What Praxair does and who uses it

Praxair is an industrial gas supplier that delivers compressed gases, cryogenic liquids, and related equipment to hospitals, manufacturing plants, laboratories, and other businesses. The company does not serve residential customers — it supplies oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, helium, and specialty gas mixtures to organisations that need them in bulk or on an ongoing basis.

Praxair was founded in 1907 and operates in more than 50 countries. In 2018, it merged with Linde AG, a German industrial gas company, to form Linde plc. Today, Praxair operates as a division of Linde and continues to serve industrial, medical, and specialty gas customers under the Praxair name in North America.

If you are looking for gas supply for a home heating system, welding equipment, or a small business, Praxair is not the right source. If your organisation needs regular deliveries of industrial gases or medical oxygen, or if you operate equipment that requires specialty gases, Praxair is one of the major suppliers you would contact.

Key Takeaways

  • Praxair supplies industrial, medical, and specialty gases to hospitals, factories, laboratories, and large commercial users, not to individual consumers.
  • The company delivers gases in compressed cylinders, bulk liquid containers, and on-site generation systems, depending on the customer's volume and frequency of use.
  • Praxair customers typically sign service agreements that outline delivery schedules, pricing, and equipment maintenance responsibilities.
  • Praxair also rents or sells gas handling equipment such as regulators, manifolds, and safety devices that connect to their gas supply.

Types of gases and products Praxair supplies

Praxair's main product categories are industrial gases, medical gases, and specialty gases. Industrial gases include oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen — used in steel production, welding, metal cutting, and chemical manufacturing. Medical gases include oxygen and nitrous oxide for hospitals, surgical centres, and home healthcare providers who treat patients with respiratory conditions.

Specialty gases are high-purity mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics production, pharmaceuticals, and research. These gases must meet strict purity standards and are often custom-blended for a specific process or process.

Beyond gases themselves, Praxair supplies the equipment needed to use them: pressure regulators, flowmeters, safety relief valves, manifolds, and cylinder racks. The company also offers on-site gas generation systems — equipment installed at a customer's location that produces nitrogen or oxygen directly, rather than requiring regular deliveries.

How Praxair delivers gas to customers

Praxair uses three main delivery methods depending on how much gas a customer needs and how often. The first is cylinder delivery: portable steel or aluminium cylinders filled with compressed gas, delivered by truck on a scheduled basis. A customer might receive weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries depending on their usage rate.

The second is bulk liquid delivery: large insulated containers (called dewars or cryogenic tanks) that hold liquefied gas at very low temperatures. These are used by high-volume customers such as hospitals with many oxygen-dependent patients or factories that consume large quantities of nitrogen daily. Bulk delivery is more cost-effective per unit for heavy users but requires the customer to have storage space and proper safety equipment.

The third is on-site generation: Praxair installs equipment at the customer's location that produces the gas they need on demand. This approach eliminates the need for regular deliveries and is common in hospitals (for oxygen) and manufacturing plants (for nitrogen). The customer pays a service fee for equipment maintenance and monitoring.

Pricing and service agreements

Praxair does not publish standard pricing online. Costs depend on the type and purity of gas, the delivery method, the volume ordered, the delivery frequency, and the customer's location. A small laboratory ordering specialty gas cylinders monthly will pay a different rate than a hospital receiving bulk oxygen daily.

Most Praxair customers sign a service agreement that specifies the gases to be delivered, the delivery schedule, the pricing structure, and the terms for equipment rental or purchase. Agreements may include minimum order quantities or monthly minimums. Some agreements lock in pricing for a set period; others allow pricing to adjust based on market conditions or fuel surcharges.

To receive a price quote, a customer must contact Praxair directly with details about their gas needs, expected volume, and delivery location. Praxair assigns an account manager who works with the customer to design a supply plan that fits their operation.

Safety requirements and regulatory compliance

Industrial and medical gases are regulated by multiple government agencies. In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transport and storage of compressed gases in cylinders. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety standards for handling gases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical gases used in healthcare settings.

Praxair is responsible for filling, labelling, and transporting cylinders according to DOT standards. Customers are responsible for safe storage, handling, and use of the gas at their location. Praxair provides safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets or SDS) for each gas, which describe hazards, proper handling, and emergency procedures.

Customers who use medical gases must follow additional rules. Hospitals and home healthcare providers must have trained staff, proper storage facilities, and documentation systems. Praxair can advise on compliance but does not perform compliance audits for the customer.

Alternatives to Praxair for gas supply

Other major industrial gas suppliers in North America include Air Liquide, Airgas (owned by Air Liquide), Messer Cutting Systems, and regional suppliers. Airgas is often the largest competitor for cylinder delivery and specialty gases. Air Liquide is strong in bulk liquid and on-site generation. Messer focuses on welding gases and equipment.

For medical oxygen specifically, some hospitals and home healthcare providers work directly with medical equipment suppliers or smaller regional oxygen providers, though Praxair and Air Liquide remain the largest suppliers nationally.

The choice between suppliers often depends on location (which company has distribution in your area), the type of gas needed, the volume, and existing relationships. Many large customers use multiple suppliers to reduce dependency on a single source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Praxair gas as an individual for home use?

No. Praxair serves businesses and organisations, not individual consumers. If you need a small amount of gas for a hobby or home project, you would contact a local welding supply shop, hardware store, or specialty gas retailer instead.

How often does Praxair deliver?

Delivery frequency is set by the service agreement between Praxair and the customer. Some customers receive weekly deliveries; others receive monthly or on-demand deliveries. High-volume users with on-site generation systems may not receive deliveries at all.

What happens if I run out of gas between deliveries?

Praxair customers can request emergency or expedited deliveries, though this may incur additional charges. Many customers keep backup cylinders on hand or arrange their delivery schedule to avoid running out. On-site generation systems eliminate this risk by producing gas continuously.

Does Praxair own the cylinders and equipment?

Praxair typically owns the cylinders and larger equipment. Customers rent them as part of the service agreement. When a cylinder is empty, the customer returns it to Praxair for refilling. Some customers may purchase equipment outright, depending on the agreement.

How do I contact Praxair to set up an account?

You can reach Praxair through their website or by calling their customer service line. You will need to provide details about your organisation, the gases you need, your expected volume, and your location. A Praxair representative will then work with you to design a supply plan and provide pricing.