adams Gas, we put heavy emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. We offer gas cylinder filling on a contractual basis involving collection, filling and re-delivering customer-owned cylinders.
What are the top tips to lower your carbon emissions?
- Reconsider transportation
- Invest in technology
- Get your staff involved
- Reduce waste, reuse and recycle
- Remove single-use plastics
Let’s look in more detail at the different ways you can lower your emissions:
Reconsider Transportation
Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the UK and so by reducing the number of miles your company travels, you can lower your impact on the environment.
Most businesses rely on transportation for deliveries, networking and commuting, so we’re not suggesting to stop. We’re just promoting efficient vehicles, eco-driving, and fewer air miles.
It’s important to think about how we’re driving. Could we bulk deliver? Take fewer connecting flights? Or how about holding a video meeting instead of travelling? Reconsidering transport and choosing more sustainable ways of working can boost your CSR and make a huge difference in your yearly emissions.
Invest in Technology
By investing in technologies such as smart meters or an integrated building management system, you can expect to reduce your consumption and emissions significantly.
Low and zero-carbon technologies emit low levels of CO2 emissions, or none at all. You can incorporate carbon zero technologies to improve your overall energy-efficiency.
By using low-carbon energy and natural resources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, you can promote renewable energy which is good for the environment. Solar energy has proven to be one of the most efficient sources of renewable energy for home and commercial use.
Get your Staff Involved
Your employees are at the heart of your business and changing or adapting their behaviour can have a significant impact on reducing your emissions. From car shares to correctly managing equipment and reducing waste, you can contribute toward more sustainable practices.
It’s important to educate your staff with programs on how they can help to reduce their carbon footprint. Incentives such as the cycle to work scheme, working from home and getting involved in sustainable activities at work can really make a difference.
Reduce Waste, Reuse and Recycle
By managing and reducing your waste, you can make a big difference. Start small, with things such as recycling efficiently, using food waste bins and becoming paperless where possible.
Adams Gas provide gas cylinder filling services for CO2 gas bottles, Nitrogen gas bottles, Oxygen, Argon and Helium for use in many industries.
Filling gas cylinders can be a dangerous process for an untrained professional. Our friendly team offer a reliable and punctual service to ensure an efficient and safe process and are always on hand to assist with a gas bottle refill. This is far better than disposing of a canister every time you need gas.
If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable waste practices, check out our blog on how to recycle your gas cylinders.
Remove Single-Use Plastics
From carrier bags to water bottles and food packaging, single-use packaging is a serious problem for many businesses. The impact of this plastic waste on our health and the environment has been drastic.
Sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, plus you can reduce the amount of plastic pollution and reduce waste with potential environmental and health hazards.
By disposing of electronics properly, purchasing business supplies in bulk and shopping locally, you can have a huge impact on lowering your contribution toward single-use plastic waste.
We would always recommend safely recycling gas cylinders (where possible) and the British Compressed Gas Association asks that you return empty or finished cylinders to bottled gas suppliers for further use or safe and efficient recycling.
Adams Gas take great pride in our customer service, and we offer a delivery service in Kent, East Sussex and South London.
If you would like more information about any of our gas products or supplies, please get in touch to speak to a friendly team member who can advise you further.
Broaden your Customer Range with CO2 Gas
Here at Adams Gas, we pride ourselves on being the leading suppliers of gas canister refills and rent-free food-grade CO2 bottled gas across the UK.
Our high-quality CO2 cylinders can be used across many industries, and we have sizes for all applications, from 1.5kg up to 34kg.
We already have a well-established client base, but we’re always looking out for stockists to join our network. We find that most of our stockists will see up to a 50% clear profit margin on every sale, potentially more if bottles are refilled regularly.
So with this in mind, let’s take a look at how adding CO2 to your range can fulfil your customer’s needs and bring in more revenue.
Beer & Cellar Gas
We’re proud to offer quality cellar and beer gas solutions at affordable prices. Our cellar and beer gas cylinders are filled at our very own depot, which means we can provide you with cost-effective gas when you need it the most.
Beer gas is often made from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mix of both. So, by introducing carbon dioxide cylinders to your stock list, you can increase your supply chain. Our bar gas cylinders are suited for home bar use, but we also stock trade beer and cellar gas.
Our cellar mix gas bottles are available in various easy to handle and store cylinders, containing 30% CO2 / 70% Nitrogen or 60% CO2 / 40% Nitrogen. The mixture of nitrogen and CO2 helps improve the flavour and lifespan of beer and soft drinks.
