Oxygen, O2

Oxygen is a vital element with properties that make it indispensable in nature and industry. As the most common gas in the atmosphere, oxygen sustains life and acts as an efficient oxidant in many industrial processes.

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Oxygen is an element that makes up about 21% of the atmosphere and occurs naturally in a wide range of compounds, such as water and minerals in 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 industry.

Liquid oxygen is light blue and very cold – it has a boiling point of -183 °C. One litre of liquid oxygen produces about 840 litres of gaseous oxygen.

Chemical symbol of oxygen: O2
Oxygen UN number: 1072 (Oxygen, compressed), 1073 (Oxygen, refrigerated liquid)
Valve: DIN 477 No. 6
Oxygen density: 1,43 kg/m3
Relative density of oxygen: 1,14 (air=1)
Boiling point of oxygen at 0,101 MP: -183 °C
Oxygen reactivity for welding: Ox idizing

Steel and chemical industry
Oxygen is used as a powerful oxidant, especially in steel making and chemical processes where high reactivity is required.

Pulp and paper industry
The pulp used as a raw material for paper is bleached to produce a white, printable paper as a final product. In acid bleaching, bleaching starts with oxygen and is followed by several other steps.

Ozone production and water treatment
Oxygen is the starting material for ozone production. Ozone and oxygen are used in applications such as fish farming, greenhouse irrigation water treatment and biological treatment of wastewater.

Food industry
Oxygen is used in modified atmosphere packaging together with nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It helps to preserve the colour of red meat, for example, and improves the appearance and shelf life of products.

Oxygen as a welding gas
Oxygen is most commonly used in welding in combination with fuel gas (acetylene, LPG) in flame cutting, brazing, gas welding, tempering, etc. processes. Oxygen is a powerful oxidant that accelerates the combustion reaction. Oxygen can also be used in welding filler gases as a component up to 2%.

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.

Oxygen Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Oxygen, refrigerated liquid, Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

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

When handling the substance, follow the instructions and safe working practices given.
The gas handler must be properly trained
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. Approximately one turn is sufficient to open the cylinder. 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 cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty.
Always report damaged valves and cylinders 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 must 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 truck platform
Attention ADR regulations during transport

Storage

Observe all legal and local requirements for the storage of cylinders
Store cylinders in a well ventilated area
Cylinders should not be stored in conditions that promote corrosion
Cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over
Valve caps of gas cylinders shall be in place during storage
Empty and full cylinders should be kept separate

Oxygen, O2

Oxygen, O2

Oxygen properties

What is oxygen used for?

Woikoski oxygen products

Oxygen safety data sheet

Safe use of oxygen

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