What is Oxygen?

Oxygen (O₂) is a colorless, odorless gas and its presence is necessary for most combustion. Offered in many supply modes, we supply oxygen for a variety of applications.

We offer compressed and liquid oxygen in various grades specific to different applications, such as:
• A minor constituent in shielding gases for welding
• An enriched atmosphere for metal fabrication
• A respiratory aid in medical applications
• A growth stimulator in bioreactors
• A minor additive in food packaging

Download spec and safety sheets for more information on buying packaged oxygen from Airgas today.

Industrial Applications

Manufacturing & Metal Fabrication
Oxygen is commonly used in laser and plasma cutting and can be a minor constituent in shielding gases. It can also be used to replace or enrich air for better combustion in gaseous environments where metal is being melted, molded or cut.

Energy
When used instead of air, oxygen can improve performance in process heaters, industrial fermenters and gasification processes.

Healthcare
Oxygen is used in various medical applications—from first aid to respiratory treatment. There are also specialized oxygen therapies like hyperbaric treatments.

Life Sciences
Oxygen is used in fermenters and bioreactors to encourage cell growth. It’s also used to help discover and manufacture drugs and ensure quality control and drug uniformity.

Food Manufacturing
Though typically excluded in food packaging, oxygen is added in small quantities to select packaged foods to help maintain color in meats and respiration in vegetables.

Automotive
Oxygen is commonly used in laser and plasma cutting and can be a minor constituent in shielding gases. It’s also essential in the process of heat treating transmissions and engines.

Aerospace & Defense
Used in forging, oxygen helps produce strong metals for safe, reliable aircrafts.

Primary Materials
Oxygen plays a key role in glass manufacturing by helping lower emissions from glass furnaces. It also increases the efficiency of the glass melt by contributing to higher flame temperatures.

Supply Modes

Cylinders & Liquid Containers
We offer oxygen in high-pressure gas cylinders and liquid dewars—available in a variety of sizes—to meet any and all low-volume needs.

MicroBulk
For those who have outgrown cylinders and dewars but lack the space for bulk storage, we offer oxygen through Airgas MicroBulk—a safe, clean and efficient solution for higher-volume users.

Bulk Deliveries
Oxygen is also available in bulk gas and liquid delivery, as well as in a full range of purities and tank sizes.

Pipeline
For customers who regularly consume gas in large volumes, we offer pipeline supply systems—a more economical and reliable option to other supply modes.