University at Buffalo (UB) 
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Gas Cylinders
Compressed and liquefied gases are routinely used in laboratories and various other operations at UB.
On this page:
Our Contract Suppliers
UB contracts with two suppliers for specialty gases and liquids, including helium:
- Airgas
- Praxair Distribution
Purchasing Gases and Liquids
- Gas cylinders must be purchased through eReq as a blanket order.
- When it is time to replace the purchase order, for instance, when a new fiscal year begins, please be sure to include the previous purchase order number on the eReq so that the supplier can reconcile their records.
- There are no fees for rental; you only pay the initial fee for the gas/liquid.
- If you are using the same cylinder for up to one year, the vendor will contact you to discuss the following three options:
- Picking up/returning the cylinder — no cost (for example: if you simply forgot to return the cylinder after completing its use)
- Leaving the cylinder — you will be charged as if you requested a new cylinder (for example: the cylinder is still in use and you do not wish to replace at this time due to a sensitive experiment)
- Replacing the cylinder — you will be charged for the new cylinder (for example: you anticipate using the gas going forward, but would like a fresh/full cylinder)
- Tracking the cylinder — departments who still have cylinders remaining with non-contract suppliers (i.e., Jackson Welding, Strate Welding and Praxair — non-helium) will now be responsible for tracking them. All payments will be processed as outlined in the Receipt of Goods and Services Policy.
Using Airgas (For Gases and Liquids Excluding Helium)
- If you do not already have an account with Airgas, please contact the representative listed below to set up your location.
- Place orders as you usually would for gas cylinders by submitting blanket order requests with your estimated needs.
For questions about products, contact:
Rich Ferguson
Email: Rich.Ferguson@Airgas.com
Phone: 716-651-0174
General Buffalo office email: NEA.UB@Airgas.com
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, one of the leading suppliers of specialty gases, industrial, and cryogenic products. Known locally and nationwide, their distribution network serves more than one million customers. In New York State, Airgas is the largest supplier of specialty gas, medical gas and cryogenic liquids to the university market. They are the contract supplier for many colleges and universities, including Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Potsdam, Alfred University, Colgate University and Clarkson University.
Using Praxair Distribution (For Helium Only)
Place orders as you usually would for gas cylinders by submitting blanket order requests with your estimated needs.
For questions about products, contact:
Bill Gleisle
Email: william_gleisle@praxair.com
Phone: 716-597-5737
General Buffalo office email: pdi_sunyab@praxair.com
Praxair Distribution is currently the largest industrial gases company in North and South America and one of the largest worldwide. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair has a local facility located in the Town of Tonawanda. The Tonawanda facility is responsible for global plant engineering, research and development, North American operations communications, as well as fleet dispatch and back-office support functions. Praxair has been a key supplier to UB for many years.
Using a Non-Contract Supplier
In extenuating circumstances, exceptions to using Airgas or Praxair will be considered. A Specialty Gas and Liquid Contract Exemption Justification request must be completed and submitted to Purchasing department for review. Please contact the buyer for additional information or help.
