The primary difference between oxygen and industrial oxygen lies in its intended use and purity. Industrial oxygen is not meant for inhalation, unlike medical-grade or "regular" oxygen.
Key Differences
| Feature | Oxygen (General) | Industrial Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | For breathing/medical purposes | Industrial applications |
| Purity | High purity for safe inhalation | Varies based on application, can include oils and other contaminants. |
| Production | Rigorous purification process | Can be produced with oil-lubricated, oil-less, or oil-free compressors |
| Safety | Safe for human consumption with proper handling | Not for inhalation. May be flammable with oils and other contaminants. |
Why the difference?
- Industrial Applications: Industrial oxygen is used in a variety of manufacturing and processing tasks. These applications can involve:
- Welding and cutting metals.
- Chemical processes and reactions.
- Combustion and oxidation.
- Wastewater treatment.
- Glass blowing.
- Purity Requirements: The purity levels for industrial applications differ from medical or breathing purposes. Industrial processes may tolerate or even require the presence of certain oils and other substances depending on the type of equipment being used and what is being produced.
- Compressor Use:
- As the reference indicates, industrial oxygen can be generated by various types of compressors (oil-lubricated, oil-less, or oil-free), depending on the specific industrial process.
- These compressors may introduce trace amounts of oils or other contaminants into the compressed gas. Therefore, industrial oxygen is not intended for inhalation, as these potential contaminants could be harmful to humans.
Important Considerations
- Safety First: Never attempt to inhale industrial oxygen due to the potential for contamination, which could be extremely harmful.
- Proper Handling: Always follow safety protocols for handling both industrial and medical oxygen, as they are both powerful oxidizers and present a fire hazard.
