Oxygen - Gas Profile
Oxygen (O2) is a colourless, odourless reactive gas. It is the most prevalent element in the earth's crust, mostly in oxides, silicates, and carbonates, and makes up just under 21% of the atmosphere. In addition to its usage as a respiratory gas in healthcare, oxygen possesses strong oxidising capabilities that can assist various businesses by increasing yields, enhancing performance, lowering costs, and lowering carbon emissions compared to alternative fuels.
Oxygen enrichment or replacement improves the efficiency of chemical and biological processes. High-pressure breathing of pure oxygen can cause nausea, dizziness, muscular twitching, and vision loss. Additionally, giddiness, mental disorientation, loss of judgement, lack of coordination, weakness, nausea, fainting, loss of consciousness, and death are all possible side effects of low oxygen levels. Oxygen levels in the air should be 20.9%; therefore, anything below 19.5% and above 23.5% can produce some of the above hazards.
- Around 21% of the Earth's atmosphere is made up of oxygen. It accounts for approximately half of the Earth's crust, making it the most common element on the planet
- Although oxygen aids combustion and is necessary for fire, it does not burn and is not flammable.
- At room temperature, oxygen is a gas with a melting point of -218.79 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of -182.95 degrees Celsius.
Fun Fact – 300 million years ago, insects grew bigger when oxygen levels were higher. Dragonflies were once as big as birds!
Applications with Oxygen or Oxygen Depletion
- Welding
- Confined Space Entry
- Offshore
- Cleaning
- Food Industry
- Wastewater Treatment