Year: 2019

In 2005, engineer Robert Niven attended a United Nations summit on climate change, where he witnessed a global demand for solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Inspired by the summit, Niven considered the applications of waste emissions in the construction industry and founded CarbonCure, a CO2 utilization company with a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry. His solution? To turn waste carbon dioxide into a valuable commodity — concrete. How Does it Work? The CarbonCure Technology injects a precise dose of liquid carbon dioxide into ready-mix concrete and concrete masonry products, chemically converting the CO2 into a…

The proliferation of products containing cannabidiol (CBD) oil has further muddied the issues of testing and restrictions on drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License. CBD oil is a type of cannabinoid, one of several naturally occurring chemicals that can be found exclusively in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), however, CBD does not produce a “high” or psychotropic experience. Using marijuana for recreational reasons is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia, and using medical marijuana is legal in 33 states and D.C. Possession or use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, however; it is listed in Schedule…

It has been a few years since I last published this article, but it is an extremely important topic. I conduct high-pressure cylinder/liquid container/carbon dioxide cylinder filling classes for GAWDA members all across the country. There are four items that I stress during my training classes that, if done, really reduce the chances of fatality or serious injury to our employees and customers. 1. Hammer test (dead ring) all steel cylinders. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all steel cylinders approved to go 10 years between requalification to pass a hammer test prior to each fill. Hammer testing is a…

The FDA and state regulations recognize the traditional distribution of typical prescription drugs: This distribution model works well for traditional drugs. The FDA, state Boards of Pharmacy and regulations are well structured to efficiently manage traditional pharmaceuticals. These structures are not necessarily perfectly formed for medical gas distribution. From the drug manufacturer to the wholesale drug  distributor to the pharmacy to the patient. Typical pharmaceuticals are: Relatively dangerous Expensive Have a container that is inexpensive and disposable Subject to counterfeiting for economic advantage Subject to diversion from established distribution channels to internet and unlicensed sales Manufactured by relatively few, large…

Promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies is GAWDA’s mission. Providing educational and training opportunities within that industry tops the organization’s list of ways to accomplish this. One of the current challenges our nation faces is a shortage of skilled workers — in particular, welders and fabricators. With welding an integral part of so many manufacturing processes, from building tunnels to launching spacecraft, trained and certified welders are critical to our economy. GAWDA is well aware of the talent shortage, and a unique training facility in California called Workshops…

The use of liquid nitrogen (LIN) in the food and beverage industry and for personal cryotherapy applications has increased significantly over the past several years.  This “near consumer use” of LIN presents particular issues of safety and liability exposure for gas distributors. Many of the major gas suppliers have stopped selling to cryotherapy facilities, citing too much risk.  Other companies see this growing industry as a significant opportunity to grow their business.  GAWDA members who sell to this market should be aware of the risks presented by this product, especially as customers and consumers handling LIN might lack experience and…

Thank you to Jay Kapur, Aimtek, Inc., Frank Vargas, Uniweld Products, Rafael Arvelo, Equigas, Inc., and Cassandra Barry, Ray Murray, Inc. for providing these pictures of the 2019 GAWDA Northeast Regional Meeting

Canadian clean technology innovator CarbonCure Technologies and Linde, the world’s largest industrial gas supplier, have partnered to introduce the award-winning CarbonCure Technology to Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The alliance will allow CarbonCure to accelerate international adoption of CarbonCure’s turnkey carbon solution for the concrete industry. The CarbonCure Technology enhances the competitiveness of the concrete industry through improved production efficiency and sustainability. The technology injects a precise dosage of captured waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into concrete during production. Once introduced, the CO2 chemically converts to a nano-mineral, creating manufacturing efficiencies while reducing the concrete’s carbon footprint. This enables private and…

Air Products announced it has completed the acquisition of General Electric Company’s (“GE”) gasification business from GE Power. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. “The successful acquisition of the GE gasification technology further supports our long-term, strategic focus on gasification. This acquisition, combined with our other capabilities, gives us the ability to provide a complete solution to our customers, including financing, technology, engineering, construction, and operation of large syngas projects. We welcome the experienced and talented GE gasification team and look forward to supporting them to further grow the business,” said Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief…

With effect from 1 August 2019, Messer Industries has divested itself of Messer Danmark A/S, based in Kolding. The buyer is the Danish competitor Christian Nielsen Strandmøllen A/S. View other August 15 news items • The Harris Products Group Expands Specialty Gas Solutions • Rodney Huber Announced as President of Huber Supply Company • Anova Welcomes William Kroll as its First Advisor • ABICOR BINZEL Adds new District Sales Manager • Messer Sells Business in Denmark • Air Products Completes Acquisition of GE’s Gasification Business and Technology • Linde Enters Strategic Alliance with CarbonCure