Liquid oxygen is an important compound widely used in various fields, ranging from industrial applications to medical use. Trusted companies like Purifica specialize in the production and supply of liquid oxygen. Oxygen is an essential element for life and constitutes 21% of the atmosphere. However, in its liquid form, oxygen has a higher density, making it much more convenient for transportation and storage.

What is Liquid Oxygen?

Liquid oxygen is a compound obtained by cooling oxygen in its gaseous form to -183°C, turning it into a liquid state. This process increases the oxygen's density, facilitating its transportation. Companies like Purifica produce liquid oxygen of high purity and safety. Liquid oxygen is widely used in industrial and medical fields; it plays a role in industrial processes like metal production and welding, as well as providing respiratory support in hospitals. Being environmentally friendly, this substance is derived from natural oxygen, leaving no harmful waste, though its high reactivity requires careful handling during use.

Chemical Properties of Liquid Oxygen

The most prominent chemical property of liquid oxygen is its high reactivity. The liquid form of oxygen is a powerful oxidizing agent that accelerates chemical reactions. It is commonly used in industrial processes, particularly in metal production, welding, and high-temperature operations. Liquid oxygen can easily react with organic materials, making it ideal for energy production and combustion processes. Moreover, due to its extremely low temperatures, it can cause severe frostbite and cold burns if it comes into contact with the skin or if used incorrectly. Therefore, safety precautions must be followed, and it should be handled by trained professionals.

Where is Liquid Oxygen Used?

Liquid oxygen is widely used in various industrial and medical fields. In industry, it is utilized in metal production and welding processes due to its high oxidizing efficiency. It is also an essential compound for enhancing energy efficiency in steel production and other heavy industries. In the medical field, it is used to provide respiratory support in hospitals, especially for patients with breathing difficulties. In the aerospace industry, liquid oxygen is a critical component used as rocket fuel for space travel. Additionally, it is used in certain chemical production processes to increase reaction rates.

Storage of Liquid Oxygen

The storage of liquid oxygen is typically carried out in specially designed cryogenic storage units. These units prevent the oxygen from evaporating and maintain temperature balance. For user safety, these tanks must be regularly inspected. Moreover, to ensure safe transportation, they should be equipped with appropriate ventilation systems and leak-proof features.

Advantages of Liquid Oxygen

Liquid oxygen offers significant advantages in terms of transportation and storage due to its high density. Its higher density compared to gaseous oxygen allows more oxygen to be transported in the same volume, providing ease of use and efficiency. Additionally, the powerful oxidizing properties of liquid oxygen accelerate reaction rates in industrial processes, resulting in more efficient production. As an environmentally friendly compound, liquid oxygen is derived from atmospheric oxygen and does not harm the environment during use. In the medical field, it provides essential respiratory support for patients. Furthermore, the rapid and effective cooling capabilities of liquid oxygen offer important advantages in various scientific and technological applications.

Dangers of Liquid Oxygen

Liquid oxygen is a highly reactive and flammable compound, which means that improper use can lead to dangerous situations. Materials in contact with oxygen, especially organic substances, can easily ignite, increasing the risk of fire. Furthermore, the extremely low temperatures of liquid oxygen can cause severe frostbite and cold burns upon skin contact. High levels of oxygen in enclosed spaces can lead to oxygen toxicity, resulting in dizziness, fainting, and other health issues. Therefore, when using liquid oxygen, caution must be exercised, appropriate safety measures should be in place, and it must be handled by professionals.

The Future of Liquid Oxygen

With technological advancements, the use of liquid oxygen is expected to expand across various fields. Particularly in the energy sector, as the use of environmentally friendly fuels increases, the role of liquid oxygen will become more significant. Additionally, in medical applications and space exploration, the use of liquid oxygen will become more efficient and widespread with new technologies.
For more information about Liquid Oxygen, you can contact Purifica.