Oxygen is an essential gas for sustaining life – in different ways. It is used by the body to produce energy and to transport nutrients and waste products.
In this article, we will take a look at Medical oxygen vs. industrial oxygen and the different purposes of each.
Definitions
Medical oxygen is a gas that is used to treat a variety of health conditions.
It is typically used for people who have difficulty breathing, such as those with COPD, asthma, or heart failure, as well as for people who are recovering from surgery or who have been exposed to high altitudes.
Industrial oxygen is used in a variety of industrial processes, like to weld, cut, and flame-clean metals, as well as to produce chemicals such as nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
Key Differences Between Medical Oxygen and Industrial Oxygen
- Medical oxygen must be at least 99.5% pure, while industrial oxygen can be as low as 95% pure.
- Medical oxygen is regulated, while industrial oxygen is not regulated as strictly.
- Medical oxygen is more expensive than industrial oxygen.
- Medical oxygen is considered to be safer than industrial oxygen, as it is less likely to contain impurities that could be harmful to humans.
Uses of medical oxygen
Medical oxygen is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, heart failure, pneumonia, sleep apnea, high altitude sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, anemia, sepsis, and more.
Uses of industrial oxygen
Industrial oxygen is used in several industrial processes, including:
- Industrial oxygen is used in welding to provide a strong, clean weld. It is usually used in conjunction with a fuel gas, such as acetylene or propane. The oxygen and fuel gas are mixed and ignited, creating a hot flame that melts the metal. The oxygen also helps to remove impurities from the weld.
- Industrial oxygen can be used in cutting to remove metal, when it is used in conjunction with a torch to direct a stream of oxygen onto the metal. The oxygen reacts with the metal, creating a hot flame that cuts through the metal.
- Industrial oxygen is used in flame-cleaning to remove dirt, scale, and other impurities from metal surfaces. Her it is also used with a torch to direct a stream of oxygen onto the surface. The oxygen reacts with the impurities, burning them away.
- Industrial oxygen is used in the production of a variety of chemicals, including nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine. Nitric acid is used to make fertilizers, explosives, and plastics. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant and bleach. Chlorine is used to make bleach, plastics, and other chemicals.
- Industrial oxygen is used in the manufacturing of plastics to help create the desired properties of the plastic. For example, oxygen is used to blow air into molten plastic to create foamed plastics. Oxygen is also used to cure plastics, which is the process of hardening the plastic.
- Industrial oxygen is used in the making of glass to help create the desired clarity and strength of the glass. Oxygen is also used to remove impurities from the glass, resulting in a clearer and more durable product.
- Industrial oxygen is used in mining to help ventilate the mine and to provide oxygen to the miners, as well as in some mining processes, such as cutting and drilling.
- Industrial oxygen is used in pulp and paper production to help bleach the paper and to remove impurities, and further to dry the paper, resulting in a stronger and more durable product.
What is the difference between medical oxygen and industrial oxygen?
Medical oxygen and industrial oxygen have different purity standards and uses. Medical oxygen must be at least 99.5% pure, while industrial oxygen can be as low as 95% pure.
Can I use industrial oxygen for medical purposes?
No, you should not use industrial oxygen for medical purposes. Industrial oxygen is not as pure as medical oxygen and may contain impurities that could be harmful to your health. If you need medical oxygen, you should always consult with your doctor to get a prescription.
What are the uses of medical oxygen?
Medical oxygen is used to treat a variety of health conditions, as well as other purposes, such as assisting with surgery, helping people who are recovering from injuries or illness, and providing relief for people with altitude sickness
What are the uses of industrial oxygen?
Industrial oxygen is used in a variety of industrial processes, like welding, cutting, flame-cleaning,
the production of chemicals, manufacturing of plastics, glass making, mining, and pulp and paper production.
What are the safety risks of using industrial oxygen?
Industrial oxygen can be dangerous if it is not used properly. It can cause fires and explosions if it comes into contact with an ignition source. Industrial oxygen can also be harmful to your health if it is inhaled in high concentrations.
How can I tell the difference between medical oxygen and industrial oxygen?
Medical oxygen is also labelled as “Medical Grade Oxygen” or “99.5% Pure Oxygen.” Industrial oxygen is not labelled as such.