We’d recommend supplying up to 6.35kg bottles for home bars and up to 35kg for those who use them more frequently.
CO2 for Glass Frosting
Our CO2 cylinders guarantee the efficient delivery of ice-cold glasses every time. With the option of instant cooling and serving drinks in frosted glasses, you can keep beverages cool for longer.
Our canisters are compatible with Frucosol GF1000 Glass Froster, Coolbar Instant Froster and Hypotherm Glass Froster.
Paintball CO2 Tanks
Our CO2 gas is regularly used at paintball venues for multi-cylinder paintball tank filling, producing 1056 shots per kilogram of CO2. We can provide paintball CO2 tanks in 1.5kg bottles, up to 34kg tanks.
We can also supply paintball cylinder refill kits and filling equipment for your cylinders. Please contact us for more information.
CO2 for Hydroponics and Plant Growth
Our rent-free food-grade CO2 gas bottles are popular for hydroponics, including plant and aquatic plant growth. If you require enhanced plant growth either at home or for business purposes, then our range of bottled CO2 gas is an ideal solution.
Carbon dioxide is an essential element of photosynthesis, proven to promote the fastest levels of plant growth. Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert CO2 and water into sugars in green plants. These sugars are then used for growth within the plant through respiration.
Therefore, carbon dioxide fertilisation is responsible for at least 80% of this increase in photosynthesis.
Tecatlantis 1L CO2 Cylinder
Adams Gas can offer a refill service for customers that have purchased their own Aquatlantis, or Tecatlantis pressurised CO2 aluminium cylinder. Simply bring your cylinder into our filling depot at Margate, or send us the cylinder so that we can fill your cylinder at a fraction of the cost.
These cylinders offer a great solution to ensure a sufficient, safe and reliable supply of CO2 to your aquarium.
We will inspect all cylinders before filling to ensure the safety of you and our filling staff. Please call us before bringing your cylinder so we can advise you on the best day to fill it while you wait. Alternatively, simply drop off your cylinder and collect it in a couple of days.
Adams Gas should be your first port of call when it comes to gas. We take great pride in our customer service, and we offer a delivery service in Kent, East Sussex and South London.
If you would like more information about any of our CO2 gas bottles or supplies, please get in touch to speak to a friendly team member who can advise you further.
How to Supply Various Industries as a Stockist
Gas is a huge part of everyday life, from powering vital lifesaving products to heating your home or business, we all use gas.
At Adams Gas, we’re one of the biggest distributors in the South East and we supply our gas products to our loyal stockist network up and down the country.
If you’re seeking a new business opportunity to sell gas as one of our stockists or maybe you’re looking to expand your range further, rest assured we’re here to help add an additional revenue stream to your business with up to 50% profit on each sale.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various uses for gas across industries that need it every day.
What Can Nitrogen Gas Be Used For?
Nitrogen is the standard medium for contamination-free storage as it is relatively inert. This gas can be both isolated and purified at a low cost and is regularly used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry to absorb moisture while pipes are being repaired.
There are many potential customers for our stockists supplying nitrogen, including engineers, electronics manufacturers and those who work in the motor industry or with pharmaceuticals.
When mixed with CO2, nitrogen can be used to preserve the freshness of packaged or bulk foods. Pure nitrogen can also be used as a food additive and is labelled with the E number E941 in the European Union.
Supplying Oxygen and Nitrogen for Laser Cutting
Both nitrogen and oxygen can be used for laser cutting by removing the liquidised material from its counterpart with great force. When supplying either gas, it’s important to consider the materials and metals that your customer is using, especially as oxygen applied at too high a force, reacts with the metal to generate unwanted heat and, often, burning.
Nitrogen is a great choice for laser cutting as it doesn’t react with metal, though it does need a higher-powered laser to ensure clean cuts.
The Uses for CO2 Gas
There are many uses for CO2 gas, including promoting the growth of plants in greenhouses, carbonating drinks, foaming rubber and plastics, and as a refrigerant to keep food cool.
Our CO2 gas is regularly used at paintball venues, for multi-cylinder paintball tank filling, producing 1056 shots per kilogram of CO2. We can provide paintball CO2 tanks in 1.5kg bottles, up to 34kg tanks.
Beer gas is often made from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mix of both. So, by introducing carbon dioxide cylinders to your stock list, you can increase your supply chain.
