Airgas, Inc. (ARG) recently announced the launch of Airgas SmartTag – the first visual identification system within the industry for managing cylinder gas expiration. Airgas SmartTag is a small, microprocessor-controlled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) collar that fits around the neck of a gas cylinder and provides instant data regarding the contents of the cylinder.
Airgas SmartTag has lights that indicate the status of the gas inside the cylinder. A green light suggests that the gas is ready for use and a yellow light means the gas is within 60 days of expiration. A red light indicates that the gas is past its expiration date and should not be used. In case of EPA Protocol gases this information is critical as an expired Protocol gas cannot be used when monitoring emissions.
When the cylinder is filled, all data regarding the contents such as identification of the gas or gas mixture, the location where the cylinder was filled, gas pressure within the cylinder after filling, a Certification of Analysis, and expiration date for the gas is embedded in the RFID collar. When the cylinder is connected at a customer location, the RFID collar records cylinder gas pressure and gas volume used throughout any given period of time. The data can be easily retrieved and transmitted to a provided hand-held display that customer and Airgas personnel can instantly collect the information and track cylinder usage.
To date, customers using EPA Protocol gases have faced hassles such as inadequate information about the expiration of the gas, which could result in non compliance with EPA regulations and significant penalties. Customers had to rely on email for notification of gases that have expired. Further, locating the specific cylinders, which were past expiration among all cylinders on site, was a hassle. The SmartTag will help address these issues and will provide a competitive edge to Airgas.
Radnor, Pennsylvania-based Airgas, along with 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 a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. Airgas competes with Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (APD), American Air Liquide, Inc. and Praxair Distribution, Inc.. The stock retains a quantitative Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating) over the near term.Airgas, Inc. (ARG) recently announced the launch of Airgas SmartTag – the first visual identification system within the industry for managing cylinder gas expiration. Airgas SmartTag is a small, microprocessor-controlled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) collar that fits around the neck of a gas cylinder and provides instant data regarding the contents of the cylinder.
Airgas, Inc. (ARG) recently announced the launch of Airgas SmartTag – the first visual identification system within the industry for managing cylinder gas expiration. Airgas SmartTag is a small, microprocessor-controlled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) collar that fits around the neck of a gas cylinder and provides instant data regarding the contents of the cylinder.
Airgas SmartTag has lights that indicate the status of the gas inside the cylinder. A green light suggests that the gas is ready for use and a yellow light means the gas is within 60 days of expiration. A red light indicates that the gas is past its expiration date and should not be used. In case of EPA Protocol gases this information is critical as an expired Protocol gas cannot be used when monitoring emissions.
When the cylinder is filled, all data regarding the contents such as identification of the gas or gas mixture, the location where the cylinder was filled, gas pressure within the cylinder after filling, a Certification of Analysis, and expiration date for the gas is embedded in the RFID collar.
When the cylinder is connected at a customer location, the RFID collar records cylinder gas pressure and gas volume used throughout any given period of time. The data can be easily retrieved and transmitted to a provided hand-held display that customer and Airgas personnel can instantly collect the information and track cylinder usage.
To date, customers using EPA Protocol gases have faced hassles such as inadequate information about the expiration of the gas, which could result in non compliance with EPA regulations and significant penalties. Customers had to rely on email for notification of gases that have expired.
Further, locating the specific cylinders, which were past expiration among all cylinders on site, was a hassle. The SmartTag will help address these issues and will provide a competitive edge to Airgas.
Radnor, Pennsylvania-based Airgas, along with its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas competes with Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (APD), American Air Liquide, Inc. and Praxair Distribution, Inc.. The stock retains a quantitative Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating) over the near term.
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