In the world of precision measurement, calibration gases play a critical role. Whether you are ensuring accurate medical equipment operation, managing environmental monitoring systems, implementing industrial safety, or calibrating hazardous gas detectors, the quality of calibration gases directly impacts the accuracy of your instruments. To maximize efficiency and ensure precise results, selecting the right calibration gas supplier is crucial. In this post, we'll explore 10 tips and considerations for making the best choice when selecting calibration gas suppliers.
In the world of precision measurement, calibration gases play a critical role. Whether you are ensuring accurate medical equipment operation, managing environmental monitoring systems, implementing industrial safety, or calibrating hazardous gas detectors, the quality of calibration gases directly impacts the accuracy of your instruments. To maximize efficiency and ensure precise results, selecting the right calibration gas supplier is crucial. In this post, we'll explore 10 tips and considerations for making the best choice when selecting calibration gas suppliers.
1. Quality Assurance is Paramount
The cornerstone of any calibration gas supplier is their commitment to quality. When evaluating potential suppliers, inquire about their quality assurance processes. Do they adhere to recognized standards like ISO 17025:2017? Are their calibration gases traceable to national or international standards like those from NIST? A reputable supplier should provide certificates of analysis for their products, demonstrating their commitment to precision.
2. Wide Range of Gas Mixtures
Different industries and applications require specific gas mixtures. A trustworthy calibration gas supplier should offer a wide range of gas mixtures to meet diverse needs. From single-component gases to complex multi-component mixtures, the ability to customize and provide a variety of gases is a good sign of a supplier's capability and flexibility. You might ask them something like, “How many custom mixes do you deliver each week?” to understand their capabilities better.
3. Reliability and Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to calibration gases. Your supplier should have a proven track record of delivering gases with consistent concentrations over time. This reliability ensures that your measurement instruments remain accurate, reducing the risk of errors, costly recalibrations, or safety issues.
4. Timely Delivery and Availability
Efficiency often hinges on timing. Ensure that your calibration gas supplier can meet your delivery requirements promptly. Delayed deliveries can disrupt operations and lead to downtime… which ultimately translates to lost revenue. Are they able to accommodate rush orders and ship same-day requests? Also consider a supplier's geographic proximity, as this can impact delivery times and costs.
5. Compliance with Regulations
Various industries have stringent regulations regarding the use and handling of calibration gases. Ensure that your chosen supplier complies with all relevant regulations, including safety and environmental standards. Strict compliance and tracking not only ensures the safety of your operations but also avoids potential legal issues.
6. Cost-Effective Solutions
While quality is paramount, cost-effectiveness is also essential. Seek a supplier who offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Consider long-term contracts or bulk purchasing options that may provide cost savings. Also, be careful about added charges. Hazardous material, rush order, custom mix, paper cert, paper SDS, and cylinder refill add-ons are becoming popular and can quickly inflate your cost per cylinder.
7. Technical Support and Expertise
Calibrating complex instruments may require technical expertise. A reliable calibration gas supplier should offer technical support and guidance to help you make informed decisions about gas selection, handling, and storage. Their expertise can be invaluable. You might ask them if they have an in-house lab, or how long they’ve been manufacturing and supplying calibration gas.
8. Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability is a growing concern in today's world. Evaluate your supplier's commitment to environmental responsibility. Do they have eco-friendly packaging and disposal practices? Are they involved in initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint? Supporting environmentally responsible suppliers aligns with the broader trend towards sustainability in global industries.
9. Customer Reviews and References
Before finalizing your choice, research customer reviews and ask for references from the calibration gas supplier. Hearing about the experiences of other customers can provide valuable insights into the supplier's reliability, customer service, and overall performance.
10. Scalability for Future Growth
Consider your future needs. A supplier that can scale with your business as it grows is advantageous. Discuss their capacity to accommodate increased demand and any additional services they can provide as your calibration gas requirements evolve.
In conclusion, selecting the right calibration gas supplier is a critical decision that directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of your customers and their operations. By prioritizing quality assurance, wide product range, reliability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, technical support, environmental responsibility, and scalability, you can make an informed choice that maximizes efficiency and ensures precise measurements. Remember that efficiency is not just about the products but also the partnership you build with your supplier, so choose wisely to achieve your goals.
