In a hospital ICU, a half-percent drop in oxygen can trigger an alarm.
In a rocket test stand, that same half-percent can alter combustion stability.
Different worlds, same principle: when oxygen defines safety or performance, precision in measurement is non-negotiable.
Yet two words often used interchangeably—purity and concentration—carry distinct technical meanings. Recognizing that differences matter for anyone working with oxygen systems, from medical devices to energy research. And it’s at the heart of what Oxigraf’s analyzers are built to deliver.
1. Purity measures what’s not there. Concentration measures what is.
Purity describes the absence of unwanted gases. Concentration refers to the presence of the desired substance.
A cylinder labeled 99.5% oxygen purity means that 0.5% of the volume is composed of other gases or trace contaminants, such as nitrogen, argon, or moisture. In semiconductor or medical applications, those traces can disrupt chemical reactions, affect material deposition, or compromise patient safety.
By contrast, a ventilator or incubator monitors oxygen concentration—the actual fraction of O₂ within a breathing mixture. Ninety-three percent O₂ concentration is clinically acceptable, even though it would not qualify as high-purity oxygen.
Oxigraf’s solid-state analyzers use tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy near 760 nm, a wavelength where oxygen’s molecular fingerprint is uniquely sharp. This enables the sensor to measure the proper O₂ fraction in real-time, providing process engineers with the precision needed to verify purity or regulate concentration with equal confidence.
2. Purity is static. Concentration is dynamic.
Purity is a fixed property of a gas supply. Once produced, a tank of 99.999% oxygen retains that purity until contamination occurs. It is a specification, a guarantee, and often a certification point in a quality system.
Concentration, on the other hand, is constantly changing. Temperature, flow rate, and pressure can shift the gas ratio from second to second. In an engine intake, a fuel cell stack, or a controlled atmosphere chamber, these fluctuations define efficiency and stability.
That’s why Oxigraf analyzers are designed for continuous monitoring. With no moving parts, no consumables, and no sensor drift, they provide steady, instantaneous feedback across a wide range of environments. You don’t just know what your oxygen was when it left the plant; you know what it is right now.
3. Purity demands certification. Concentration demands control.
Purity verification is about compliance.
Concentration control is about performance.
Gas producers certify purity using reference standards traceable to NIST or ISO calibration gases. Here, an Oxigraf analyzer serves as a trusted verifier, confirming that a cylinder or line meets the required grade before it reaches a production floor or patient line.
In dynamic systems, such as combustion chambers, rebreathers, or cryogenic transfer lines, concentration becomes a feedback variable. Sensors must respond quickly enough to maintain balance within a closed-loop system. Oxigraf analyzers integrate easily into such controls, providing accurate data within milliseconds and maintaining stability over years of operation.
From certification labs to embedded process control, the same principle applies: measurement integrity determines system integrity.
Purity and Concentration at a Glance
| Aspect | Purity | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| What it defines | Absence of contaminants | Presence of O₂ in a mixture |
| Nature | Static, certified value | Dynamic, continuously changing |
| Objective | Compliance and verification | Process control and optimization |
| Oxigraf’s role | Validation and traceability | Real-time monitoring and feedback |
Precision That Powers Confidence
Every Oxigraf analyzer turns invisible absorption lines into actionable information. Whether you are certifying high-purity oxygen or regulating concentration in a live process, accuracy isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of reliability.
Oxigraf technology was engineered for that standard. Solid-state. Maintenance-light. Proven in medical, industrial, and aerospace environments.
Because when the margin for error is measured in fractions of a percent, the difference between purity and concentration isn’t academic. It’s operational truth.
Discover more at www.oxigraf.com
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