ASTM G128-02(2008)
(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
The purpose of this guide is to introduce the hazards and risks involved with the handling of oxygen, cautioning the reader about the limitations of present practices and technology and about common hazards that often are overlooked. It then provides an overview of the standards produced by ASTM Committee G-4 and their uses, as well as similar documents available from other knowledgeable sources. It does not highlight standard test methods that support the use of these practices from this or other committees.
The standards discussed here focus on reducing the hazards and risks 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 program ) and other outside groups are more pertinent for these.
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 system safely. The control of oxygen hazards has not been reduced to handbook procedures, and the tactics for using oxygen are not unique. Rather, they require the application of sound technical judgement and experience. Oxygen users should obtain qualified technical expertise to design systems and operating practices to ensure the safe use of oxygen in their specific applications.
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 1—This 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 2—ASTM 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.
General Information
Relations
Buy Standard
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: G128 − 02(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G128; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide covers an overview of the work of ASTM 2.1 ASTM Standards:
Committee G-4 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials G63Guide for Evaluating Nonmetallic Materials for Oxy-
in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. It is a starting point for gen Service
those asking the question: “Are there any problems associated G88Guide for Designing Systems for Oxygen Service
with my use of oxygen?” An introduction to the unique G93Practice for Cleaning Methods and Cleanliness Levels
concernsthatmustbeaddressedinthehandlingofoxygen.The for Material and Equipment Used in Oxygen-Enriched
principal hazard is the prospect of ignition with resultant fire, Environments
explosion, or both. This hazard requires design considerations G94Guide for Evaluating Metals for Oxygen Service
beyond those that apply to all systems, such as adequate G126Terminology Relating to the Compatibility and Sensi-
strength, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and pressure tivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
safety relief. G128Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen
Enriched Systems
1.2 This guide also lists several of the recognized causes of
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
oxygen system fires and describes the methods available to
Video: Oxygen Safety
prevent them. Sources of information about the oxygen hazard
and its control are listed and summarized. The principal focus 2.3 ASTM CHETAH Program:
is on Guides G63, G88, Practice G93, and Guide G94. Useful CHETAH Chemical Thermodynamic and Energy Release
documentationfromotherresourcesandliteratureisalsocited. Evaluation
2.4 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standards:
NOTE 1—This guide is an outgrowth of an earlier (1988) Committee
G-4.1Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service
G-4 videotape adjunct entitled Oxygen Safety and a related paper by
Koch that focused on the recognized ignition source of adiabatic
G-4.4IndustrialPracticesforGaseousOxygenTransmission
compressionasoneofthemoresignificantbutoftenoverlookedcausesof
and Distribution Piping Systems
oxygen fires. This guide recapitulates and updates material in the
2.5 European Industrial Gas Association (EIGA) Stan-
videotape and paper.
dards:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
33/97/ECleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.6 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Stan-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dards:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
50Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
51Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel
precautionary statements see Sections 8 and 11.
Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
NOTE 2—ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any
evaluationmethodsassertedinconnectionwithanyitemmentionedinthis
guide. Users of this guide are expressly advised that determination of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
validity of any such evaluation methods and data and the risk of use of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
such evaluation methods and data are entirely their own responsibility.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeG04onCompatibility ADJG0088.
and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres and is the direct Available from ASTM International Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
responsibility of Subcommittee G04.02 on Recommended Practices. West Conshohocken, PA 19428, Order # DSC 51C, Version 7.2.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 4221 Walney Rd., 5th
ε1
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as G128–02 . DOI: Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, http://www.cganet.com.
10.1520/G0128-02R08. AvailablefromEuropeanIndustrialGasAssociation,PublicationdelaSoudure
Koch, U. H., “Oxygen System Safety,” Flammability and Sensitivity of Autogene, 32 Boulevard de la Chapelle, 75880 Paris Cedex 18, France.