Intermountain Specialty Gases is a family-owned business that was founded in 1992 and is a leading and trusted manufacturer of calibration gases for gas detection with distributors worldwide. Through superior customer service, proprietary processes, integrated technology, quick turnaround time, product guarantees, and over 100 years of combined experience, Intermountain Specialty Gases continually strives to exceed customer expectations. Contact Logan Christensen to discuss partnering with Intermountain Specialty Gases today and schedule a time to review your customized distributor pricing proposal.
Regional Sales Manager
21913 Cobalt Avenue, Caldwell, ID 83605
5041 Spencer Hwy, Ste 707, Pasadena, TX 77505
Office: 208-585-5848
Toll Free: 800-552-5003
logan@isgases.com
Specialty gases have become critical components for nearly every industry, including chemicals, biotechnology, materials processing, environmental, foods, semiconductors, and medical. Defining the term “specialty gas” seems simple at first. But after considering the numerous ways specialty gasesspecialty gases might differ from their commodity counterparts, it becomes tempting to apply the aphorism “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.”
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying Specialty Gases
1. What is the cost of the gas?
2. What is the quality of the product? If you depend on the gas to do your job and to provide the best possible results, quality is extremely important. For gases, “quality” means some desirable combination of purity and mixture accuracy.
3. What grade of gas do you need for your applications? Which impurities will adversely affect your application?
4. What are your tolerance requirements? How quickly will you need the product? Gas mixtures can take two weeks or longer to manufacture, analyze and ship to the customer.
5. What kind of service and support does the company offer? How knowledgeable are they in the latest gas analysis and blending techniques? Top gas providers offer cylinder tracking, hazardous material response, specialty gas equipment, safety products, and assistance in designing laboratories and custom gas management systems.
Three Fast Facts on Specialty Gases
• The definition of a “specialty gas” is a tricky thing. One expert defines such a gas as: “any gas that’s tested for purity after the cylinder is filled.” That can include pure gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, or custom gas blends.
• All major gas manufacturers provide specialty pure gases in several grades, ranging from high purity (99.998% min. purity) to ultra-high purity (99.999% min. purity) to research grade (99.9999% min. purity). Each grade is tested for a defined set of impurities, such as levels of oxygen, moisture, total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and others.
• Specialties are distributed under an unusual economic model: Customers purchase the gas and rent the container (usually a steel or aluminum highpressure cylinder fitted with a heavy-duty valve). Depending on the size of the container and the type of gas, the product costs can run from $100 to as much as $3,000.
Recently Released Specialty Gases & Accessories
Air Check O2 Monitor
• Compact and easy-to-install unit
• Suited for use in confined spaces where inert gases might accumulate
• Features a current-limiting zirconium oxide oxygen sensor that will operate continuously for 10 or more years, with little or no maintenance
• Responds to low oxygen conditions within seconds
• Does not require exposure to a reference gas
Air Liquide America
www.alspecialtygases.com
Zero Grade (4.8) Helium, Size 200 Cylinder, CGA580
• Is one of the most inert gases and lighter than air. It is used as a cooling media in nuclear reactions and other studies.
• Most commonly used carrier gas for Flame Ionization (FlD) and Thermal Conductivity (TCD) gas chromatography
• Users should contact Airgas representative or local branch location for availability in their area
Airgas
www.airgas.com
HiQ® Series
• Includes a wide variety of gases for gas chromatography, NMR, ICP, HPLC, AAS, FTIR
• Customized to meet specific requirements
• Delivered in a form and frequency tailored to each application
• Dedicated service and expertise available
Linde
www.linde-gas.com
Experis® Helium BIP® Gas
• Contains ultra-low levels of oxygen, hydrocarbons and water making it an ideal carrier and makeup gas for many laboratory applications
• Minimizes column bleed and baseline noise for more accurate analyses
• Patented BIP® technology features an automatic shut-off valve making it impossible for a rogue cylinder to be delivered and connected
Air Products
www.airproducts.com
Specialty Gas Manufacturers
Air Liquide www.airliquide.com Air Products www.airproducts.com Airgas www.airgas.com CONCOA/Controls Corporation of America www.concoa.com Gasco www.gascogas.com Linde www.linde-gas.com Matheson Tri-Gas www.matheson-trigas.com Norlab www.norlab-gas.com Parker Balston www.labgasgenerators.com Praxair www.praxair.com Proton Onsite www.protononsite.com VICI Metronics www.vici.com
1. Quality Assurance is Paramount
The cornerstone of any calibration gas supplier is their commitment to quality. When evaluating potential suppliers, inquire about their quality assurance processes. Do they adhere to recognized standards like ISO 17025:2017? Are their calibration gases traceable to national or international standards like those from NIST? A reputable supplier should provide certificates of analysis for their products, demonstrating their commitment to precision.
