Industrial Applications of Oxygen Generators: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity

Oxygen plays an essential role in a range of industrial processes, from neon light production and cutting to glass manufacturing. While some businesses buy oxygen to be delivered in cylinders and other forms, there are better ways to obtain oxygen if your business needs a steady, continuous oxygen source. Oxygen generators provide a reliable source of oxygen 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Industrial oxygen generators have many benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity. If your business requires industrial oxygen use for its processes, here’s what you need to know.

Overview of Oxygen Generators in Industrial Settings

An oxygen generator is a device that separates oxygen from other gasses in the air and produces a steady stream of oxygen. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generators consist of two vessels that are pressurized in alternating turns. The pressurization leads to adsorption that separates the oxygen from the other gasses, producing a high-purity stream of oxygen.

Key Industrial Applications of Oxygen Generators

There are many oxygen generator applications. Below are some of the most common uses for oxygen generators in industrial settings.

Neon Light Production

Oxygen is used in Neon Light production to help form the tubes so they can be formed into the required shapes. After the Neon light tubes are created, an oxygen feed torch is used to heat the tubes and to create the desired shape.

Wastewater Treatment

Oxygen is used in the aeration and the biological treatment of wastewater. Oxygen in the water aids in the production of beneficial bacteria in the water, leading to faster processing times and better quality outcomes.

Pulp and Paper Industry

Adding oxygen to paper pulp is an efficient method for bleaching paper. This helps improve product quality while also reducing environmental impact. Businesses that use oxygen to bleach paper are less reliant upon harsh chemicals that can do damage to the environment.

Glass Manufacturing

Just as air-fuel combustion is inefficient in welding and steel manufacturing, it’s also inefficient in glass manufacturing. The use of oxygen for combustion in glass manufacturing helps to produce higher-quality glass while reducing fuel costs. Melting and softening of glass happens more efficiently when oxygen is the main combustion fuel. In addition, cutting, polishing, and heat treating are more efficient when using oxygen.

Chemical and Petrochemical Processes

Oxidation processes in petrochemistry can be slow and inefficient when your business relies solely on oxygen in the air. Only a small percentage of the air is actual oxygen. Introducing pure oxygen to the oxidation process helps boost productivity and yield in chemical manufacturing, which can save your business money.

Aquaculture and Fish Farming

Oxygen is essential for fish farmers and the fish farming industry as a whole. The use of oxygen to aerate water can help ensure fish growth and overall farm productivity.

Benefits of Oxygen Generators for Industrial Efficiency

On-site oxygen generation has many advantages over oxygen delivery. Some of the benefits of on-site industrial oxygen generators include:

• Continuous availability: When your business relies on oxygen delivery for its supply of oxygen, it’s important to monitor your oxygen supply to ensure that your business always has enough oxygen for its purposes. When you use an on-site oxygen generator, you enjoy a reliable source of oxygen all the time.
• Reduced Downtime and Increased Productivity: Oxygen delivery is vulnerable to supply chain problems, which means your business must either slow or stop productivity when oxygen deliveries fail to come through. Like any other piece of equipment, oxygen generators are available at all times for your business use, helping to ensure less downtime and increased productivity.
• Increased Process Control: Having an on-site oxygen generator allows your business to control oxygen purity and flow rates, allowing for precise optimization in various processes.

Safety and Environmental Advantages

In addition to the administrative benefits listed above, there are also safety and environmental benefits to using an oxygen generator.

• Improved Safety Standards: High-Pressure Gas cylinders may be dangerous if not properly handled, and oxygen can be especially dangerous as it is part of the burning triangle and is essential for combustion. On-site oxygen generation reduces risks associated with storing and handling bulk oxygen. This can help reduce workplace accidents.
• Eco-friendly: On-site oxygen generators are eco-friendly because they use low amounts of energy and do not require delivery with fossil fuel-dependent vehicles. If your business is committed to operating with environmentally friendly practices, the use of on-site industrial oxygen generators can help.

ROI and Scalability

• Cost-Effectiveness of On-Site Systems: While on-site oxygen generators do have an up-front cost, these generators pay for themselves quickly. If your business gets regular, high-cost deliveries of oxygen to your site, then an on-site oxygen generator can help you save money. After the cost of the generator is paid off, the generator can last for many years and can be operated at a low monthly cost, potentially saving your business thousands over time.
• Scalability for Growing Demands: Does your business anticipate growing or scaling up when seasonal demand increases? On-site industrial oxygen generators can adapt to increased industrial demands. Meeting those demand increases can be difficult when your business depends on oxygen delivery from another business.

Finding the Right Oxygen Generator for Your Business

Boosting productivity with oxygen is easy when your business has its own oxygen generator system. Industrial oxygen generators can produce a continuous stream of high-purity oxygen to meet your business demands. At On Site Gas Systems, we can help you find a reliable oxygen generator for your industrial processes. We know how important industrial oxygen use is to your business. Our engineers and customer service team can help you find the right system for your needs. Contact us today to get started!