Using Oxygen in Industry

Adding oxygen to industrial processes enhances efficiency and environmental compliance. By integrating oxygen, companies can achieve:

1. Improved Heating Patterns: Oxygen allows for more precise control over heating, resulting in uniform temperature distribution.
2. Higher Furnace Efficiencies: Enhanced combustion efficiency reduces fuel consumption and operational costs.
3. Reduced Emissions: Utilizing oxygen reduces particulate and NOx emissions, promoting a cleaner environment.

Oxygen is integral to numerous industrial applications, such as:

• Gas Welding and Cutting: Oxygen mixed with fuel gases improves the precision and speed of these processes.
• Oxygen Scarfing, Flame Cleaning, Hardening, and Straightening: These processes benefit from the high temperatures achieved by oxygen-fuel combustion.
• Oxidation Processes: Oxygen serves as a crucial raw material.
• Catalyst Regeneration: It helps in maintaining the effectiveness of catalysts used in various chemical processes.

How an Oxygen Generator Works

The atmosphere contains about 21% oxygen. Industrial oxygen is generated by isolating oxygen from other atmospheric gases. The most common method is Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), a reliable, cost-effective technology that provides a continuous supply of high-purity oxygen.

PSA Technology Explained:

1. Adsorption Process: This process involves the adherence of molecules from a substance (compressed air) to the surface of an adsorbent.
2. Separation of Gases: PSA technology uses adsorbents to separate oxygen from nitrogen, CO2, water vapor, and trace gases.
3. Pressure Vessels: The system consists of two vessels (Tower A and Tower B) filled with carbon molecular sieves.
4. Operation Cycle:
   • Separation: One tower adsorbs nitrogen and other gases while oxygen passes through.
   • Regeneration: The other tower undergoes regeneration, releasing the adsorbed gases to be vented out.

Benefits of On-Site Oxygen Production

Generating oxygen in-house offers several advantages over relying on bottled oxygen:

1. Continuous Supply: Ensures a consistent oxygen flow, mitigating risks of production halts due to supply issues.
2. Cost Savings: Eliminates costs associated with ordering, refilling, and transporting oxygen bottles.
3. Space Efficiency: Reduces the need for storage and special handling of full and empty oxygen bottles.
4. Operational Convenience: Simplifies logistics by removing the need for constant order processing and inventory management.

Industries that Use Oxygen

A reliable oxygen supply is essential across various industries:

• Steel Production: Enhances combustion and cutting processes.
• Food & Beverage: Used in packaging and preservation.
• Pharmaceuticals: Essential for certain manufacturing processes.
• Plastic Injection Molding: Improves quality and efficiency.
• Electronics and Semiconductors: Used in manufacturing and processing.
• Laser Cutting: Provides clean and precise cuts.
• Mining: Crucial for gold and silver extraction.
• Oxyfuel Combustion: Improves fuel efficiency.
• Chemical Production: Essential for various chemical reactions.
• Pulp & Paper: Used in bleaching and oxidation processes.
• Metal Heat Treatment: Enhances strength and durability.
• Cable & Optical Fiber: Used in production processes.
• Glass Manufacturing: Improves melting efficiency.
• Fire Prevention: Maintains safety in high-risk areas.
• Fish Farming: Enhances water quality.
• Waste-Water Treatment: Promotes efficient processing and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

On-site oxygen generation is a strategic investment for industries seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain continuous production. Consult with an air system professional to determine the best solution tailored to your specific needs.