2. Wide Range of Gas Mixtures
Different industries and applications require specific gas mixtures. A trustworthy calibration gas supplier should offer a wide range of gas mixtures to meet diverse needs. From single-component gases to complex multi-component mixtures, the ability to customize and provide a variety of gases is a good sign of a supplier's capability and flexibility. You might ask them something like, “How many custom mixes do you deliver each week?” to understand their capabilities better.
3. Reliability and Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to calibration gases. Your supplier should have a proven track record of delivering gases with consistent concentrations over time. This reliability ensures that your measurement instruments remain accurate, reducing the risk of errors, costly recalibrations, or safety issues.
4. Timely Delivery and Availability
Efficiency often hinges on timing. Ensure that your calibration gas supplier can meet your delivery requirements promptly. Delayed deliveries can disrupt operations and lead to downtime… which ultimately translates to lost revenue. Are they able to accommodate rush orders and ship same-day requests? Also consider a supplier's geographic proximity, as this can impact delivery times and costs.
5. Compliance with Regulations
Various industries have stringent regulations regarding the use and handling of calibration gases. Ensure that your chosen supplier complies with all relevant regulations, including safety and environmental standards. Strict compliance and tracking not only ensures the safety of your operations but also avoids potential legal issues.
6. Cost-Effective Solutions
While quality is paramount, cost-effectiveness is also essential. Seek a supplier who offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Consider long-term contracts or bulk purchasing options that may provide cost savings. Also, be careful about added charges. Hazardous material, rush order, custom mix, paper cert, paper SDS, and cylinder refill add-ons are becoming popular and can quickly inflate your cost per cylinder.
7. Technical Support and Expertise
Calibrating complex instruments may require technical expertise. A reliable calibration gas supplier should offer technical support and guidance to help you make informed decisions about gas selection, handling, and storage. Their expertise can be invaluable. You might ask them if they have an in-house lab, or how long they’ve been manufacturing and supplying calibration gas.
8. Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability is a growing concern in today's world. Evaluate your supplier's commitment to environmental responsibility. Do they have eco-friendly packaging and disposal practices? Are they involved in initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint? Supporting environmentally responsible suppliers aligns with the broader trend towards sustainability in global industries.
9. Customer Reviews and References
Before finalizing your choice, research customer reviews and ask for references from the calibration gas supplier. Hearing about the experiences of other customers can provide valuable insights into the supplier's reliability, customer service, and overall performance.
10. Scalability for Future Growth
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Consider your future needs. A supplier that can scale with your business as it grows is advantageous. Discuss their capacity to accommodate increased demand and any additional services they can provide as your calibration gas requirements evolve.
In conclusion, selecting the right calibration gas supplier is a critical decision that directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of your customers and their operations. By prioritizing quality assurance, wide product range, reliability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, technical support, environmental responsibility, and scalability, you can make an informed choice that maximizes efficiency and ensures precise measurements. Remember that efficiency is not just about the products but also the partnership you build with your supplier, so choose wisely to achieve your goals.
Intermountain Specialty Gases is a family-owned business that was founded in 1992 and is a leading and trusted manufacturer of calibration gases for gas detection with distributors worldwide. Through superior customer service, proprietary processes, integrated technology, quick turnaround time, product guarantees, and over 100 years of combined experience, Intermountain Specialty Gases continually strives to exceed customer expectations. Contact Logan Christensen to discuss partnering with Intermountain Specialty Gases today and schedule a time to review your customized distributor pricing proposal.
