lox

Liquid oxygen (LOX) is oxygen in the liquid state at cryogenic temperatures. It is pale blue, highly paramagnetic, and denser than water, with a density of about 1.14 g/cm3 at its boiling point. LOX boils at 90.19 K (−182.96°C) at one atmosphere. It is produced industrially by fractional distillation of air in air separation plants and stored in insulated dewars to maintain cryogenic temperatures. It is typically supplied as a liquid for direct injection or vaporized to produce gas for various processes.

LOX is produced mainly by fractional distillation of air in dedicated air separation facilities. In operation, air is cooled and separated by differences in boiling points of nitrogen, oxygen and argon, allowing liquid oxygen to be collected, stored, and supplied as a liquid or as a gas derived from controlled vaporization.

In industry, LOX serves as an oxidizer in metal processing, chemical synthesis, and various industrial applications. It is also a key oxidizer in rocket propulsion, used with fuels in LOX/kerosene and LOX/LH2 engines. In medical and aviation contexts, LOX can be stored and vaporized to provide high-purity oxygen for patient care and aircraft life-support systems.

Safety: LOX is a powerful oxidizer; it can dramatically accelerate combustion of fuels and materials that would not normally ignite. Contact with organic materials or hydrocarbons can cause fires. LOX can cause severe cold burns and can lead to oxygen enrichment in enclosed spaces, increasing fire risk. Handling requires compatible materials and equipment, proper protective equipment, and venting to prevent pressure buildup and oxygen accumulation.