Airgas, Inc. : Airgas Unveils New Compact Manifolds and Regulators at PITTCON 2012

Equipment designed to meet analytical performance needs in a smaller, more versatile size

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of specialty gases and equipment, today introduced two new lines of compact manifolds and a line of small-profile specialty gas regulators at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (PITTCON) in Orlando, FL. The Airgas Miniature-Component Manifolds, Analytical Series Point-of-Use Manifolds and the Two-Stage Brass Small-Profile Regulator are designed for use with high-purity gases and gas chromatography.

"We've had requests from customers for smaller manifolds and regulators used in analytical laboratories," said Frank Kandl, product manager - specialty gas equipment. "Customers are looking for the same analytical performance using high-purity gases, but in a more compact space and our new manifolds and regulators fill that need. The smaller size makes this particular line of equipment more versatile and easier to incorporate into laboratory designs and laboratory furniture."

According to Kandl, new Airgas Miniature-Component Manifolds incorporate Airgas IntraFlow fittings to provide maximum flexibility within minimal space requirements. All gas paths, regardless of direction, are maintained on a single plane within the system for the least amount of internal volume and space that could trap impurities that create inconsistencies in analytical results.

"This manifold requires 75 percent less space than a comparable manifold while providing unmatched performance," Kandl explained. "And assembling this system couldn't be easier."

The second line of manifolds is the Airgas Analytical Series Point-of-Use Manifolds, which are also compact in design and are intended for high-purity gas use (99.9999 percent pure) where the central gas supply is located outside of the laboratory and final pressure and flow control is required right at the instrument. The manifolds include a packless diaphragm inlet valve, a high-purity line regulator with gauge and an outlet metering valve in a compact design. Multiple manifolds can be mounted onto a single back plate so all gas streams can be controlled from one location.

The latest specialty gas regulator offering from Airgas is the Two-Stage Brass Small-Profile Regulator, designed to fit the palm of a hand. It is also lighter in weight, specifically designed to simplify cylinder change-outs.

"This regulator series is ideal for chromatographic carrier gas applications, including FID, TCD, ECD, HID and non-corrosive gas mixtures," said Kandl."They are constructed from bar stock bodies with low internal volumes to guard against trapping impurities. Steel diaphragms and a check-valve cylinder connection help prevent air and contaminants from entering the gas stream when cylinders are changed out."

More information on the new Airgas compact manifolds and regulators for gas chromatography, as well as information on all Airgas Specialty Gas product and service offerings, is available at the Airgas exhibit (number 3119), March 11^th - 15th. Registered PITTCON attendees who visit the Airgas exhibit will be entered in a drawing for a grand prize of an Apple^® iPad.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through 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. More than 14,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

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Airgas, Inc.
Media Contact:
Doug Sherman, 610-902-6270
doug.sherman@airgas.com
or
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec, 610-902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com

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