The short answer
Industrial oxygen is high-purity oxygen (O₂) supplied for industry rather than for patients. It is separated from ordinary air — which is about 21% oxygen — by either a cryogenic air-separation plant or a PSA (pressure-swing adsorption) oxygen plant, then supplied as compressed gas in cylinders, in cylinder banks, as bulk liquid, or generated on site.
Industrial vs medical oxygen
Both are high-purity oxygen, but they are handled under different rules. Medical oxygen is produced, filled and certified as a drug under pharmacopoeia (IP) standards, with strict traceability and dedicated cylinders. Industrial oxygen is certified to industrial specifications and used for processes, not breathing. Never use industrial oxygen for medical purposes.
How industrial oxygen is made
| Method | Typical purity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cryogenic air separation (ASU) | 99.5%+ (and liquid O₂) | Large, continuous demand; liquid supply; highest purity |
| PSA oxygen plant | 93–95% | On-site generation at small–medium scale; lower cost per Nm³ |
| Cylinder / bulk supply | As filled | Sites without their own generation |
What industrial oxygen is used for
- ✓Oxy-fuel cutting, welding, brazing and flame heating.
- ✓Steelmaking and metallurgy — oxygen lancing, BOF, cutting and scarfing.
- ✓Chemical and petrochemical oxidation processes.
- ✓Glass, pulp and paper, and effluent/water treatment.
- ✓Furnace enrichment to raise efficiency and throughput.
Frequently asked questions
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