Responds to Gas Chromatographers` Need for Low-Cost, High-Purity, Lightweight
Regulators
RADNOR, Pa.–(Business Wire)–
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of specialty gases and
equipment, today introduced its new line of analytical specialty gas regulators
designed especially for gas chromatography at the 61st Pittsburgh Conference on
Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (PITTCON) in Orlando. The
regulators were developed in response to chromatographers` requests for a
low-cost and a more lightweight option.
Chromatographers are tasked with working within the parameters of increasingly
tight budgets. One option is to use low-cost regulators that are not designed
for chromatography applications – a side effect of which is the introduction of
impurities into the gas stream, producing inconsistent results. “We are always
listening to our customers,” said Jim Muller, senior vice president for
specialty gases and life sciences at Airgas. “Chromatographers will appreciate
this new line of analytical regulators because now they can use these similarly
priced, high-purity regulators and get optimum and accurate results.”
Airgas` patented regulators are made from solid bar stock with a needle valve
built in the regulator body to reduce internal volume and have stainless steel
diaphragms to provide the consistent, high-purity results required in gas
chromatography applications. “Typical low-cost regulators use a forged body and,
as a result, have a large internal volume which can trap impurities and create
inconsistencies in analytical results,” explained Frank Kandl, manager of
Airgas` national technical equipment center. “They also tend to use neoprene
diaphragms which can absorb and off-gas contaminants into the gas stream.”
Kandl attributes a unique bonnet design that incorporates a special resin, to
the regulator`s significantly reduced weight. Airgas regulators are more than 10
percent lighter than similarly priced models, making them easier to handle when
connecting to a cylinder. The regulators also have an available check-valve
cylinder connection to prevent contaminants from entering the gas stream during
cylinder change out.
For more information about Airgas` analytical regulators for gas chromatography,
please visit the Airgas booth (number 3521), March 1 – 4, or by calling
800-939-5711, ext. 110. Registered PITTCON attendees who visit the Airgas
exhibit will be entered to win a Kindle, Amazon`s original wireless reading
device.
About Airgas, Inc.
Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its
subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and
specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas
is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest
U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide
producer in the Southeast, the fifth largest producer of atmospheric merchant
gases in North America, and a leading distributor of process chemicals,
refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over
1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty
gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also
distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog, and telesales
channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge
to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit
www.airgas.com.
Airgas, Inc.
Media Contact:
Jay Worley (610) 902-6206
jay.worley@airgas.com
or
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
Copyright Business Wire 2010
