Airgas Launches New Series of Smart Indicating Regulators.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) is launching a new design of its Smart Indicating Regulator (SIR(TM)) analytical regulators at the 2006 Pittsburgh Conference (PITTCON) in Orlando, Fl, March 13-16. The new line features a Smart Indicating Purifier (SIP(TM)) connection built into the base of the regulator, reducing the overall size and opportunities for leaks.

Airgas is also incorporating this SIP base as a standard feature on many of its high purity brass analytical regulators in the Airgas specialty gas equipment portfolio to allow customers to add the patented technology to their analytical regulator system.

"The patented Smart Indicating Purifiers we introduced in 2004 is the only method that gives a visual indication of specific contaminants entering the system," said Frank Kandl, national technical manager for specialty gas equipment. "It's like an early warning system to help users reduce downtime and save money. It's just one more way we're reducing headaches and hassles for our customers."

The purifier media makes the system "smart." Different media identify and chemically lock in the three major contaminants that impact analytical systems - moisture, oxygen and hydrocarbons. If the contaminants enter the gas stream, the purifier media begin to turn color.

The SIP identifies the quantity of impurity - the more impurity, the faster the color change. When all of the media has changed color, the purifier is depleted and must be removed. The quick-change base allows the cartridge to be replaced without interrupting the gas flow.

Airgas is also offering a SIP cartridge designed specifically for analytical applications using air as the carrier gas. The two-medium cartridge system removes moisture and hydrocarbons and offers all of the other features of the triple-medium and singe-medium cartridges.

Additional design features in the new SIR line-up include a two-stage pressure control with optional color mount nuts that maintains constant outlet pressure, a diaphragm packless valve with Swagelok(R) fitting that promotes system purity, and a four-outlet pressure range that provides application pressure compatibility.

The SIR series features a block-and-bleed purge incorporated into the inlet that contains and prevents contaminants from entering the gas stream. It also features a check valve in the CGA nipple that prevents contaminants from entering the regulator. As well, the purifier removes small amounts of contaminants that may enter the regulator during cylinder change outs. The regulator portion is specially cleaned for all analytical applications and will not generate contaminants that consume the purifier.

The high purity brass regulator line has been completely redesigned and includes features such as a cartridge seat assembly for better flow performance, front and back mounting capability and a flush cap on the SIP base so that a cartridge kit can be added. The assembly also includes a CGA nipple and has a reduced body size, providing smaller internal volumes. This creates a better internal flow-path, for maximum delivery performance and reduced contamination.

For more information about specialty gas equipment, including the new SIR series of regulators, please visit Airgas on the Web at www.airgas.com, contact your local Airgas specialty gas specialist, or call 800-939-5711.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also the third-largest U.S. distributor of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products. Its 10,000 employees work in about 900 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.

Editor's Note: Photography Available Upon Request