Manufacture of industrial gases

NACE code 20.11 covers the manufacture of industrial gases, a critical industry that supports a wide range of economic activities. Industrial gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, are essential inputs for various industries, including chemical production, metal processing, healthcare, and energy generation. This industry plays a vital role in enabling the efficient and sustainable operation of many other sectors, making it an integral part of the broader economy.

The manufacture of industrial gases typically involves the separation and purification of air or other gas mixtures. Common production techniques include cryogenic distillation, where air is cooled and liquefied, allowing the different gases to be separated based on their boiling points. Another method is pressure swing adsorption, which uses adsorbent materials to selectively remove impurities from gas streams. These processes ensure the production of high-purity industrial gases that meet the specific requirements of various end-users.

The manufacture of industrial gases requires a range of inputs, including air, electricity, and specialized equipment. Air is the primary raw material, which is then processed and purified to extract the desired gases. Additionally, the industry relies on energy-efficient compressors, heat exchangers, and other specialized machinery to facilitate the separation and liquefaction of gases. Skilled technicians and engineers are also essential for the operation and maintenance of these complex production facilities.

The primary outputs of the industrial gases industry are the various types of gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. These gases are then supplied to a wide range of industries, including 20.14 Manufacture of other organic basic chemicals, 24.10 Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys, 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations, and 35.11 Production of electricity. The efficient and reliable supply of these industrial gases is crucial for the smooth operation and competitiveness of these downstream sectors.