Our cellar mix gas bottles are available in a variety of sizes containing 30% CO2 / 70% Nitrogen or 60% CO2 / 40% Nitrogen. The mixture of nitrogen and CO2 helps improve the flavour and lifespan of beer and soft drinks. We’d recommend supplying up to 6.35kg bottles for home bars and up to 35kg for those who use them more frequently.
How Can You Supply MIG and TIG Welding Gas?
Welding gas is necessary for any type of metal welding, so it’s important for local companies to find a reliable stockist they trust.
Our high-quality welding gas products are popular with customers across wholesale and B2B, especially in engineering, farming and car/motor businesses.
MIG welding gas and TIG welding gas can be sold directly to the public in a range of sizes that are portable and easy to store. This makes our gas perfect for construction site workers, air conditioning engineers and all small site welding work. There is also a high demand for welding gas in manufacturing plants, including the motor vehicle industry.
The basic gas used for MIG welding is argon, but both argon and helium mixtures can be used for all welding grades. No matter what your customer needs, we can supply you with gas in a variety of sizes, from 20L trade welding gas cylinders to 9L hobby welding gas cylinders.
If you’d like to find out more about how to become a stockist for Adams Gas then please get in touch or visit our business opportunities page.
You can choose from our wide range of gas products and you’ll be pleased to know that we take care of the heavy lifting when we supply. So, all you need to focus on is delivering products to customers in your local area for a healthy profit each month.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gas
As a trusted supplier of gas, we frequently get asked questions about gas safety, the difference between butane and propane, as well as the best uses for our gas products. In this blog, we’ll be answering our most common FAQs.
What is Butane Gas Used For?
We stock a wide range of butane gas bottles for residential and commercial use. It’s a versatile gas and can be used in fridges, lighters, and aerosols. Butane is also popular for camping and caravanning because it provides portable heating, as well as the capability to fuel barbecues quickly and efficiently.
Unlike gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, butane is not a greenhouse gas and does not affect the ozone layer.
What To Do When Gas Cylinder Catches Fire?
If you find yourself in a situation where a gas cylinder is involved in a fire or close to fire, do not approach or attempt to move the cylinder or operate the valve. Evacuate the area immediately and keep others away.
Contact the Fire & Rescue Service as soon as possible, informing them of your location, as well as the type and quantity of gas involved.
If you’d like to read more about gas safety then please read our blog on how to stay safe when handling gas.
How Long Does a Gas Bottle Last?
As a gas bottle supplier, we know there are several things that influence how long a gas bottle lasts. These factors include, your burner, low or high heat, the use and frequency of use.
The gas application is a major factor of how long your bottle will last because it determines how much gas you need. A 45kg cooking gas bottle can last around 244 days, depending on the burner you have and the frequency with which you use the gas. If you have a Calor gas propane 6kg bottle and if you consider that 1kg of propane can give around 13.6 kWh of energy – you will be able to use a cooker for about 81.6 hours.
At Adams Gas, we provide many different types of gas, including butane. Each 220g of butane will last for approximately 3 to 4 hours on low heat, meaning you can really get your money’s worth with this type of gas. Our Calor gas butane 15kg bottles could last for up to 238 hours on low heat.
What Gas Do You Use For a BBQ?
Fire up the BBQ whatever the weather with our range of Calor bottled gases. Not only can you start cooking almost instantly after turning your gas on, you can also carry on cooking for longer.
Propane gas exerts significantly more pressure than butane at the same temperature, meaning it’s ideal for exterior storage and BBQ use all year round.
Butane gas is also great for barbeques as it produces around 12% more energy than propane when the same volume of each gas is burned. While butane is a popular choice for those who light up their BBQ a few times a week, you should consider that butane gas won’t flow when the weather is cold.
Interested to find out more? Read our blog on the differences between propane and butane for bbqs.
What is a Standing Charge?
With energy, the standing charge is the cost of having a gas and electricity supply, then you pay usage charges on top. The standing charge is the fee you pay to your energy supplier simply because it gives you access to energy.
How to Transport Gas Safely?
Transporting gas cylinders in a safe and responsible manner is essential to the safety and welfare of your employees and the general public. Gas Safe recommends that any organisation transporting dangerous goods, such as butane gas bottles, follows the basic legal safety regulations within ADR, which include driver training, vehicle ventilation, safety equipment and basic safety training with gases.
