Metallurgical Processes: In steelmaking, blowing high-purity oxygen into the process causes the oxygen to react with carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. This not only reduces the carbon content of the steel but also helps remove impurities such as phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. Furthermore, the heat generated during the oxidation process is sufficient to maintain the temperature required for steelmaking. Therefore, oxygen blowing shortens the smelting time and improves the quality of the steel. In blast furnace ironmaking, increasing the oxygen concentration in the blast air can reduce the coke ratio and increase production. In non-ferrous metal smelting, using oxygen-enriched air can also shorten the smelting time and increase production.
Chemical Industry: In the production of synthetic ammonia, oxygen is mainly used for the oxidation of raw materials to strengthen the process and increase fertilizer production. Other examples include the high-temperature cracking of heavy oil and the gasification of pulverized coal.
Defense Industry: Liquid oxygen is a modern propellant. It is also used as an oxidizer in supersonic aircraft. Combustible materials impregnated with liquid oxygen are highly explosive and can be used to produce explosives.
Medical and Healthcare: Oxygen is used for respiration in oxygen-deficient, low-oxygen, or oxygen-free environments, such as during diving operations, mountaineering, high-altitude flight, space travel, and medical emergencies.
Other Applications: As a combustion-supporting agent, it is used in conjunction with combustible gases to achieve metal welding and cutting. It is widely used in various industries, especially in mechanical enterprises, and is a convenient cutting method.
