Throughout history, humans have used containers to store, transport, and dispense items. Regardless of the era, it is generally the case that what’s inside a container is more important than the container itself. However, when it comes to cryogens, the considerations and specifications behind their storage cylinders give these containers special notoriety.

In order to properly choose and use liquid cylinders, it is important to understand their make up as well as any considerations for their care and storage.


What are Liquid Cylinders and What are They Used For?

A liquid cylinder, sometimes called a “liquid flask” and most commonly known as a “dewar” is a double-walled, vacuum-installed container used for storing cryogens. A dewar acts like a thermos in that it keeps atmospheric gases well below ambient temperatures (sometimes as low as -400 degrees F) so that they are stored in their liquid states. 

Commonly stored cryogens include liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, liquid oxygen, and liquid helium. Depending on the design and features, dewars can dispense the elements as gas, liquid, or both. Although dewars used for temporary storage may be made out of foam insulation, most are made from metals such as aluminum or steel.

Cryogens themselves are used in many applications, such storing food, cooling superconductors, and freezing lab samples. They are also used in MRI machine functioning, producing cryogenic fields for rockets, and performing cryosurgeries. 

The benefit of dewars is that just one of them can function like many gas cylinders. This superpower is achieved by the dewar’s ability to house pressure far larger than its natural productive capacity. Because their functionalities can be equivalent to 20 high pressure cylinders, it is easy to surmise that even a single dewar can save precious storage space while significantly cutting back on costs.
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PurityPlus is a nationwide partnership of select independent specialty gas companies, unified under one brand, that guarantees certified-quality product and unparalleled local service. 

Earlbeck Gases has joined the PurityPlus program to ensure certified quality to the end users of our products. All PurityPlus specialty gases are produced in accordance with stringent quality control requirements, and audited to verify that all standards are being met.

PurityPlus is the largest, most experienced partnership of independent specialty gas companies producing for, and distributing locally to, end users in pharmaceutical and life sciences, food and beverage services, environmental, research and university labs, power and utility companies, and more.

CERTIFIED QUALITY All PurityPlus specialty gases are produced in one of our independently audited lab facilities. Each lab has been thoroughly inspected, certified and documented to be compliant with FDA, OSHA, EPA and other requirements by AsteRisk, a reputable, independent U.S. certification company. We remove any doubt in product quality so you can focus on getting the job done right.

LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PurityPlus is available exclusively through independent, local companies. That means you get individualized service, personal attention and years of experience from someone you know. No waiting, no red tape, no headaches, no problem.

Learn more about PurityPlus Gases.

Earlbeck Gases provides Welding & Cutting Automation products to help manufacturers reduce rework and improve productivity. We have partnered with Gullco to provide welding and cutting carriages due to their light weight design, simple set up, and quality manufacturing. 

The Gullco KAT® is used throughout the world to automate a wide variety of welding and cutting operations. The KAT® is small and light yet robust with many features which include:

• Tool-less Setup, Adjustment & Operation
• Self-aligning Wheels (Easy Installation)
• Dynamic Dovetail Racking for versatile torch positioning
• Quick clutch mechanism
• OSHA Safety Orange
• Ingress Protection (Sealed Unit) including Conformal Coated Circuit Boards
• Energy Efficient
• Universal Compatibility to all welding power sources and wire feeders
• Torch holder memory for fast torch removal and accurate repositioning after cleaning
• Compatible with all existing rigid track and the new semi rigid track sections

The Gullco Standard Platform (GSP) range of controls have switching for forward / neutral / reverse, run / stop, Manual / Auto & program variable increment/decrement (where applicable) and a rotary encoder for speed control. This micro-processor based, 24 volt DC motor control can be supplied to provide a variety of “optional” functions such as indexing, weld oscillation and auto-weld. The selected “option’ function and carriage travel speed/ direction are directed by a single GSP control. This ensures high levels of accuracy, quality and reliability.

GK-L-300 KAT® Rugged Light Weight Carriage
Linear Welding Oscillation Combination

Carriage Speed 1 - 32.7 IPM (2.5 - 83.1 cm/min)
Heavy duty quick action self-aligning wheels
combined with two track mounting paddled locks.
Accurate Carriage speed control by conformal coated ingress protected 24 volt Gullco microprocessor.
Maximum load capacity 56 lb (25.4 kg) regardless
of weld position. With forward/stop/reverse switch, high speed return, infinitely variable multi-turn speed potentiometer and LED display. Oscillator control provides Auto Arc Start , independent dwell at each end and center of the 1.5” stroke, infinitely variable 0 to 5 seconds; oscillation speed potentiometer, speed range 8 to 188 cycles per minute (16 to 376 passes per minute). Weld oscillator head mounted on infinitely variable dovetailed tool-less racking system.

GK-R-300 KAT® Rugged Light Weight Carriage
Radial Welding Oscillation Combination

Carriage Speed 1 - 32.7 IPM (2.5 - 83.1 cm/min)
Heavy duty quick action self-aligning wheels
combined with two track mounting paddled locks.
Accurate Carriage speed control by conformal coated
ingress protected 24 volt Gullco microprocessor.
Maximum load capacity 56 lb (25.4 kg) regardless
of weld position. With forward/stop/reverse switch,
high speed return, infinitely variable multi-turn speed
potentiometer and LED display. Oscillator control
provides Auto Arc Start , independent dwell at each
end and center of the 0.8 - 45 ̊ oscillation width
stroke, infinitely variable 0 to 5 seconds; oscillation
speed potentiometer, speed range 1 ̊ - 45 ̊ per
second. Weld oscillator head mounted on infinitely
variable dovetailed tool-less racking system.