You should always comply with gas safety rules, which include no smoking in, or near to any vehicle that is being used to transport gas bottles, no carrying more than 333kg of gas without an ADR license, no operation of ignition near the gas bottles and no carrying of any unnecessary passengers whilst transporting gas cylinders.
If you’d like to find out more about safety when transporting gas cylinders then please read our blog which outlines full gas safety instructions.
We’re always on hand to answer your questions, so if you have anything you’d like to ask then please get in touch, we’d love to help.
Business Opportunities with Adams Gas
Become a Stockist and Grow Your Business
Here at Adams Gas, we’re proud to be recognised as the South-East’s biggest distributor of bottled gas over the last 20 years and that’s why we’re looking to expand our stockist network in 2021!
This is a great business opportunity for you to add a reliable, additional revenue stream while working with a top UK supplier. We’d love to be a part of your business growth by supplying our quality line of gas products.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Stockist?
Whether you’re looking to supply welding gas to farmers and engineers or provide helium balloon gas for weddings or party shops, let us help you to scale-up your business and add a sales arm to your growing company.
You can choose from our wide range of gas products and you’ll be pleased to know that we take care of the heavy lifting when we supply. So, all you need to focus on is delivering products to customers in your local area for a healthy profit each month.
What Gas Products Are Available?
When it comes to gas products, you can open up your business to an endless amount of opportunities. At Adams Gas, we have something for everyone, including Beer Gas, CO2 gas, Nitrogen gas, Helium Balloon Gas, as well as TIG & MIG Welding Gas.
Want to find out how you would benefit most from stocking and supplying gas as part of Adams Gas stockist network? Take a look at our products and their everyday uses below.
Welding Gas
Our high-quality welding gas is popular with customers across B2B sales and wholesale, especially in the areas of farming, engineering, agricultural merchants and car motor factors.
Our MIG welding gas and TIG welding gas can be sold directly to the public in a range of sizes that are easy to carry and store. This makes our gas perfect for portable use or small site workers, especially hobby welders and car restorers.
Helium Balloon Gas
Many of our stockists sell helium gas for weddings, formal occasions and parties, though there are many more uses, including regular use in the motor industry, for large or small BBQs and by market traders.
At Adams Gas, we offer a wide range of rent free, refillable and disposable 2L, 9.4L and 20L helium canisters. Our disposable tanks are the ideal option for small one-off events, whereas our refillable option is sustainable for business use.
The versatility of helium makes it a great business opportunity, as you can supply both businesses and the general public’s demand for a variety of uses.
CO2
We have a fantastic range of rent-free Carbon Dioxide liquid and gas off-take cylinders. Our CO2 gas can be used in a number of ways, such as at paintballing venues, in aquatics, for glass frosting in hospitality, as well as hydroponics and plant growth.
Choose from a variety of CO2 bottle sizes, from 1.5kg up to 34kg bottles that can be used for impressive theatrical effects on stage, in film and at music events.
Nitrogen
We can supply our stockists with nitrogen cylinders in a 2L, 9L, 20L and even a 50L quantity. There are many applications for nitrogen, the most popular being food and wine preservation, air conditioning and purging, fire suppression, and within motorsports.
As the original rent-free bottle supplier in the UK, we’re proud to offer our customers the best gas at a fair price, without the continual rent charged by other gas suppliers.
Beer & Cellar Gases
We offer the most cost-effective cellar and beer gas solution for your business. Our cylinders are affordable and can improve the taste, as well as extend the life of your customers favourite draught beers. Cheers to that!
It will come as no surprise that our beer and cellar gases are most popular among pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés, although during lockdown we’ve seen an increased number of stockists supplying our gas for home bars — which we predict will have continued growth in 2021.
Profits and Business Opportunities of a Stockist
We usually find that many of our stockists will see up to a 50% profit margin on every sale, potentially more if you encourage customers to refill their gas products on a regular basis.
The potential of sales really is limitless. Once you have launched our product and have a well-established customer base who would be interested in purchasing gas for trade or domestic purposes, you can expect to reap financial rewards very quickly.
We love to see our stockists succeed and so, we always supply you with regular leads from our website. When you coordinate these leads with your local customers and store sales, there is a huge potential for large profit margins.
If you’d like to find out more about our business opportunities and work alongside Adams Gas as a stockist, then please get in touch and we can answer any questions you may have.
We are open for business as usual during lockdown.
How Long Does a Gas Bottle Last?
