ASTM G128/G128M-15(2023)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to introduce the hazards and risks associated with oxygen-enriched systems. This guide explains common hazards that often are overlooked. It provides an overview of the standards and documents produced by ASTM Committee G04 and other knowledgable sources as well as their uses. It does not highlight standard test methods that support the use of these practices. Table 1 provides a graphic representation of the relationship of ASTM G04 standards. Table 2 provides a list of standards published by ASTM and other organizations.
4.2 The standards discussed here focus on reducing the hazards associated with the use of oxygen. In general, they are not directly applicable to process reactors in which the deliberate reaction of materials with oxygen is sought, as in burners, bleachers, or bubblers. Other ASTM Committees and products (such as the CHETAH program5) and other outside groups are more pertinent for these.
4.3 This guide is not intended as a specification to establish practices for the safe use of oxygen. The documents discussed here do not purport to contain all the information needed to design and operate an oxygen-enriched system safely. The control of oxygen hazards has not been reduced to handbook procedures, and the tactics for using oxygen are not simple. Rather, they require the application of sound technical judgment and experience. Oxygen users should obtain assistance from qualified technical personnel to design systems and operating practices for the safe use of oxygen in their specific applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers an overview of the work of ASTM Committee G04 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. It is a starting point for those asking the question: “What are the risks associated with my use of oxygen?” This guide is 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. All fluid systems require design considerations, such as adequate strength, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and pressure safety relief. In addition to these design considerations, one must also consider the ignition mechanisms that are specific to an oxygen-enriched system. This guide outlines these ignition mechanisms and the approach to reducing the risks.
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 G63, G88, Practice G93, and Guide G94. Useful documentation from other resources and literature is also cited.
Note 1: This guide is an outgrowth of an earlier (1988) Committee G04 videotape adjunct entitled Oxygen Safety and a related paper by Koch2 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 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements see Sections 8 and 11.
Note 2: ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any evaluation methods asserted in connection with any ite...
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: G128/G128M − 15 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G128/G128M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This guide covers an overview of the work of ASTM
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Committee G04 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials
FOR SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS SEE SECTIONS 8 AND 11.
in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. It is a starting point for
those asking the question: “What are the risks associated with
NOTE 2—ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any
evaluation methods asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this
my use of oxygen?” This guide is an introduction to the unique
guide. Users of this guide are expressly advised that determination of the
concerns that must be addressed in the handling of oxygen. The
validity of any such evaluation methods and data and the risk of use of
principal hazard is the prospect of ignition with resultant fire,
such evaluation methods and data are entirely their own responsibility.
explosion, or both. All fluid systems require design
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
considerations, such as adequate strength, corrosion resistance,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
fatigue resistance, and pressure safety relief. In addition to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
these design considerations, one must also consider the ignition
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mechanisms that are specific to an oxygen-enriched system.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
This guide outlines these ignition mechanisms and the ap-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
proach to reducing the risks.
1.2 This guide also lists several of the recognized causes of
2. Referenced Documents
oxygen system fires and describes the methods available to 3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
prevent them. Sources of information about the oxygen hazard
D2512 Test Method for Compatibility of Materials with
and its control are listed and summarized. The principal focus
Liquid Oxygen (Impact Sensitivity Threshold and Pass-
is on Guides G63, G88, Practice G93, and Guide G94. Useful
Fail Techniques)
documentation from other resources and literature is also cited.
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
NOTE 1—This guide is an outgrowth of an earlier (1988) Committee Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
G04 videotape adjunct entitled Oxygen Safety and a related paper by
Plastics (Oxygen Index)
Koch that focused on the recognized ignition source of adiabatic
D4809 Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid
compression as one of the more significant but often overlooked causes of
Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter (Precision
oxygen fires. This guide recapitulates and updates material in the
Method)
videotape and paper.
G63 Guide for Evaluating Nonmetallic Materials for Oxy-
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
gen Service
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
G72 Test Method for Autogenous Ignition Temperature of
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
Liquids and Solids in a High-Pressure Oxygen-Enriched
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
Environment
used independently of the other, and values from the two
G74 Test Method for Ignition Sensitivity of Nonmetallic
systems shall not be combined.
