With a wide range of industrial gas solutions, Messer is committed to meeting all of our customers' gas-related needs.
O
20.9 % of air; 50.5 % of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere
-183 °C
-219 °C
Extremely reactive, forms compounds with nearly all other elements, participates in most combustion and corrosion processes.
Air separation
Oxygen accelerates chemical reactions across various industries and processes. It increases furnace temperatures in the metal and ceramics industries, and also speeds up biological and biochemical processes — for example, in water treatment. As a vital aid in medicine and pharmaceuticals, oxygen plays an essential role in healthcare.
More than half — precisely 50.5 percent — of the accessible parts of our planet contain oxygen. This percentage reflects the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere, hydrosphere (water), and Earth’s crust down to a depth of 16 kilometers. In terms of sheer mass, this makes oxygen one of the most fundamental building blocks of life on Earth.
Oxygen got its name due to an early misunderstanding in natural science. In the 18th century, pioneers in chemistry believed that this colorless, odorless gas was responsible for forming acids. That’s why they named it “oxygen” — from the Greek word oxys, meaning “acid,” based on the mistaken belief that it was the essential component of all acids.
By the way, oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen and helium — although its mass percentage is much lower than it is on Earth. In our solar system, it makes up about 0.8 percent. In industry, oxygen’s reactive properties help manufacturers produce goods more efficiently and cost-effectively. It plays a role in nearly all industrial processes where combustion or chemical reactions are essential — from steel production to water treatment.
Do you have questions regarding Messer products, services and technology applications?
We are always ready to support
English 
Thai 
Korean 
Japanese 
Chinese