At Adams Gas, we stock a wide range of gas bottles that are suitable for many different applications. This includes beer brewing, camping, tyre inflation, TIG and MIG welding, and so much more. Whether you need some gas for a home project or for your business, you may have asked yourself the question: just how long does a gas bottle last?
So, in this article, we’re providing a few estimates on how long specific bottles can last, which will help you see the value for money and the exact amount of gas you require for your project before you make a purchase.
Factors That Impact Gas Consumption
As a gas bottle supplier, we know there are several things that influence how long the gas bottle lasts. These factors include:
Your Burner
The type of burner you’re using will make a huge impact on this, and so will the size of the burner, as bigger ones will consume gas faster. So, depending on what you have at home or use in your business, you may want to buy more or less bottles to ensure you have the right amount and don’t have to make additional purchases or pay for too much gas.
Low Heat or High Heat
When cooking, for instance, setting the cooker on a high heat will consume gas faster than on a lower heat. Same if you cook for a longer period of time since this will consume more gas. So, if you ever find yourself running out of gas, then it’s a good idea to keep it on a low setting to ensure you don’t run out when you least expect it – and try to make it quick!
Gas Flow in Welding
If you’re welding, the flow through the aperture can greatly impact how long the gas will last. The more you use, the faster you’ll run out.
The End Use
How are you using the gas bottles? Are you welding, making beer or filling balloons? The gas application is a major factor because it determines how much gas you need. Cooking a BBQ on the patio throughout summer will probably consume less than welding for that same amount of time.
Frequency of Use
And, if you’re using your gas bottles every day, then they won’t last as long as if you only use them sparingly, of course. Frequency of use is crucial when deciding how many bottles to buy, so don’t skip this step if you want to purchase the right amount.
So, How Long Will Your Gas Bottle Last?
Keep in mind these are only estimates, as we’ve just seen there are many factors that influence how long the gas bottles actually last. Still, they can be incredibly useful if you’re about to make a purchase but aren’t sure where to even start.
How long does a 45kg gas bottle last?
A 45kg cooking gas bottle can last around 244 days, depending on the burner you have and the frequency you use the gas. If you use it for over an hour a day, for example, you can expect the bottle to last a lot less. No matter what, it’s still a very respectable number, so you can expect such a large bottle to keep working for you for a long time.
How long does 6Kg cooking gas last?
If you were camping and cooking on a full-size BBQ, for example, you could expect your 6kg bottle of BBQ and patio gas to last, approximately 18 hours. Plenty of time for a few delicious meals over the span of a few days, so you don’t have to worry about running out in the middle of your trip.
How long does a 6kg propane gas bottle last?
Is there any difference with propane? If you have a Calor gas propane 6kg bottle – and if you consider that 1kg of propane can give around 13.6 kWh of energy – you may be able to use a cooker for about 81.6 hours.
How long does a butane tank last?
At Adams Gas, we provide many different types of gas, including butane. Each 220g of butane, more or less, will last about 3 to 4 hours on low heat, meaning you can really get your money’s worth with this type of gas. One of our Calor gas butane 15kg bottles could last, therefore, approximately, 238 hours on low heat.
If you want more accurate estimates, why not get in touch with Adams Gas today? We can let you know how long your gas cylinder will last depending on the project on hand, so you’ll get a figure that’s more tailored to you.
You can send us an online message any time you want, and we’re more than happy to help. Likewise, we can answer any questions you may have about any of our products.
Steps To Guarantee A Good Weld
Welding can be a challenge even for the most experienced of welders. There are a huge number of factors that can affect the quality of a weld. In this article, we will look at some of the steps you can take to minimise the risk of your welding project going wrong.
We will discuss several tips such as investing in the right equipment, ensuring you have new equipment on hand, as well as more simple steps like ensuring your work surface has been suitably prepared before welding.
We will refer to always purchasing high-quality TIG and MIG welding gas to ensure you can consistently get a good weld in your next project.
Investing In The Right Equipment
As the saying goes, if you buy cheap, it will cost you, dear. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to spending money on welding equipment. Increased global competition in the market has forced fabrication and welding companies to come up with new ways to cut costs.
Most companies try to save money by cutting the cost of production. Quite often, the biggest production expense is equipment. Welding and fabrication companies try to get the best price possible when dealing with equipment manufacturers.
Although it might seem like a great idea initially, it can be ineffective in the long run. Increasing overall productivity offsets the cost of production. Fabrication and welding companies can keep costs down over time by using better equipment to increase productivity.
