Where is oxygen produced by physical separation found?

Oxygen produced by physical separation is found in oxygen concentrators. These devices utilize a process called pressure swing adsorption to separate oxygen from the air. Air is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator draws in ambient air, and as the air passes through a series of adsorbent materials, the nitrogen is captured while allowing oxygen to pass through. The result is a concentrated flow of oxygen that can be delivered to patients who need it for therapeutic purposes.

In contrast, compressed gas cylinders contain oxygen that is stored in a gaseous form under high pressure, while liquid oxygen tanks store oxygen as a liquid at very low temperatures. Heliox tanks contain a mixture of helium and oxygen, which is not relevant to the question since it does not pertain to oxygen produced through separation processes. Understanding the method of oxygen production is crucial in medical settings, as it informs practitioners about the sources and types of oxygen they can use for patient care.