By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
According to reports, deliveries of nitrous oxide are still not back to normal in some parts of the country following a fatal explosion last August at an Airgas plant in Cantonment, Florida. There are only a small number of plants in the United States that produce the gas. he shortages were documented last December and January and expected to gradually ease with production increases elsewhere. Currently, many areas of the country are not reporting shortages, although prices may be significantly higher due to lessened supply. However, it seems to remain a problem in many local areas where both gas suppliers and racers may be experiencing a difficult time purchasing nitrous. It is anticipated that nationwide supplies will be returning to normal by the end of September.
Nitrous increases the amount of fuel that can be burned, thereby increasing an engine’s power output. Nitrous oxide has other applications as well, including as an anesthetic in dental surgeries and as a foaming agent for whipped cream. It is also used illegally as a recreational drug. Nitrous is produced in two forms, “USP” and “Nitrous Plus.” USP is a medical grade not available to the public. Nitrous Plus contains sulphur dioxide, which produces an unpleasant order to help prevent substance abuse.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.