1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers an overview of the work of ASTM Committee G-4 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. It is a starting point for those asking the question: 'Are there any problems associated with my use of oxygen?' An introduction to the unique concerns that must be addressed in the handling of oxygen. The principal hazard is the prospect of ignition with resultant fire, explosion, or both. This hazard requires design considerations beyond those that apply to all systems, such as adequate strength, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and pressure safety relief.

1.2 This guide also lists several of the recognized causes of oxygen system fires and describes the methods available to prevent them. Sources of information about the oxygen hazard and its control are listed and summarized. The principal focus is on Guides G 63, G 88, Practice G 93, and Guide G 94. Useful documentation from other resources and literature is also cited.

Note 1This guide is an outgrowth of an earlier (1988) Committee G-4 videotape adjunct entitled Oxygen Safety and a related paper by Koch that focused on the recognized ignition source of adiabatic compression as one of the more significant but often overlooked causes of oxygen fires. This guide recapitulates and updates material in the videotape and paper.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements see Sections 8 and 11.

Note 2ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any evaluation methods asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this guide. Users of this guide are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such evaluation methods and data and the risk of use of such evaluation methods and data are entirely their own responsibility.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

G63 Guide for Evaluating Nonmetallic Materials for Oxygen Service

G88 Guide for Designing Systems for Oxygen Service

G93 Practice for Cleaning Methods and Cleanliness Levels for Material and Equipment Used in Oxygen-Enriched Environments

G94 Guide for Evaluating Metals for Oxygen Service

G126 Terminology Relating to the Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

G128 Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems

Keywords

adiabatic compression; autoignition; barriers; cleaning; combustion; compression heating; contamination; explosion; fire; flammability; GOX; ignition; liquid oxygen; LOX; material evaluation; material selection; oxygen ; oxygen compatibility; oxygen enriched; oxygen hazard; oxygen safety; oxygen service; oxygen systems; shielding; Adiabatic compression; Autoignition conditions/temperature; Cleaning agents/processes; Combustion; Compression heating; Contamination--systems (materials/applications); Explosion hazards; Fire investigation; Flammability--gaseous mixtures; Ignition--medical equipment/systems/applications; Liquid oxygen (LOX) systems; Material evaluation/selection; Oxygen-enriched systems/environments; Oxygen service/systems; Shielding ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 19.040 (Environmental testing)

DOI: 10.1520/G0128-02E01

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