OXYGEN

• Standard state: gas at 298 K
• Color: colorless as a gas, liquid is pale blue
• Classification: Non-metallic
• Availability:
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Oxygen is a Group 16 element. While about one fifth of the atmosphere is oxygen gas, the atmosphere of Mars contains only about 0.15% oxygen. Oxygen is the third most abundant element found in the sun, and it plays a part in the carbon-nitrogen cycle, one process responsible for stellar energy production. Oxygen in excited states is responsible for the bright red and yellow-green colours of the aurora. About two thirds of the human body, and nine tenths of water, is oxygen. The gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Liquid and solid oxygen are pale blue and strongly paramagnetic (contains unpaired electrons).

Ozone (O₃) is another allotrope of oxygen. It is formed from electrical discharges or ultraviolet light acting on O₂. It is an important component of the atmosphere (in total amounting to the equivalent of a layer about 3 mm thick at ordinary pressures and temperatures) which is vital in preventing harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from reaching the earth's surface. Aerosols in the atmosphere have a detrimental effect on the ozone layer. Large holes in the ozone layer are forming over the polar regions and these are increasing in size annually. Paradoxically, ozone is toxic! Undiluted ozone is bluish in color. Liquid ozone is bluish-black, and solid ozone is violet-black.

Oxygen is very reactive and oxides of most elements are known. It is essential for respiration of all plants and animals and for most types of combustion.

Nitrogen is made on massive scale by liquefaction of air and fractional distillation of the resulting liquid air at about -183°C) to separate out nitrogen (the main product) and other gases.

Ozone (O₃), the other allotrope of oxygen, is made by silent electric discharge through oxygen flowing through a cooled system. This can give up to a10% proportion of ozone and the ozone is purified by fractional liquefaction (with care!).

What are home oxygen tanks or systems?

Home oxygen systems are used by people who need extra oxygen for their health. There are generally three kinds:

• oxygen tanks

   

• liquid oxygen

   

• oxygen concentrators

What's the difference in the three kinds of home systems:

Oxygen tanks store compressed oxygen that can often be transported around with the patient, if the tank is small and portable. A flow meter and regulator are attached to the tank to adjust the oxygen flow. You usually roll the tank along with you when you move about. Oxygen is inhaled through a mask or lightweight tube.

Liquid oxygen systems come with a large stationary unit that stores oxygen as a liquid. You fill a small, portable canister when you want to leave the house and carry it with you or roll it on a cart. Oxygen is inhaled through a mask or lightweight tube.

Oxygen concentrators are units about the size of a suitcase that use electricity to draw oxygen out of the surrounding air and concentrate it. The oxygen is delivered through a lightweight tube attached to the nose.

 

Do's and Don'ts

• Don't ever change the flow of oxygen unless directed by your physician.
• Don't use alcohol or take any other sedating drugs because they will slow your breathing rate.
  Make sure you order more oxygen from your dealer in a timely manner.
• Use water-based lubricants on your lips or nostrils. Don't use an oil-based product like petroleum jelly.
• To prevent your cheeks or the skin behind your ears from becoming irritated, tuck some gauze under the tubing. If you have persistent redness under your nose, call your physician.

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