​​Specifications:​
Weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
Speed Range: 2.5 - 83.1 cm/min ( 1 - 32.7 IPM)
​Racking Weight: 9 lb (4 kg)
Power Requirements: 42 VAC, 115 VAC, 230 VAC Models available.
Vertical Capacity: 56 lb (25.4 kg)

SmartSYNC™ TORCHES
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Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the SmartSYNC™ torches automatically set up the correct amperage and operating mode to eliminate setup errors and ensure a consistent and reliable torch. With this feature, you no longer have to return to the power supply to make these adjustments. 

The traditional Powermax 65, 85, and 105’s are no longer in production and are not available for purchase. All production has shifted to the new SYNC units. But have no fear, if you already have a unit and want to use the SYNC consumables, there is an adapter you can purchase to access the current systems. ​

​If you want to spend less time changing consumables and more time cutting, the Hypertherm Powermax SYNC is a great investment. With the Hypertherm Cartlidge Reader App, you’ll be able to maximize the life of your cartridges by seeing cutting statistics and end-of-life detection. Your business production will thrive with Hypertherm Powermax SYNC.

The Miller Build with Blue rebate program is back in time for the Holidays! This promotion runs from October 1- December 31, 2022. Save up to $500 on select products. ​

To learn more or to redeem your rebate, go to MillerWelds.com/BuildWithBlue

Claims submission deadline: January 31, 2023. 

​Ready to shop? Give us a call at (410) 687-8400 or stop by any of our showrooms today!

If you’ve ever used a compressed gas cylinder, you’ve likely noticed the markings on the shoulder of the tank. Cylinders are stamped to denote the specifications of how the cylinder was made, a unique serial number, the date the cylinder was made, the owner of the cylinder, when the cylinder will need to be retested and more. We’ve made a quick guide to show you around these markings.​

1. Cylinder Specification

• The first series of letters is the specification that was used in manufacturing the cylinder itself. This is most commonly DOT–Department of Transportation, but could also be ICC for older US tanks, or CTC for Canadian tanks.
• The set of numbers specificities the type of material of construction (e.g., 3AA or 3A for steel, or 3AL for aluminum).
• Next you’ll find the rated pressure in pounds per square inch (e.g., 2,265 psi).
  
  

2. Cylinder Serial Number

3. Date of Manufacture - This date (month-year) indicates the original hydrostatic test.

4. Neck Ring Identification - Displays the name of the current owner of the cylinder.

5. Retest Markings

• The format for a retest marking is: Month-Facility-Year-Plus Rating-Star Stamp
• The + Symbol (Plus Rating) indicates the cylinder qualifies for 10% overfill.
• The ★ Symbol (Star Stamp) indicates that the cylinder meets the requirements for 10-year retest.
  
  

6. Cylinder Manufacturer’s Inspection Marking

7. Cylinder Tare (Empty) Weight

8. Gas Cylinder Label – This sticker indicates the type of gas in a cylinder, as well as its properties and hazards.
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Cylinder Differentiation

Gas service for the cylinder can be differentiated by

1. the valve installed (which is gas specific and stamped with the CGA number) and
2. the label on the cylinder. (Label must be present or cylinder must not be used)
   
   

No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted for use that does not legibly identify its contents by name. If the labeling on a cylinder becomes unclear or an attached tag is defaced to the point the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder should be marked "contents unknown" and returned directly to the manufacturer.
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Do not use cylinder color in order to determine cylinder content. Gas cylinders are often color coded but because the codes are not standardized between different vendors, cylinder color cannot be safely used for gas content identification. Even though medical gas cylinders do use industry standard color coding, the paint color may change over time and with weathering, so it is only safe to identify a cylinder’s contents by its label.

We've compiled a list of the most common weld discontinuities and how to correct them. A discontinuity is a flaw in the weld, but they are only considered to be weld defects when they exceed the limit allowed by the welding code. Learn more about welding codes here. Each code determines the extent of the discontinuity before it is classified as a defect and must be repaired. 

For example, if a welding code acceptance criteria allows for undercut up to 1/32" deep and the welding inspector measures undercut that is 1/16" deep, then that weld is rejectable. If the undercut measured was 1/32" or less, then the weld is acceptable. 

All defects are discontinuities, but not all discontinuities are defects. Understanding this forms the key to the proper analysis of any weld performed in accordance with the requirements of a welding code or specification. 

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Concave root surface is a groove weld exhibiting underfill at the root surface.

Possible Causes
Too Much Current
Arc Length Too Long
Root Face Too Small
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Possible Cures
Reduce Current
Maintain Proper Arc Length
Use Proper Joint Fitup ​

Overlap is extra filler metal that spreads out beyond the weld bead.

Possible Causes
Travel Speed Too Slow

Possible Cures
Use Proper Travel Speed​

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