Materials In Oxygen-EnrichedAtmospheres,Vol6,ASTMSTP1197,ASTM,1993, Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
pp. 349–359. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
G128 − 02 (2008)
53Recommended Practice on Material, Equipment, and 3.1.10.1 Discussion—Themagnitudeofariskrelatestohow
Systems Used in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres likely a hazard is to cause harm. G128
99Standard for Health Care Facilities
2.7 Military Specifications: 4. Significance and Use
MIL-PRF-27617Performance Specification, Grease, Air-
4.1 Thepurposeofthisguideistointroducethehazardsand
craft and Instrument, Fuel and Oxidizer Resistant
risks involved with the handling of oxygen, cautioning the
DOD-L-24574 (SH) Military Specification, Lubricating
readeraboutthelimitationsofpresentpracticesandtechnology
Fluid for Low and High Pressure Oxidizing Gas Mixtures
and about common hazards that often are overlooked. It then
2.8 NASA Documents:
provides an overview of the standards produced by ASTM
KSC 79K22280Specification for 1,000-GPM LO Pump
Committee G-4 and their uses, as well as similar documents
Bearings
available from other knowledgeable sources. It does not
highlight standard test methods that support the use of these
3. Terminology
practices from this or other committees.
3.1 Definitions:
4.2 The standards discussed here focus on reducing the
3.1.1 See Terminology G126 for the terms listed in this
hazardsandrisksassociatedwiththeuseofoxygen.Ingeneral,
section.
theyarenotdirectlyapplicabletoprocessreactorsinwhichthe
3.1.2 autoignition temperature (AIT), n—the lowest tem-
deliberate reaction of materials with oxygen is sought, as in
perature at which a material will spontaneously ignite in an
burners, bleachers, or bubblers. OtherASTM Committees and
oxygen-enriched atmosphere under specific test conditions.
products (such as the CHETAH program ) and other outside
3.1.3 hazard, n—source of danger; something that could
groups are more pertinent for these.
harm persons or property.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The magnitude of a hazard relates to 4.3 This guide is not intended as a specification to establish
the severity of the harm it could cause. practices for the safe use of oxygen. The documents discussed
here do not purport to contain all the information needed to
3.1.4 ignition temperature, n—the temperature at which a
design and operate an oxygen system safely. The control of
materialwilligniteinanoxidantunderspecifictestconditions.
oxygen hazards has not been reduced to handbook procedures,
3.1.5 impact-ignition resistance, n—the resistance of a ma-
and the tactics for using oxygen are not unique. Rather, they
terial to ignition when struck by an object in an oxygen-
require the application of sound technical judgement and
enriched atmosphere under a specific test procedure.
experience. Oxygen users should obtain qualified technical
3.1.6 nonmetal, n—any material, other than a metal, non-
expertise to design systems and operating practices to ensure
polymeric alloy, or any composite in which the metallic
the safe use of oxygen in their specific applications.
component is not the most easily ignited component and for
which the individual constituents cannot be evaluated
5. Summary
independently, including ceramics, such as glass; synthetic
5.1 Oxygen and its practical production and use are re-
polymers, such as most rubbers, thermoplastics, and thermo-
viewed. The recognized hazards of oxygen are described.
sets; and natural polymers, such as naturally occurring rubber,
Acceptedanddemonstratedmethodstodiminishthosehazards
wood, and cloth. nonmetallic, adj.
are reviewed. Applicable ASTM standards from Committee
3.1.7 oxidant compatibility, n—the ability of a substance to
G-4 and how these standards are used to help mitigate oxygen
coexist at an expected pressure and temperature with both an
system hazards are discussed. Similar useful documents from
oxidant and a potential source(s) of ignition within a risk
the National Fire ProtectionAssociation, the Compressed Gas
parameter acceptable to the user.
Association, and the European Industrial GasAssociation also
3.1.8 oxygen-enriched, adj—containing more than 25 mol
are cited.
percent oxygen.
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Other standards such as those pub-
6. Oxygen
lished by NFPA and OSHA differ from the definition in their
6.1 Oxygen is the most abundant element, making up 21%
specification of oxygen concentration.
of the air we breathe and 55% of the earth’s crust. It supports
3.1.9 qualified technical personnel, n—persons such as
plantandanimallife.Oxygenalsosupportscombustion,causes
engineers and chemists who, by virtue of education, training,
iron to rust, and reacts with most metals. Pure oxygen gas is
or experience, know how to apply the physical and chemical
colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Liquid oxygen is light blue
principlesinvolvedinthereactionsbetweenoxidantsandother
and boils at −183°C (−297°F).
materials.
6.2 Oxygen has many commercial uses. For example, it is
3.1.10 risk, n—probability of loss or injury from a hazard.
usedinthemetalsindustryforsteelmaking,flamecutting,and
welding. In the chemical industry it is used for production of
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
synthetic gas, gasoline, methanol, ammonia, aldehydes, alco-
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
hol production, nitric acid, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide,
dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
and many others. It is also used for oxygen-enriched fuel
Available from NASA, Engineering Documentation Center, John F. Kennedy
Space Center, FL 32899. combustionandwastewatertreatment.Forlifesupportsystems
G128 − 02 (2008)
it is used in high-altitude flight, clinical respiratory therapy or
anesthesiology, and emergency medical and fire service res-
cues.