Investing in one high-quality piece of fabrication and welding equipment now, rather than two or three over the next ten years, saves money. Higher quality equipment reduces waste and delivers improved sustainability.
Ensuring You Have The Right Equipment On Hand
Choosing the right welding machine can be confusing. Welding is still very much a skill. Many welders prefer to stick with the tried and tested methods. Depending on what the result needs to be, a more modern approach might be beneficial.
With new processes comes new equipment and welders must have the right equipment to hand. When it comes to picking the right tools, many factors need to be taken into consideration. The specifics of the job, spatial requirements, location and the skill of the welder all play a part.
Different types of welding processes are used for different jobs. MIG welding is the most commonly used welding process. It allows high-quality results and speedy processes. MIG welding works when a filler wire ignites the welding arc. The MIG welding gas shields the molten weld pool from oxidation. High-quality MIG welding gas is vital for a top-quality weld.
Pure Argon gas is used in MIG welding for aluminium and its alloys. MIG welding gas made up of an Argon CO2 mix is commonly used for steel processes, while Argon/Helium mixes are traditionally used for deeper penetration. MIG welding is relatively easy to learn, and with new digital machines, the process is smoother than ever.
TIG welding uses a shielded gas process. It’s used to produce great quality and seam-free welds. It’s commonly used on stainless steels copper and titanium. This process is found most in pipeline and aerospace industries. As with MIG processes, TIG welding gas is used to shield the workpiece from oxidation. It’s important to have the right equipment on hand to cover weld processes. Top of the list in this equipment should be high-quality TIG gas.
The Importance Of Clean Weld Surfaces
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Nowhere is this more important than with welding. Dirty welds can never be strong. Debris can risk the integrity of the weld so clean metal is the key to a good weld, and there are a few materials you can use to prep your metal.
Even new metal has to be prepared before welding. New metals usually come with a coating so that it doesn’t rust in the shipping process. The different types of weld you are carrying out will determine the way you prep your metal.
MIG welding doesn’t need to have the same level of cleanliness as TIG welding. Angle grinders and flap discs are perfect for preparing metal for both MIG and TIG welding. After you’ve used the flap disc to remove the coating from the metal, a wipe down with acetone will leave it clean and ready.
A clean surface and the use of high-quality equipment is vital to the result of every weld. It’s a part of the process that should be carried out before any welding takes place. So if you’re looking for the perfect TIG or MIG welding gas to ensure your weld goes off without a hitch, be sure to consider purchasing from a trusted and reliable supplier such as Adams Gas!
How Much Gas Did It Take for David Blaine Ascension?
Illusionist and endurance performer David Blaine took to the skies this year with his latest performance project: Ascension. Using helium balloons, Blaine undertook what could be considered a tribute to the Pixar film Up by floating over the Hudson strapped underneath a bunch of balloons at around 25,000 feet before slipping out of his harness and falling back to the Earth.
Here at Adams Gas, we love the chance to talk about all things gas related. Helium is something we know a lot about, so we were curious to find out just how much helium went into this stunt. Read on to find out more about David Blaine and Ascension.
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Who is David Blaine?
David Blaine is an endurance artist and extreme performer best known for his high-profile endurance feats, such as living in a suspended glass box for 44 days. He started as a street magician, and when he sent a recording of himself performing magic to ABC, he received a tremendous response. In 1997 he had his own special, David Blaine: Street Magic, and in 1999 he performed his first endurance stunt where he was entombed in an underground plastic box beneath a three-tonne water-filled tank for seven days.
In 2008 he broke the world record for a person holding their breath underwater, 17 minutes, four and a half seconds, surpassing the previous record of 16 minutes, 32 seconds. However, this was beaten five months later by a German diver who managed a time of 17 minutes, 19 seconds.
Over the last couple of decades, Blaine has performed a number of endurance feats, magic shows and broken several world records. In 2000 he stood in a large block of ice for almost 64 hours, and in 2006 he was submerged in a water-filled sphere for seven days. Ascension marks the first endurance stunt in Blaine’s career for eight years.
Ascension
Blaine’s aerial stunt saw him rise into the Arizona sky beneath a cluster of multicoloured helium-filled balloons. He reached an altitude of nearly 25,000 feet before falling back to the Earth. However, this is by no means the highest a balloon skydiver has ever gone, but the appeal of Blaine’s performance was not just about the height reached.
