Life Cycle Of Oxygen From Production To Consumption

By Author: Universal Boschi
Total Articles: 4
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Production of Oxygen
Oxygen is produced primarily through two processes: photosynthesis and atmospheric diffusion. Photosynthesis occurs in plants and some types of bacteria, where they use the energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. Atmospheric diffusion is the process by which oxygen is released into the atmosphere through the breakdown of water vapor into oxygen and hydrogen by ultraviolet radiation.

Oxygen in the Atmosphere

Once oxygen is produced, it is released into the atmosphere and becomes part of the Earth's oxygen cycle. Oxygen makes up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere, and it is constantly cycled through different chemical reactions. For example, oxygen in the atmosphere reacts with nitrogen to form nitrogen oxides, which are important for the formation of ozone in the stratosphere.

Oxygen in the Biosphere

Oxygen is an essential component for all living organisms, as it is necessary for respiration. During respiration, organisms take in oxygen and use it to break down glucose into energy. The byproducts of respiration ...
... are carbon dioxide and water, which are then released back into the environment. This creates a cycle of oxygen consumption and production in the biosphere.

Oxygen in the Hydrosphere

Oxygen is also an essential component of the hydrosphere, as it is necessary for aquatic organisms to carry out respiration. Oxygen is dissolved in water through a process called diffusion, where oxygen from the atmosphere passes into the water. This dissolved oxygen is then available for aquatic organisms to use for respiration.

Oxygen Depletion

Although oxygen is constantly being produced and cycled through the environment, there are situations where oxygen can become depleted. One example of this is eutrophication, where excess nutrients in water lead to an overgrowth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, they consume large amounts of oxygen, leading to low oxygen levels in the water. This can be detrimental to aquatic organisms, as they require oxygen to survive.

So far, we have discussed production of oxygen through natural processes as it happens in our atmosphere. In the following headings we will talk about oxygen produced through an industrial processes which we use in wide range of industrial and medical applications. There are many processes for making oxygen but we will talk only about two popular techniques. These processes are called cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption (PSA).

Cryogenic Oxygen Plant

Industries use cryogenic oxygen plant for generating oxygen on a large scale with purity up to 99.7%, which is sufficient for both medical and industrial applications. There are many prestigious big companies such as Linde, Universal Boschi and Air Liquide manufacturing tonnage air separation plants that can generate oxygen a very big scale. Moreover, large oxygen consuming oxygen industries install liquid oxygen plants manufactured by the leading manufacturers as mentioned above.

Working Process of Cryogenic Oxygen Plant

To start with, the cryogenic distillation process starts with intake of ambient air from the atmosphere through an inlet in the air separation unit (ASU). Afterwards, the air is filtered to remove dust particles. Subsequently, the process takes the air into an air compressor for compressing. Obviously, the processed air then moves into a purification system for removal of impurities such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and moisture.

Next, the feed air moves into a series of heat exchanger for cooling the air to cryogenic levels. After achieving liquefaction of air, the separation of air into constituent gases like oxygen, nitrogen and argon takes places on the basis of their respective boiling points in the high pressure distillation column. The product gas, oxygen in this case, is sent to a low pressure distillation for achieving commercially specified purity level.

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant

PSA oxygen plant uses a technique for separating oxygen from air using a molecular sieve comprising of Zeolite. However, the process filters air from impurities and then compresses it. Subsequently, it passes the air through twin towers comprising of beds of Zeolite which selectively adsorb nitrogen and allows the product gas, oxygen to pass through. When one tower becomes saturated, it is depressurized releasing nitrogen and regenerates the Zeolite. Now, it becomes available for another cycle. Additionally, PSA O2 plants are used in industries such as metal fabrication, glass manufacturing, etc., due to cost-effective production of oxygen.

Large Oxygen Consuming Industries

Most of the industries needing oxygen a large scale opt for cryogenic oxygen plants. Typically, it is the steel industry which accounts for consuming over 50% of global production of oxygen. No doubt, the industry needs oxygen on such a large scale to keep the process of combustion going. Most of them go for installing onsite O2 plants to generate as much oxygen as and when they require.

After the steel industry, the 2nd largest industry known for high consumption of oxygen is chemical industry. Undoubtedly, the estimates indicate the industry uses over 25% of the total global production of oxygen. The industry uses oxygen for making wide range of chemical products. The remaining 25% commercially generated oxygen is used in wide range of industries such as medical, glassmaking, pulp and paper making.

In conclusion, we understand that the life cycle of oxygen is a complex and essential process for sustaining life on Earth. Moreover, oxygen is produced through photosynthesis and atmospheric diffusion, and it is constantly cycled through the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. However, there are situations where oxygen can become depleted, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance in the oxygen cycle.
No doubt, understanding the life cycle of oxygen is crucial for understanding the processes that support life on our planet. And, commercial oxygen is produced using two popular techniques, namely, cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption.

Universal Boschi writes on various aspects of oxygen industry. With experience over 15 years in the industry, he has detailed knowledge of oxygen plant manufacturing and its market. For more details Oxygen Plant Manufacturer company. Visit Us At My Website.

Universal Boschi is the author of this article. We are trusted oxygen plant manufacturer that performs seamlessly using high quality materials and the advanced technology.