What are the Uses of Oxygen in Industry and Commerce |
Posted: May 12, 2023 |
Industries use oxygen in a wide range of processes, from steelmaking to wastewater treatment. In this article, we will discuss six important uses of oxygen in industry and commerce. Steelmaking One of the primary uses of oxygen in industry is in the production of steel. Oxygen is used to remove impurities from molten iron, which improves the quality of the steel. The process, called oxygen steelmaking, involves blowing oxygen into a furnace that contains the molten iron. The oxygen reacts with the impurities, forming oxides that can be easily removed from the surface of the molten metal. Oxygen steelmaking is more efficient than traditional steelmaking methods, which rely on carbon to remove impurities. Ozone Production Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that is used in many industrial applications, including water treatment, food processing, and medical sterilization. Ozone is produced by passing oxygen through a high-voltage electrical field, which breaks the oxygen molecules apart into individual atoms. These atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ozone is an effective disinfectant, as it can kill bacteria and viruses on contact. Wastewater Treatment Without a doubt, highly combustible gas is used in wastewater treatment to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria, which break down organic matter in the water. In the process, the bacteria consume the oxygen, which creates a low-oxygen environment that is not suitable for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Without oxygen, anaerobic bacteria can produce harmful byproducts, including methane and hydrogen sulfide. By adding oxygen to wastewater, industries can prevent the growth of these harmful bacteria and reduce the amount of organic matter in the water. Medical Applications Undoubtedly, O2 is a critical component in many medical applications, including respiratory therapy, anesthesia, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In respiratory therapy, oxygen is delivered to patients who have difficulty breathing, either through a mask or a nasal cannula. Anesthesia uses a combination of oxygen and other gases to induce unconsciousness during surgery. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing a patient to high levels of oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Food and Beverage Production Also, it is used in the production of many food and beverage products, including beer, wine, and bread. In beer and wine production, oxygen is used during fermentation to promote the growth of yeast, which converts sugars into alcohol. Oxygen is also used in bread production, where it helps to activate yeast and improve the texture of the bread. Welding and Cutting Moreover, it is used in many industrial processes that involve welding and cutting, including oxy-fuel welding and cutting. Oxy-fuel welding uses a mixture of oxygen and a fuel gas, such as acetylene, to create a flame that can be used to melt metal. Oxy-fuel cutting uses a similar process to cut through metal, using the heat generated by the flame to melt the metal and create a clean cut. Besides, the non-metallic element is a very important element that has a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. From steelmaking to wastewater treatment, oxygen is used in many processes that are essential to modern industry. As technology advances, we can expect to see new and innovative uses for oxygen in industry and commerce.
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