The world record currently stands at 135,890 feet when Alan Eustace jumped from a scientific balloon. However, Eustace, like previous daredevils who have attempted this kind of stunt, had worn a special pressurised suit during his dive, and the previous world record holder before Eustace had even ascended inside a custom-built capsule.
Blaine took to the skies in his regular street clothing, adding a mix of danger and drama to the stunt.
Fifty-two latex balloons that stretched up to around 50 feet tall were used to take Blaine up into the air. Most of the balloons used were 8 feet in diameter, but there were also some smaller 5.5 feet and 4 feet balloons used to help get the exact balance just right. It’s estimated that one of the large 8ft balloons would give around 15 pounds of uplift, so with Blaine’s 198 pounds of weight, there was quite a lot of uplift needed to get him 25,000 feet up into the air.
So how much helium was used in the stunt? There would need to be an awful lot of the gas required to fill 52 massive balloons. Well, to figure it out, we need to look at how much helium is necessary to fill balloons of that size.
A balloon of 8ft in diameter will require approximately 10,730 litres of helium to fill it – which is a whole lot of helium! When we factor in Blaine’s 198 pounds of weight, we calculated that the entire stunt would require around 85,850 litres of helium to get him up into the air.
You can watch the entirety of Blaine’s stunt on YouTube from set up to take off to the final skydive back down to the Earth:
The stunt is undoubtedly impressive and is an excellent demonstration of just how incredible helium gas really is. His ascension lasted around 30 minutes, and he controlled the lift by shedding small bags of sand to go higher and released individual balloons in order to descend before performing the jump.
We actually covered how many helium balloons it would take to lift several items and animals from around the world in a handy infographic before. You might be surprised just how much gas is required for some objects!
While you’re unlikely to be attempting Blaine’s stunt yourself, you may still find yourself in need of helium canisters. At Adams Gas, we specialise in providing a wide variety of gas bottles and canisters, including disposable helium cylinders and refillable helium canisters. We can stock a vast range of other gas cylinders including Calor gas, propane, butane, patio gas, beer and cellar gas, and MIG and TIG welding gas. Contact us today for more information.
Amazing Welding Work from Around the World
Welding can be an art form in itself. Doing a good job is one thing but having the ability to create a truly impressive project is another. There are many amazing welding projects online, and we’re taking a closer look at some of them in this article – who knows, you might even feel inspired by them as well.
What Defines Great Welding Work?
If you were presented with a welding job done by someone with many years of experience as well as a more amateurish job, we’re confident that you’d be able to tell the difference immediately. So, what makes great welding great?
- The skill of the welder
- A deep understanding of the welding processes (like MIG and TIG)
- Correct gap preparation between two parts being joined
- Quality of the weld
- Lack of defects like overlaps and root cracks
- Welded joints that are well designed and look great
Having all of the above can be a challenge, but those who do are able to create welds that are not only functional and capable of withstanding the test of time, but that also look good. And aesthetics is just as important, especially if the welds are in plain sight.
Below, you can see how people put these elements into practice and the projects that resulted from that hard work.
What Does Amazing Welding Work Look Like?
A beautiful weld is a sight to behold, and the comments on this Instagram image agree with us. The project uses the TIG process to create an aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted weld. Just looking at how consistent the style is, it’s clear this welder (who we believe is in Japan) has a lot of skill and knowledge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHMTDweDRwG/
You can create amazing projects as well with our TIG welding gas, as we supply this and other key elements that go towards making a great weld.
Another clearly skilled welder is the person who created a WALL-E from metal parts they welded together. This clearly takes welding to the next level, especially as this particular creation even has a Bluetooth speaker built-in.
This one is the perfect blend of art project with metalworking and welding skills, and we love it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHLMpD-jJmn/?igshid=5bh5l2bx1xwd
This scrap metal artist has other amazing projects on his Instagram page, including large dinosaurs, so make sure to check it out.
We couldn’t stop ourselves from adding in another stunning welding job. The next image shows a very consistent and clean weld made on Inconel 690. Inconel can, sometimes, form cracks, but the job below has been done properly from start to finish. It’s impossible to pick up any starts and stops either.
The devil’s in the details, as they say, and the next example of great welding work really showcases that. Making sure the welds look consistent is just as important as making sure the gate works properly, and this hobbyist welder seems to have nailed it.
Or how about this welding job done on 316 stainless steel? Again, this weld is consistent and shows a great deal of skill, as it appears impossible to detect any starts and stops either. Work like this looks visually beautiful but also allows the metal part – in this case, a reducer socket – to perform well. And, of course, we’re also confident this type of work will last for a very long time.
