WHAT IS LIQUID OXYGEN (LOX)? PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS

Liquid Oxygen (LOX) is oxygen stored at cryogenic temperatures, providing a stable supply solution for large-scale production systems. Thanks to its ability to meet high flow requirements and ensure continuous operation, LOX is increasingly widely applied in various modern industrial sectors. In this article, SIG Vietnam will help you gain a better understanding of the technical properties, safety requirements, and practical applications of Liquid Oxygen in production.

Liquid Oxygen is the liquid state of pure elemental oxygen, produced through the fractional distillation of atmospheric air at extremely low temperatures.

• Chemical Formula: O2

• Color: Distinctive pale blue (in its liquid state).

• Boiling/Liquefaction Point: -183°C (at atmospheric pressure).

• Expansion Ratio: 1:860. One liter of liquid oxygen expands into 860 liters of gaseous oxygen at standard conditions. This is why using cryogenic tanks saves significant storage space compared to compressed gas cylinders.

• Properties: A powerful oxidizing agent that vigorously supports combustion but is non-flammable itself. It is paramagnetic (attracted by magnets).

Depending on the application, Liquid Oxygen at SIG Vietnam is monitored according to the most stringent standards:

• Industrial Oxygen: 99.6% purity. Primarily used for welding, cutting, and metallurgy.

• Medical Oxygen: 99.6% purity. Completely free of impurities such as CO, CO2, moisture, and bacteria.

• Food-grade Oxygen: Meets food safety and hygiene requirements for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and aquaculture aeration.

a. Heavy Industry & Metallurgy

• Oxy-fuel Combustion Technology: A modern trend helping steel and glass plants reduce CO2 emissions by 30%. By using vaporized liquid oxygen instead of ambient air, furnaces reach target temperatures faster and more efficiently.

• Fiber Laser Cutting: LOX provides a stable flow rate for cutting thick steel plates, ensuring a smooth surface finish without dross or burrs.

a) B. Healthcare & Medical Services

• Central Oxygen Systems: Modern hospitals are transitioning to centralized Liquid Oxygen tanks (Vacuum Insulated Evaporators – VIE) to supply gas for ventilators and operating rooms, replacing manual compressed cylinders to ensure safety and continuity.

b) C. Environmental Treatment & Aquaculture

• Aerobic Wastewater Treatment: Injecting vaporized oxygen directly into biological tanks accelerates the decomposition of organic matter and effectively eliminates odors.

• High-Tech Shrimp Farming: LOX helps maintain high Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels, allowing for ultra-intensive farming densities without the risk of hypoxia.

Due to its cryogenic temperature and strong oxidizing nature, operators must strictly adhere to the following:

• Fire & Explosion Prevention: Never allow equipment to come into contact with oil, grease, or organic matter.

• Cryogenic Burn Protection: Equip personnel with full specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including cryogenic gloves and face shields, during filling operations.

• Ventilation: Ensure the storage area for liquid tanks is well-ventilated to prevent oxygen enrichment, which poses a severe fire hazard.

You can find comprehensive oxygen solutions at SIG Vietnam, including Industrial, Medical, and Food-grade Oxygen. Depending on your consumption volume, you may choose:

• Gaseous state: 40L or 50L high-pressure cylinders.

• Liquid state: Liquid Gas Cylinders (LGC/DPL) or high-capacity bulk storage tanks.

Furthermore, SIG Vietnam provides full-service EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management): Consulting, designing, and installing turnkey Liquid Oxygen station systems that are both safe and cost-efficient.

To receive the most competitive and optimized price for oxygen in Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, or Cambodia, please contact us today!

Website: https://sigvn.com/