7. Production and Distribution
7.1 Most oxygen is produced cryogenically by distilling
liquid air. The recent demand for ultrahigh purity within the
semiconductor industry has led to much more thorough distil-
lation of cryogenic oxygen. Further, noncryogenic production
hasbecomesignificantinrecentyears.Theprincipaldifference
among these sources of oxygen is the resulting oxygen purity.
The hazards of oxygen are affected greatly by purity and, in
general, higher purity is more hazardous However, fire events
can and do occur in any oxygen–enriched atmosphere.
7.2 Cryogenic Production—Cryogenically produced oxy-
genisdistilledinafive-stepprocessinwhichairis:(1)filtered
to remove particles; (2) compressed to approximately 700 kPa
(100 psig) pressure; (3) dried to remove water vapor and
carbon dioxide; (4) cooled to −160°C (−256°F) to liquefy it
partially;and(5)distilledtoseparateeachcomponentgas.The
end products are oxygen, nitrogen, and inert gases such as
argon and neon; the principal secondary products are nitrogen
and argon. Commercial oxygen is produced to a minimum
99.5% purity, but typical oxygen marketed today is more
likely to be near 99.9% purity.
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 gas is delivered by pipeline at low to medium pressures,
usually 700 to 5500 kPa (100 to 800 psig).
FIG. 1 High-volume Oxygen Users Buy the Gas in Bulk, Storing
7.2.2 Cryogenic liquid oxygen is delivered by trailer to It in an Adjacent Facility
large-volumeusers,whoutilizestoragetanksandequipmentto
pump, vaporize, and distribute the gas (Fig. 1).
common familiar system for years without a problem. Could it
7.2.3 Most users buy oxygen in small amounts, usually in
be that oxygen is not hazardous? No, oxygen presents definite
20-MPa or 2500-psig cylinders, and use it directly from the
hazards.
cylinders or through manifolds and a piping distribution
8.2 Despite its apparent innocence in many instances, oxy-
system. Usually, the pressure is reduced with a regulator at the
gen is a serious fire hazard. It makes materials easier to ignite
cylinder or manifold.
andtheirsubsequentcombustionmoreintense,morecomplete,
7.3 Ultrahigh-Purity Oxygen—There are a few markets that
andmoreexplosivethaninairalone.Firesinair,whichcontain
require high- and ultrahigh-purity oxygen. High-purity oxygen
just 21% oxygen, are common. The injuries, loss of life, and
typicallydelivers>99.99%purity,whereasthedemandsofthe
property damage they cause can be devastating. Fires and
semiconductor industry have resulted in the marketing of
explosions that occur in oxygen-enriched atmospheres can be
>99.999% purity oxygen.
even more devastating, whether involving a patient in an
7.4 Noncryogenic Production—Noncryogenic oxygen pro-
oxygen-enriched environment or someone at an industrial site
duction processes include pressure swing adsorption (PSA),
that uses oxygen.
vacuumswingadsorption(VSA),andmembraneseparation.In
8.3 Oxygen is not flammable by itself, but it supports
general, these methods produce oxygen less pure than cryo-
combustion. In most instances, a fire occurs when an oxidant
genicallyproducedoxygen—typically<97%,withthebalance
such as oxygen is combined chemically with a fuel. Hence,
being nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. However, these
although oxygen is not flammable, its contribution to the
processes use less power and offer a cost advantage for
production of fire and heat is otherwise comparable to that of
high-volume users who do not need higher purity.
the fuel. If there is no fuel, there is no fire. If there is no
The equipment for these systems is typically large and is
oxidant, there is no fire.
located on site. However, small medical-oxygen generators
8.4 The ability of an oxygen-enriched atmosphere to sup-
used in the home also are included in this category.
portandenhancecombustionafterignitionoccursisitshazard.
8.
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:G128–95 Designation:G128–02 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G128; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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?” and anAn 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
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 G-4 videotape adjunct entitled Oxygen Safety and a related paper by Koch that
focused on the recognized ignition source of adiabatic compression—amongcompression 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.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G-4 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee G04.02 on Recommended Practices .
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1995. Published March 1995.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G04 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee G04.02 on Recommended Practices.
