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Comparison of the Cost of Oxygen Gas from Different Sources
One of the most common questions industries ask when evaluating different sources of oxygen gas is: What is the cost of oxygen production?
This article aims to provide a clear answer through cost comparisons and practical insights. We’ll briefly explore the costs associated with:
- Liquid Oxygen
- High-Pressure Cylinders
- PSA Oxygen Generators
We’ll also highlight why PSA oxygen generation is often the most economical choice for continuous, on-site supply.
Available Oxygen Gas Sources
There are three primary ways to source oxygen gas in industrial applications:
- Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
- High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinders
- PSA Oxygen Generators
The first two options are delivery-based models. They require frequent replacements and come with higher operational costs. In contrast, PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Oxygen Generators produce oxygen on-site using ambient air, significantly cutting down long-term costs and reliance on external vendors.
Cost Comparison: Oxygen from Different Sources
| Source of Oxygen | Cost per Nm³ (INR) | Notes |
| Liquid Oxygen | ₹15 – ₹25 | Cost varies by proximity to the LOX production plant |
| High-Pressure Cylinder* | ₹30 – ₹60 | Pricing depends on location |
| PSA Oxygen Generator | ₹8.8 | Based on the electricity cost of ₹8/unit |
*One cylinder holds ~7 Nm³
Comparison Parameters
| Sno. | Parameter | Liquid Oxygen | High-Pressure Cylinder | PSA Oxygen Generator |
| 1 | Cost per Nm³ | High | Very High | Low |
| 2 | Risk Involved | High (expansion ratio) | Very High (150 barg pressure) | Low (operates at ~5.5 barg) |
| 3 | Third-Party Dependency | Yes (frequent refilling) | Yes (frequent refilling) | No (on-site production) |
| 4 | Carbon Emissions | High (due to logistics) | High (due to logistics) | Very Low (on-site generation) |
Cost of Oxygen from PSA Oxygen Generators
PSA oxygen generators use pressure swing adsorption technology to extract oxygen from air. The energy required to produce 1 Nm³ of oxygen is approximately 1.1 kWh.
Assuming an electricity rate of ₹8 per kWh, the cost of oxygen production is:
1.1kWh × ₹8 = ₹8.8 per Nm³
This makes PSA oxygen generation one of the most cost-efficient solutions for facilities with continuous oxygen demand.
Conclusion
When comparing liquid oxygen, high-pressure cylinders, and PSA oxygen generation, PSA technology clearly stands out for its cost-effectiveness, safety, and independence from third-party suppliers.
For industries looking to cut down on operational costs and reduce carbon emissions, PSA oxygen generators offer a sustainable and economical long-term solution.
Want to calculate ROI? Read our detailed blog:
How to Calculate the ROI (Return on Investment) of a PSA Oxygen Generator Compared to Liquid Oxygen or Oxygen Cylinders (1)
Contact Us
For tailored solutions and expert advice on Nitrogen consumption and cost, contact us:
- Email: info@absstem.com
- Phone: 1800 3010 3394
- Website: www.absstem.com
References
- Absstem Technologies. (2024). How to calculate the ROI (Return on Investment) of a PSA Oxygen generator compared to Liquid Oxygen or Oxygen Cylinders