Part BBQ, part Death Star, the following project is a truly amazing feat made from scrap metal and put together through skill and welds. We couldn’t agree more with commenters saying the artist should sell more of this, as many people would love to own a fire pit like it.
One of the most impressive things about this, apart from the obvious, is that its builder doesn’t create diagrams or draw plans of any sort, preferring to build as he goes.
If you enjoy metalwork sculptures, like the WALL-E we showcased above, how about a dragon on a massive scale? This 3.5-metre-high dragon is made from iron and, according to the artist, it has over 1km of welds! That’s incredibly impressive, and you really have to see it to believe it.
Fortunately, the artist provided a video:
Lining up so many angles and perfectly executing so many welds takes a great deal of skill and this welder, who we believe is in the USA, has it in heaps. All in all, the dragon measures 9 metres from nose to tail and the different metal parts were put together using MIG.
We also offer MIG welding gas at Adams Gas, so you too could start creating amazing projects such as this. 
At Adams Gas, we are passionate about welding and metalwork and aim to help people create their own projects, whether they’re amateurs or professionals. We provide a wide range of products you can use for your next project, so contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Why You Should Invest in a Home Bar Today
Many people love spending an evening with friends or family at their local, something that current circumstances has unfortunately put on pause throughout the year.
But whilst the doors to your favourite pub are closed, there is nothing stopping you from creating your very own at home.
Home bars are quickly becoming more popular. By implementing your own bar, you can enjoy your favourite drinks from the comfort of your own home. You get to stock your bar with whatever you want and enjoy it, without having to worry about designated drivers or closing times.
Here are all the reasons you should invest in a home bar, and how Adams Gas can help.
Save Money on Drinking Out
The initial investment of a home bar might be pricey, but it will actually put money back in your pocket in the long run. When you have your own bar, you only pay for the drink itself – or the ingredients when you brew your own – you don’t have to worry about service charges.
Stocking your home bar doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you want to brew your own beer to serve. There are so many ways to create your home bar that will suit every style and budget.
Plus – you don’t have to worry about travel either.
Enjoy a Bar During Lockdown
With all pubs and bars having closed their doors in November, now is the perfect time to install your very own home bar. You can relax from work – whether you’re working from home or not – and enjoy a cold, refreshing beer in your very own bar, regardless of restrictions. You and your loved ones can unwind and enjoy nights in from the comfort of your own home.
Even when life returns to normal and bars open their doors, you will still have the choice of going out or staying in when you fancy a drink.
Stock Your Favourites
For beer lovers, there is nothing worse than getting to a pub and realising you like nothing they have on tap.
When you’re responsible for stocking your own bar, this is something you don’t need to worry about. At your bar, you stock only what you want to drink, so it’s always there waiting for you. Make your home bar truly yours by stocking it full of your favourite drinks, whether it’s wines, liquors or home-brewed beer.
Enjoy A Drink With Family and Friends
Whilst we cannot spend time with family as freely as we would like to right now, once restrictions are lifted slightly in the coming months, there is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family round for a tipple in your very own bar. Whilst pubs and bars are great, there’s nothing quite like enjoying some genuine quality time with friends and family in the privacy of your own home. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a catch up with friends and family who have been unable to visit you in person for a long time.
Whether you’re inviting life-long friends for a home-brewed beer, or hosting a family get together, your home bar can act as a genuine social hub for your closest friends and family. It’s also worth noting that children don’t have to be left out too, you could choose to install a soda machine as part of your overall home bar, so no one has to be left out!
Beer Gas from Adams Gas
Suppose you’ve been convinced that a home bar is right for you. In that case, you need to consider what kind of drinks you’ll serve there. Brewing your own beer is a cost-effective way to drink it, allows you to get creative with flavours and can even give you a great way to make extra money by selling it, or providing you with homemade gifts to give out at Christmas. Brewing your own beer isn’t as tricky as it sounds, and Adams Gas can help.
We can provide you with a range of rent-free bar gas cylinders that are perfectly suited to home users. Adams Gas have carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide/nitrogen mix cylinders that are easy to handle and store. Our range of home bar gas is perfect for your home brewery creations, and our range of beer gas can help improve the taste of your beer, extend its life and improve its overall presentation. Contact us today to find out more about our range of gases and how we can help you bring your home brewed beer to life.