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:
    1. Picking up/returning the cylinder — no cost (for example: if you simply forgot to return the cylinder after completing its use)
    2. 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)
    3.  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)
    4. 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

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

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. 

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