Technical oxygen is used in large quantities as a gas oxidizer in rockets and spacecraft. The steel industry consumes gaseous oxygen for blowing through the molten iron using the Bessemer method to quickly and efficiently remove impurities such as C, S, and P. Steel produced with oxygen blowing is faster and of higher quality than with air blowing. Oxygen is also used for spraying and surfacing, welding and metal cutting (oxy-acetylene flame), and for plasma high-precision metal cutting.

Oil Extraction

• Injection into the reservoir to increase displacement energy (creating an effective mobile subsurface combustion zone)

Mining and Metallurgy

• In converter steel production, oxygen blowing in blast furnaces, gold extraction from ores, production of ferroalloys, smelting of nickel, zinc, lead, zirconium, and other non-ferrous metals
• Direct iron reduction
• Flame cleaning of ingots in foundry production
• Thermal rock drilling

Ecology

• Purification (ozonation) of drinking water
• Secondary metal recycling
• Aeration of wastewater with oxygen
• Neutralization (oxidation) of chemically active waste in treatment plants
• Oxygen blowing in waste incineration furnaces

Chemical Industry

• Manufacturing of explosive substances – oxyliquits (soaking with liquid oxygen)
• Production of acetylene, cellulose, methyl alcohol, ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid
• Catalytic conversion of natural gas (in synthetic ammonia production)
• High-temperature conversion of methane (natural gas)

Energy

• Gasification of solid fuels
• Air enrichment for domestic and industrial boilers
• Compression of water-coal mixture

Military Technology

• In barochambers
• For underwater operation of diesel engines
• Fuel for rocket engines

Agriculture

• Production of oxygen cocktails to increase animal weight
• Oxygen enrichment of aquatic environment in fishing

• Liquid oxygen is non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive. However, being a strong oxidizer, it significantly increases the flammability of other materials. Some materials (such as wood, paper, asphalt, coal, etc.) soaked in liquid oxygen can detonate. Therefore, only approved materials can be used when working in contact with oxygen.
• Direct contact of liquid oxygen with exposed skin can cause frostbite, as well as affect the mucous membrane of the eyes. Sampling of liquid oxygen should be carried out wearing protective goggles and canvas gloves.
• The working process involving liquid oxygen should prevent the uncontrolled accumulation of organic and other flammable substances.
• Draining of liquid oxygen should be done in specially designated areas with non-organic covering. In areas prone to leaks or liquid oxygen flow, the covering should also be free of organic materials.
• The oxygen concentration in the working area should not exceed 23% by volume. Flows or leaks of liquid oxygen can create zones with an increased oxygen content, posing a fire hazard. These zones should be marked with a special warning sign, have restricted access, and should not contain easily combustible materials. If these zones are located in enclosed spaces, they should be equipped with air monitoring systems and ventilation that automatically activates for air circulation.
• Before conducting repair work or inspecting a transport or stationary container that previously contained liquid oxygen, it should be warmed up to the ambient temperature and purged with air. Work can begin after reducing the oxygen concentration inside the container to 23%.
• After being in an oxygen-enriched environment, smoking, open flames, and proximity to fire are prohibited. Clothing should be ventilated for at least 30 minutes.
• During transportation, oxygen-filled tanks must be securely fastened to prevent movement and impacts, while cryogenic vessels should be transported in an upright position.
• Transportation devices used for tanks and cryogenic vessels must be clean and fire-safe. It is prohibited to transport oxygen-filled tanks and cryogenic vessels together with greasy substances.