Oxygen - Gas Profile
Oxygen (O2) is a colourless, odourless and highly reactive gas. It makes up 20.9% of the Earth's atmosphere and is the most abundant element in its crust, mostly in oxides, silicates, and carbonates compounds. Oxygen is essential for life and is heavily used as a respiratory gas in healthcare, industrial, and chemical environments. Oxygen possesses strong oxidising capabilities that can assist various businesses by increasing yields, enhancing performance, lowering costs, and lowering carbon emissions compared to alternative gases. While oxygen supports combustion, it is not flammable on its own, but will significantly increase fire risk when present in elevated concentrations.
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 judgment, 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%; anything below 19.5% and above 23.5% can produce some of the above hazards.
- Oxygen makes up around 21% of the Earth's atmosphere and accounts for approximately half of its 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 – Over 300 million years ago, the Earth's oxygen levels were higher, allowing giant insects like dragonflies the size of birds to thrive!
Oxygen Safety: Enrichment & Depletion Hazards
Maintaining correct oxygen levels in enclosed spaces is critical. Normal oxygen concentration in air is 20.9%. Deviations from this range are dangerous:
Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres (>23.5%)
- Increased fire and explosion risk
- Materials can ignite easily and burn more rapidly
Oxygen-Depleted Atmospheres (<19.5%)
- Mental disorientation, dizziness, poor coordination
- Nausea, fainting, unconsciousness, and potential death
Use oxygen gas detectors or O₂ monitoring systems to prevent asphyxiation risks or fire hazards in confined spaces, offshore platforms, and industrial facilities.
Industrial Uses of Oxygen Gas
Oxygen is widely used across industries due to its strong oxidising properties and ability to enhance performance, reduce emissions, and improve combustion efficiency.
Key Applications
- Welding & Metal Fabrication: As a cutting and combustion aid
- Healthcare & Respiratory Therapy: Medical-grade oxygen for patients
- Confined Space Entry & Offshore Safety: Ensuring breathable environments
- Wastewater Treatment: Oxygen enrichment for biological purification
- Food Processing: Modified atmosphere packaging
- Chemical Manufacturing: As a feed gas for oxidation reactions
- Industrial Cleaning: Combustion-based or oxidative surface treatments
Oxygen enrichment or replacement increases efficiency in biological and chemical processes, helping reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions.
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FAQs About Oxygen Gas (O₂)
Is oxygen flammable?
No. Oxygen is not flammable, but it supports and accelerates combustion. In enriched environments, fires become more intense and dangerous.
What is oxygen used for in industry?
It is used to increase efficiency and safety in welding, combustion, medical therapy, water treatment, and food packaging.
What are the risks of low oxygen levels?
Oxygen levels below 19.5% can cause confusion, nausea, loss of consciousness, and even death due to oxygen deprivation.
How do you detect oxygen levels in the workplace?
Installing oxygen sensors or O₂ gas monitors is essential for safety in confined spaces, laboratories, and industrial zones.