Food-grade oxygen, O2
Food-grade oxygen, O2
Food-grade oxygen is a gas used in the food industry to support the freshness, color, and quality of products. It is primarily utilized as a packaging and process gas when the controlled presence of oxygen is essential. Food-grade oxygen helps preserve the natural properties of food products throughout their shelf life.
Food-grade oxygen is high-purity oxygen that meets the quality requirements for food use. Oxygen makes up about 21% of the atmosphere and occurs naturally in a variety of compounds, such as water and minerals in the soil. Oxygen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic gas that is slightly heavier than air. It sustains combustion and reacts readily with many substances, making it an effective oxidant in industrial applications.
Chemical symbol of oxygen: O2
Oxygen UN No: 1072 (Oxygen, compressed), 1073 (Oxygen, refrigerated liquid)
Valve: DIN 477 No. 6
Density of oxygen: 1,43 kg/m3
Relative density of oxygen: 1,14 (air=1)
Boiling point of oxygen at 0,101 MP: -183 °C
Food-grade oxygen is mainly used in the food industry as a packaging and process gas. It is applied in products where the presence of oxygen helps preserve natural colour, texture, and freshness.
Oxygen is especially used in the packaging of fresh meat, fish, seafood, fruit, and vegetables. It prevents discolouration and helps maintain the product’s organoleptic properties.
In addition, food-grade oxygen is used in certain fermentation processes and in the oxidation of foods and beverages when a controlled increase in oxygen is necessary to ensure product quality or optimal process performance.
Available grades:
Industrial oxygen, high purity oxygen, food-grade oxygen, diving oxygen, AWOlaser oxygen and aviation oxygen.
Packaging:
Food-grade oxygen is available in cylinders and cylinder batteries.
Medical oxygen:
Learn more about medicinal oxygen on the Woikoski Medical website at: https://www.woikoskimedical.fi/en/products/medical-oxygen/
Gases behave differently depending on their quality and state. Always consult the product’s safety data sheet before using the product. A safety data sheet is a document that conveys information about the properties, risks and safe use of a substance or mixture for industrial or professional use.
Fire Hazard
Oxygen is not a flammable gas, but an increased oxygen concentration greatly intensifies combustion. It reacts strongly with many organic and inorganic substances, and even materials normally considered non-flammable may ignite. Cylinders can rupture or explode as a result of fire.
Effects on inhalation
Human exposure to changes in the oxygen content of the air is affected by oxygen deficiency or over-oxygenation. Prolonged inhalation of oxygen concentrations above 75% may cause nausea, dizziness and breathing difficulties. If symptoms occur, move the victim to fresh air and consult a doctor if necessary.
Frostbite injuries
Liquid oxygen and oxygen vapours are extremely cold and cause frostbite to the skin and eyes. Frostbite injuries to the eyes may result in permanent damage. Touching non-insulated parts of the equipment with bare skin may cause the skin to catch and tear. In the event of an accident, rinse the heavily damaged areas with lukewarm water and seek medical attention.
Unsuitable materials
Certain steels are unsuitable for use at low temperatures because they become brittle and lose their resistance to impact. Materials normally suitable for use at low temperatures are stainless steel, aluminium and their alloys. Oils and greases can react with oxygen to cause a spontaneous explosive fire.
Use
- Follow the instructions and safe working practices when handling the substance.
- The gas handler must have appropriate training
- Use only carefully checked pressure regulators and other operating equipment suitable for this gas. If in doubt, contact Woikoske.
- The valve is opened and closed by hand. It takes about one turn to open the bottle. The use of assistive devices is prohibited!
- The gas cylinder in use must be properly secured
- Keep the valve outlets clean! (especially from oil and grease)
- Close the bottle valve after each use and when the bottle is empty.
- Always report a damaged valve and bottle to Woikoske
- No smoking or open fires during use
Transport
- The driver must be aware of the potential dangers of the load and know his duties in the event of accidents and incidents.
- Bottles should be transported in an upright position wherever possible
- The load must be secured
- The protective cap on the bottle valve must ALWAYS be in place during transport or even minor handling
- Bottles must not be knocked, thrown or dropped from the platform of the car
- Attention to ADR regulations in transport
Storage
- Comply with all legal and local requirements for cylinder storage
- Store bottles in a well-ventilated place
- Gas cylinders should not be stored in conditions that promote corrosion
- Gas cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over.
- Valve domes of gas cylinders must be in place during storage
- Keep empty and full bottles separate
