Oxygen | O2 gas

Sepehr Gas Kavian: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708

Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table and is a highly reactive nonmetal that readily forms oxides with most elements as well as with other compounds.

Oxygen gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is essential for life. It is the most abundant element in Earth’s crust, and the third-most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen and helium. At standard temperature and pressure, two oxygen atoms bond together to form a molecule of oxygen gas, which is known as dioxygen (O2).

Oxygen gas is essential for cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy. During cellular respiration, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced. O2 gas is also important for many other biological processes, such as wound healing and the immune system.

Properties

Physical properties

• Colorless gas
• Odorless and tasteless
• Slightly denser than air (1.429 g/L compared to 1.225 g/L for air at 0°C)
• Poor conductor of heat and electricity
• Relatively low boiling point (-182.97°C) and melting point (-218.76°C)
• Slightly soluble in water (more soluble in cold water than hot water)

Chemical properties

• Highly reactive, especially with metals
• Supports combustion (burning)
• Forms oxides with most elements
• Exists in several allotropic forms, including dioxygen (O2, the most common form), ozone (O3), and tet oxygen (O4)

Oxygen gas uses

O2 gas is vital in many industrial processes, medical applications, and even for everyday life. Here’s a breakdown of its widespread uses:

Medical:

• O2 therapy: People with respiratory problems or undergoing anesthesia often require supplemental O2. It’s delivered through nasal cannulas, masks, or mechanical ventilators.
• Hyperbaric O2 therapy: In this treatment, patients breathe pure O2 in a pressurized chamber to promote healing and fight infections.

Industrial:

• Steel production: Oxygen is essential for large-scale steel production, where it aids in removing impurities from iron during the conversion process.
• Welding and cutting: The high reactivity of oxygen makes it ideal for welding and cutting metals.
• Chemical production: Many chemical processes involve O2, such as in the production of plastics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Other applications:

• Water treatment: O2 can be used to remove pollutants and improve water quality in wastewater treatment plants.
• Food processing: In food packaging, O2 can be used to extend the shelf life of certain products or prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
• Rocket propellants: Liquid O2 is a component of rocket propellants, providing the oxidizer for the fuel’s combustion.
• Life support systems: Submarines, airplanes, and spacecraft all rely on O2 supplies to maintain breathable atmospheres for their crews.

produce of O2 gas

O2 can be produced through various methods, but two main industrial techniques dominate:

1. Liquefaction of Air: This is the most widely used method. Here’s the process breakdown:

• Air is compressed using powerful pumps.
• The compressed air is then cooled down significantly, reaching extremely low temperatures (around -196°C). This process often utilizes a technique called fractional distillation, where components of the air separate based on their different boiling points.
• At these frigid temperatures, air liquefies. As a liquid, its components can be further separated due to their differing boiling points.
• Nitrogen (N2), the major component of air (about 78%), has a lower boiling point than O2. So, during fractional distillation, nitrogen boils off first, leaving behind enriched liquid oxygen.
• Finally, the liquid oxygen is further purified and converted back into a gas for storage and use.

2. Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA): This is another common method, particularly for producing smaller quantities of O2 gas. Here’s how it works:

• Air is passed through a series of canisters filled with a special material called zeolite. Zeolite acts like a sieve, selectively adsorbing (clinging to) nitrogen molecules from the air stream.
• The process typically uses two interconnected zeolite chambers. While one chamber is capturing nitrogen, the other goes through a regeneration cycle, releasing the adsorbed nitrogen molecules.
• The air exiting the zeolite chambers is enriched in oxygen, typically reaching purities of around 90% to 93%.

These are the two main industrial methods for producing O2 gas. Other less common methods include electrolysis of water (splitting water molecules with electricity) and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Hazards and safety

O2 gas, while vital for life, can be hazardous if not handled properly. Here’s a breakdown of the key dangers and safety precautions to consider:

Hazards

• Fire and explosion: O2 doesn’t burn itself, but it’s a strong supporter of combustion. It significantly increases the flammability of materials that might not normally burn in air. Even materials like grease, rust, and clothing can become fire hazards in an oxygen-rich environment. A spark or ignition source can easily trigger a fire or explosion.
• High-pressure gas: Compressed O2 is stored in high-pressure cylinders. Improper handling can lead to cylinder ruptures or leaks, causing injuries or property damage.
• Respiratory hazards: While O2 is essential for breathing, excessive exposure to high concentrations (above 35%) can be harmful. It can cause irritation of the respiratory system, coughing, and fluid buildup in the lungs. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to very high concentrations can lead to convulsions and even death.
• Cold burns: Liquid O2 is extremely cold (-182.97°C). Contact with liquid O2 can cause severe frostbite and cryogenic burns to the skin and eyes.

Safety Precautions

• Storage and handling: Always store and handle O2 cylinders according to regulations and safe handling practices. Secure cylinders upright to prevent tipping and falls. Keep them away from heat sources, ignition sources, and flammable materials.
• Designated areas: Use oxygen only in well-ventilated areas to prevent oxygen enrichment.
• Oil and grease: Keep oxygen equipment free from oil and grease, as these can ignite in an oxygen-rich environment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE when working with O2, such as safety glasses, gloves, and clothing made from flame-resistant materials.
• Training: If you’ll be handling O2, proper training on safe handling procedures is crucial. This includes understanding the hazards, safe cylinder handling techniques, and emergency procedures.
• Leak detection and response: Have a plan for detecting and responding to oxygen leaks.

By following these safety practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with oxygen gas. Remember, if you’re unsure about any aspect of O2 use, it’s always best to consult a qualified professional.

Supply

Sepehr Gas Kavian company – with ISO17025 certificate and standard department’s reference laboratory – supplies oxygen with purities of 99%, 99.5%, 99.95%, 99.99% and 99.999% in cylinders and capsules with volume of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 50 liters.

Also, oxygen capsules and equipment related to oxygen capsules, such as regulators, etc., are sold at Sepehr Gas Kavian.

To buy and charge oxygen and other gases such as CO2, argon, N2, helium, CH4, ethane, H2S etc., from Sepehr Gas Kavian please contact us via: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708