Regional Sales Manager
21913 Cobalt Avenue, Caldwell, ID 83605
5041 Spencer Hwy, Ste 707, Pasadena, TX 77505
Office: 208-585-5848
Toll Free: 800-552-5003
logan@isgases.com
Specialty gases have become critical components for nearly every industry, including chemicals, biotechnology, materials processing, environmental, foods, semiconductors, and medical. Defining the term “specialty gas” seems simple at first. But after considering the numerous ways specialty gases might differ from their commodity counterparts, it becomes tempting to apply the aphorism “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.”
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying Specialty Gases
1. What is the cost of the gas?
2. What is the quality of the product? If you depend on the gas to do your job and to provide the best possible results, quality is extremely important. For gases, “quality” means some desirable combination of purity and mixture accuracy.
3. What grade of gas do you need for your applications? Which impurities will adversely affect your application?
4. What are your tolerance requirements? How quickly will you need the product? Gas mixtures can take two weeks or longer to manufacture, analyze and ship to the customer.
5. What kind of service and support does the company offer? How knowledgeable are they in the latest gas analysis and blending techniques? Top gas providers offer cylinder tracking, hazardous material response, specialty gas equipment, safety products, and assistance in designing laboratories and custom gas management systems.
Three Fast Facts on Specialty Gases
• The definition of a “specialty gas” is a tricky thing. One expert defines such a gas as: “any gas that’s tested for purity after the cylinder is filled.” That can include pure gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, or custom gas blends.
• All major gas manufacturers provide specialty pure gases in several grades, ranging from high purity (99.998% min. purity) to ultra-high purity (99.999% min. purity) to research grade (99.9999% min. purity). Each grade is tested for a defined set of impurities, such as levels of oxygen, moisture, total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and others.
• Specialties are distributed under an unusual economic model: Customers purchase the gas and rent the container (usually a steel or aluminum highpressure cylinder fitted with a heavy-duty valve). Depending on the size of the container and the type of gas, the product costs can run from $100 to as much as $3,000.
Recently Released Specialty Gases & Accessories
Air Check O2 Monitor
• Compact and easy-to-install unit
• Suited for use in confined spaces where inert gases might accumulate
• Features a current-limiting zirconium oxide oxygen sensor that will operate continuously for 10 or more years, with little or no maintenance
• Responds to low oxygen conditions within seconds
• Does not require exposure to a reference gas
Air Liquide America
www.alspecialtygases.com
Zero Grade (4.8) Helium, Size 200 Cylinder, CGA580
• Is one of the most inert gases and lighter than air. It is used as a cooling media in nuclear reactions and other studies.
• Most commonly used carrier gas for Flame Ionization (FlD) and Thermal Conductivity (TCD) gas chromatography
• Users should contact Airgas representative or local branch location for availability in their area
Airgas
www.airgas.com
HiQ® Series
• Includes a wide variety of gases for gas chromatography, NMR, ICP, HPLC, AAS, FTIR
• Customized to meet specific requirements
• Delivered in a form and frequency tailored to each application
• Dedicated service and expertise available
Linde
www.linde-gas.com
Experis® Helium BIP® Gas
• Contains ultra-low levels of oxygen, hydrocarbons and water making it an ideal carrier and makeup gas for many laboratory applications
• Minimizes column bleed and baseline noise for more accurate analyses
• Patented BIP® technology features an automatic shut-off valve making it impossible for a rogue cylinder to be delivered and connected
Air Products
www.airproducts.com
Specialty Gas Manufacturers
Want more information on boron trichloride specialty gases manufacturers? Feel free to contact us.
Air Liquide www.airliquide.com Air Products www.airproducts.com Airgas www.airgas.com CONCOA/Controls Corporation of America www.concoa.com Gasco www.gascogas.com Linde www.linde-gas.com Matheson Tri-Gas www.matheson-trigas.com Norlab www.norlab-gas.com Parker Balston www.labgasgenerators.com Praxair www.praxair.com Proton Onsite www.protononsite.com VICI Metronics www.vici.com