Industrial oxygen is one of the most widely used gases in modern manufacturing and engineering fields. Although often confused with medical oxygen, industrial-grade oxygen has distinct standards, applications, and production requirements. Understanding these differences helps buyers select the right grade for their operations and maintain safe, compliant usage.
What Is Industrial-Grade Oxygen Used For?
Industrial oxygen supports a wide range of applications across heavy industry, manufacturing, and environmental technologies. Its ability to intensify combustion, improve reaction efficiency, and support various chemical and metallurgical processes makes it indispensable.
Major industrial applications include:
1. Metal Cutting & Welding
Industrial oxygen is widely used in:
- Oxy-fuel cutting
- Welding
- Brazing
- Flame cleaning
It increases flame temperature to cut through steel and improve welding efficiency.
2. Steelmaking & Metallurgy
Oxygen plays a critical role in:
- Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) steelmaking
- Decarburization
- Removing impurities from molten metal
This improves metal quality and reduces processing time.
3. Chemical Production
Oxygen is used in:
- Oxidation reactions
- Production of chemicals such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and nitric acid
- Waste treatment and regeneration processes
4. Water Treatment
Dissolved oxygen enhances:
- Biological wastewater treatment
- Aeration systems
- Oxidation of pollutants
This improves purification efficiency.
5. Glass & Ceramics
Oxygen boosts combustion efficiency in high-temperature furnaces, resulting in:
- Lower fuel consumption
- Higher thermal efficiency
- Reduced NOx emissions
6. Pulp & Paper
Used for bleaching and delignification processes to improve whiteness and reduce chemical usage.
What Is the Difference Between Industrial Oxygen and Medical Oxygen?
Although both are oxygen gases, industrial oxygen and medical oxygen are not interchangeable due to differences in production, purity, and quality control.
1. Purity Requirements
- Medical Oxygen: Typically ≥ 99.5% purity with extremely strict contaminant limits.
Requires pharmaceutical-grade production and full traceability. - Industrial Oxygen: Usually 99.2%–99.7% purity depending on application.
Purity requirements vary by industry but are less strict than medical standards.
2. Production Standards
- Medical oxygen must be produced in certified facilities under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).
- Industrial oxygen is produced under general industrial gas standards, not medical regulations.
3. Moisture & Contaminant Control
Medical oxygen requires:
- Zero particulate contamination
- Controlled moisture levels
- Stainless steel, medical-grade cylinders
Industrial oxygen may contain higher levels of moisture or trace impurities that are acceptable for non-medical applications.
4. Cylinder Handling & Labeling
Medical oxygen cylinders must follow:
- Color coding
- FDA / pharmacopeia standards
- Sterile filling processes
Industrial oxygen cylinders follow industrial safety codes but not pharmaceutical requirements.
Result: Medical oxygen can be used for patients, but industrial oxygen must never be used for medical treatment.
What Is the Standard of Industrial Oxygen?
Industrial oxygen must meet key national and international standards to ensure safe industrial use.
Common standards include:
1. Purity Standard
Typical industrial oxygen purity: ≥ 99.5%, depending on application.
Some processes may require 99.7% or higher.
2. ISO Standards
- ISO 2046 (industrial oxygen types)
- ISO 1926 (oxygen for industrial use)
These standards regulate purity, moisture, impurities, and cylinder requirements.
3. National Standards
Depending on the region:
- China: GB/T 3863 Industrial Oxygen Standard
- USA: CGA G-4.3
- Europe: EN 629-2013
These specify allowable contaminants, testing methods, and safety requirements.
4. Cylinder & Storage Standards
Industrial oxygen must be stored and transported under:
- DOT regulations
- CGA guidelines
- Local pressure vessel standards