Materials and Components by Gaseous Fluid Impact
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
G86 Test Method for Determining Ignition Sensitivity of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Materials to Mechanical Impact in Ambient Liquid Oxy-
gen and Pressurized Liquid and Gaseous Oxygen Envi-
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G04 on Compatibility
ronments
and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres and is the direct
G88 Guide for Designing Systems for Oxygen Service
responsibility of Subcommittee G04.02 on Recommended Practices.
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as G128/G128M – 15.
DOI: 10.1520/G0128_G0128M-15R23. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Koch, U. H., “Oxygen System Safety,” Flammability and Sensitivity of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Materials In Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres , Vol 6, ASTM STP 1197, ASTM, 1993, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
pp. 349–359. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
G128/G128M − 15 (2023)
G93 Guide for Cleanliness Levels and Cleaning Methods for 3.1.3 hazard, n—source of danger; something that could
Materials and Equipment Used in Oxygen-Enriched En- harm persons or property.
vironments
3.1.4 ignition mechanisms, n—these are the specific physi-
G94 Guide for Evaluating Metals for Oxygen Service
cal attributes and system conditions that cause the initial fire
G124 Test Method for Determining the Combustion Behav-
within a system. A system designer must evaluate an oxygen-
ior of Metallic Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmo-
enriched system for all possible ignition mechanisms. A
spheres
common ignition mechanism for metals is particle impact. A
G126 Terminology Relating to the Compatibility and Sensi-
common ignition mechanism for non-metals is adiabatic com-
tivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
pression.
G175 Test Method for Evaluating the Ignition Sensitivity
3.1.5 ignition temperature, n—the temperature at which a
and Fault Tolerance of Oxygen Pressure Regulators Used
material will ignite under specific test conditions.
for Medical and Emergency Applications
3.1.6 impact-ignition resistance, n—the resistance of a ma-
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
terial to ignition when struck by an object in an oxygen-
Video: Oxygen Safety
enriched atmosphere under a specific test procedure.
2.3 ASTM CHETAH Analytical Computer Software Pro-
gram:
3.1.7 nonmetal, n—a class of materials consisting of
CHETAH Chemical Thermodynamic and Energy Release polymers, certain composite materials (polymer matrix and
Evaluation
brittle matrix composites in which the most easily ignited
2.4 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standards: component is not a metallic constituent), ceramics, and various
G-4.1 Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service
organic and inorganic oils, greases, and waxes. nonmetallic,
G-4.4 Oxygen Pipeline and Piping Systems adj.
2.5 European Industrial Gas Association (EIGA) Stan-
3.1.8 oxidant compatibility, n—the ability of a substance to
dards:
coexist at an expected pressure and temperature with both an
33/XX/E Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service
oxidant and a potential source(s) of ignition within a risk
13/XX/E Oxygen Pipeline and Piping Systems
parameter acceptable to the user.
2.6 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Stan-
3.1.9 oxygen-enriched, adj—containing more than 23.5 mol
dards:
percent oxygen.
51 Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel
3.1.9.1 Discussion—Other standards such as those pub-
Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
lished by NFPA and OSHA differ from this definition in their
53 Recommended Practice on Material, Equipment, and
specification of oxygen concentration.
Systems Used in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
3.1.10 qualified technical personnel, n—persons such as
55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code
engineers and chemists who, by virtue of education, training,
99 Health Care Facilities Code
or experience, know how to apply the physical and chemical
2.7 Military Specifications:
principles involved in the reactions between oxidants and other
MIL-PRF-27617 Performance Specification, Grease, Air-
materials.
craft and Instrument, Fuel and Oxidizer Resistant
DOD-PRF-24574 (SH) Performance Specification, Lubri- 3.1.11 risk, n—probability of loss or injury from a hazard.
cating Fluid for Low and High Pressure Oxidizing Gas
3.1.12 system conditions, n—the physical parameters of a
Mixtures
specific system. These can include local and system-wide
pressure, temperature, flow, oxygen concentration, and others.
3. Terminology
3.1.13 wetted material, n—any component of a fluid system
3.1 Definitions:
that comes into direct contact with the system fluid.
