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Medical Gases
1. Air
Chemical Symbol: None
Synonyms: Compressed air, atmospheric air, the atmosphere (of the earth)
Description
Air is the natural atmosphere of the earth, a nonflammable, colorless, odorless gas that consists of a mixture of gaseous elements (with argon, water vapor, a small amount of carbon dioxide, and traces of many other constitutes).
Uses
Air meeting particular purity specifications has many important applications. Some of these applications are in medical, undersea, aerospace, and atomic energy fields. Air is also used in SCBAs used by industrial, emergency response, and fire fighting personnel, and as a power source for various types of pneumatic equipment.
2. Oxygen
Chemical Symbol: O2
Synonyms: LOX
Description
Oxygen is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is nonflammable, but supports combustion and life. Almost all materials that burn in air, burn much stronger force in oxygen. The atmosphere consists of 20.95 percent oxygen. At temperatures below -184°C oxygen is in liquid form and has a transparent blue color, and is slightly heavier than water.
Uses
Oxygen is most commonly used for life supporting and combustion supporting purposes. It is used extensively with in the medical sector, high altitude flying, deep sea diving and in outer space. Industries use oxygen together with acetylene, propane, hydrogen and other fuel gases for welding and cutting. Furthermore, oxygen is used in production of other gases.