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.
AIR PRODS & CHE (APD): Free Stock Analysis
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AIRGAS INC (ARG): Free Stock Analysis Report
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