3.1.1 See Terminology G126 for the terms listed in this
section.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.2 autoignition temperature (AIT), n—the lowest tem-
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to introduce the hazards and
perature at which a material will spontaneously ignite in an
risks associated with oxygen-enriched systems. This guide
oxygen-enriched atmosphere under specific test conditions.
explains common hazards that often are overlooked. It pro-
vides an overview of the standards and documents produced by
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ASTM Committee G04 and other knowledgable sources as
ADJG0088.
well as their uses. It does not highlight standard test methods
Available from ASTM International Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
that support the use of these practices. Table 1 provides a
West Conshohocken, PA 19428, Order # DSC 51C, Version 7.2.
graphic representation of the relationship of ASTM G04
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 4221 Walney Rd., 5th
Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, http://www.cganet.com.
standards. Table 2 provides a list of standards published by
Available from European Industrial Gas Association, Publication de la Soudure
ASTM and other organizations.
Autogene, 32 Boulevard de la Chapelle, 75880 Paris Cedex 18, France.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
4.2 The standards discussed here focus on reducing the
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
hazards associated with the use of oxygen. In general, they are
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
not directly applicable to process reactors in which the delib-
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
dodssp.daps.dla.mil. erate reaction of materials with oxygen is sought, as in burners,
G128/G128M − 15 (2023)
TABLE 1 Relationship of ASTM Standards for Oxygen-Enriched Systems
bleachers, or bubblers. Other ASTM Committees and products 6.2 Oxygen has many commercial uses. For example, it is
(such as the CHETAH program ) and other outside groups are used in the metals industry for steel making, flame cutting, and
more pertinent for these. welding. In the chemical industry it is used for production of
synthetic gas, gasoline, methanol, ammonia, aldehydes, alco-
4.3 This guide is not intended as a specification to establish
hol production, nitric acid, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide,
practices for the safe use of oxygen. The documents discussed
and many others. It is also used for oxygen-enriched fuel
here do not purport to contain all the information needed to
combustion and wastewater treatment. For life support systems
design and operate an oxygen-enriched system safely. The
it is used in high-altitude flight, deep-sea diving, clinical
control of oxygen hazards has not been reduced to handbook
respiratory therapy or anesthesiology, and emergency medical
procedures, and the tactics for using oxygen are not simple.
and fire service rescues.
Rather, they require the application of sound technical judg-
ment and experience. Oxygen users should obtain assistance
7. Production and Distribution
from qualified technical personnel to design systems and
operating practices for the safe use of oxygen in their specific
7.1 Most oxygen is produced cryogenically by distilling
applications.
liquid air. The demand for ultrahigh purity within the semicon-
ductor industry has led to a more thorough distillation of
5. Summary
cryogenic oxygen. Further, noncryogenic production has be-
come significant in recent years. The principal difference
5.1 Oxygen and its practical production and use are re-
among these sources of oxygen is the resulting oxygen purity
viewed. The recognized hazards of oxygen are described.
detailed below. The hazards of oxygen are affected greatly by
Accepted and demonstrated methods to reduce those hazards
purity and, in general, higher purity is more hazardous
are reviewed. Applicable ASTM standards from Committee
However, fire events can and do occur in any oxygen–enriched
G04 and how these standards are used to help mitigate
atmosphere.
oxygen-enriched system hazards are discussed. Similar useful
documents from the National Fire Protection Association, the
7.2 Cryogenic Production—Cryogenically produced oxy-
Compressed Gas Association, and the European Industrial Gas
gen is distilled in a five-step process in which air is: (1) filtered
Association also are cited.
to remove particles; (2) compressed to approximately 700 kPa
[100 psig] pressure; (3) dried to remove water vapor and
6. Oxygen
carbon dioxide; (4) cooled to −160 °C [−256 °F] to liquefy it
6.1 Oxygen is the most abundant element, making up 21 % partially; and (5) distilled to separate each component gas. The
of the air we breathe and 55 % of the earth’s crust. It supports end products are oxygen, nitrogen, and inert gases such as
plant and animal life. Oxygen also supports combustion, causes argon and neon; the principal secondary products are nitrogen
iron to rust, and reacts with most metals. Pure oxygen gas is and argon. Commercial oxygen is produced to a minimum
colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Liquid oxygen is light blue 99.5 % purity, but typical oxygen marketed today is more
and boils at −183 °C [−297 °F] under ambient pressure. likely to be near 99.9 % purity.
G128/G128M − 15 (2023)
7.2.1 For high-volume bulk users, such as steel or chemical
plants, the oxygen plant is often adjacent to the user’s facility,
and g
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