What is the Difference Between Medical Oxygen and Industrial Oxygen?

The main difference between medical oxygen and industrial oxygen lies in their purity, regulation, and intended use. Here are the key differences:

1. Purity: Medical oxygen has higher purity levels compared to industrial oxygen. Industrial oxygen may contain impurities from the containers it is stored in, while medical oxygen cylinders must be free of contaminants.
2. Regulation: Medical oxygen is strictly regulated by the FDA, ensuring it meets specific parameters and conditions for use in medical settings. Industrial oxygen, on the other hand, is not regulated as strictly, which allows a greater chance for contamination.
3. Intended Use: Medical oxygen is specifically designed for use in medical environments and is often used for respiratory conditions and complications, such as treating COVID-19, asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses. Industrial oxygen is used in various industries, including fabrication, welding, cutting, cleaning, steel cutting and manufacturing, chemical process plant production, paper-based manufacturing and bleaching, and bio-reaction processes.
4. Compressors: Medical oxygen can only be generated by medical air compressors, which usually come in oil-free or oil-less varieties. Industrial oxygen can be generated by oil-lubricated, oil-less, or oil-free compressors, depending on the product being produced using the compressed air application.

In summary, medical oxygen is a highly pure and strictly regulated gas intended for use in medical settings, while industrial oxygen is a less pure gas used in various industries to support manufacturing processes and chemical reactions.

Comparative Table: Medical Oxygen vs Industrial Oxygen

The main difference between medical oxygen and industrial oxygen lies in their purity and intended applications. Here is a table comparing the two:

In summary, medical oxygen is a highly pure form of oxygen used specifically for treating patients with breathing difficulties, while industrial oxygen is used for various industrial processes and has a lower purity level.