Smelting Processes
During the steelmaking process, high-purity oxygen is blown into the furnace; the oxygen then undergoes oxidation reactions with carbon, as well as impurities such as phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. This not only reduces the carbon content of the steel but also facilitates the removal of these impurities.
Chemical Industry
In the production of synthetic ammonia, oxygen is primarily used to oxidize the feedstock gas, thereby intensifying the process and boosting fertilizer yields. Other examples include the high-temperature cracking of heavy oil and the gasification of pulverized coal.
Defense Industry
Liquid oxygen serves as the optimal oxidizer for modern rockets; it is also required as an oxidizer in supersonic aircraft. When combustible materials are impregnated with liquid oxygen, they become highly explosive, allowing for the creation of liquid oxygen explosives.
Medical and Practical Applications
Oxygen is utilized in environments characterized by oxygen deficiency, hypoxia, or anoxia-such as during diving operations, mountaineering, high-altitude flight, space travel, and medical emergency rescue situations.