´1
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as G128–95(2002) .
Koch,U.H.,“OxygenSystemSafety,”FlammabilityandSensitivityofMaterialsInOxygen-EnrichedAtmospheres,Vol6,ASTMSTP1197,ASTM,1993,pp.349–359.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
G128–02 (2008)
NOTE 2—ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any evaluation methods asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this guide.
Usersofthisguideareexpresslyadvisedthatdeterminationofthevalidityofanysuchevaluationmethodsanddataandtheriskofuseofsuchevaluation
methods and data are entirely their own responsibility.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 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
G94Guide for Evaluating Metals for Oxygen Service 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
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
Video: Oxygen Safety
2.3 ASTM CHETAH Program:
CHETAH Chemical Thermodynamic Data and Energy Release Computer Program Chemical Thermodynamic and Energy
Release Evaluation
2.4 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standards:
G-4.1 Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service
G-4.4 Industrial Practices for Gaseous Oxygen Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
2.5 European Industrial Gas Association (EIGA) Standards:
33/86/E33/97/E Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service
2.6 NATIONALNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards:
50Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites
51Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes 51 Standard for the Design and Installation of
Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
53 Fire Hazards in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres Recommended Practice on Material, Equipment, and Systems Used in
Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
99Health Care Facilities Standard for Health Care Facilities
2.7 Praxair Documents:
GS-38Cleaning
L-5110NGuidelines for Design and Installation of Industrial Gaseous Oxygen Distribution Piping Systems
2.8 Military Specifications:
MIL-G-27617Military Specification, Grease, Aircraft, Fuel and Oil Resistant
MIL-G-47219(MI) Military Specification, Grease, Lubricating, Halogenated MIL-PRF-27617 Performance Specification,
Grease, Aircraft and Instrument, Fuel and Oxidizer Resistant
DOD-L-24574 (SH) Military Specification, Lubricating Fluid for Low and High Pressure Oxidizing Gas SystemsMixtures
2.92.8 NASA Documents:
KSC 79K22280 Specification for 1,000-GPM LO Pump Bearings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—See Guides G63 and G94 — See Terminology G126 for the terms listed in this section.
3.1.1 autoignitiontemperatureautoignitiontemperature(AIT),n—thetemperatureatwhichamaterialwillspontaneouslyignite
in oxygen under specific test conditions. — the lowest temperature at which a material will spontaneously ignite in an
oxygen-enriched atmosphere under specific test conditions.
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
, Vol 14.02.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Oxygen Safety, adjunct is available from ASTM Customer Service, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Request PCN #12-700880-31.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.ADJG0088.
Available from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, order 0505189015 (3.5-in. media) and 0505189115 (5.25-in. media).
Available from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, Order # DSC 51C, Version 7.2.
Available from Compressed Gas Association, 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington, VA 22202.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 4221 Walney Rd., 5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, http://www.cganet.com.
Available from European Industrial Gas Association, Publication de la Soudure Autogene, 32 Boulevard de la Chapelle, 75880 Paris Cedex 18, France.
Available from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from Praxair, Inc., Linde Division Communications Dept., P.O. Box 44, Tonawanda, NY 14151-0044.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Available from NASA, Engineering Documentation Center, John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899.
G128–02 (2008)
3.1.2 impact-ignition resistancehazard, n—the resistance of a material to ignition when struck by an object in an oxygen
atmosphere under a specific test procedure. —source of danger; something that could harm persons or property.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The magnitude of a hazard relates to the severity of the harm it could cause.
3.1.3 ignitiontemperature,n—thetemperatureatwhichamaterialwilligniteinoxygenanoxidantunderspecifictestconditions.
3.1.4 nonmetallicimpact-ignitionresistance,n—anymaterial,otherthanametal,oranycompositeinwhichthemetalisnotthe
most easily ignited component and for which the individual constituents cannot be evaluated independently. —the resistance of
a material to ignition when struck by an object in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere under a specific test procedure.
3.1.5 oxygen-enrichednonmetal, adj—applies to a fluid (gas or liquid) that contains more than 25 mol % oxygen. n—any
material, other than a metal, nonpolymeric alloy, or any composite in which the metallic component is not the most easily ignited
component and for which the individual constituents cannot be evaluated independently, including ceramics, such as glass;
syntheticpolymers,suchasmostrubbers,thermoplastics,andthermosets;andnaturalpolymers,suchasnaturallyoccurringrubber,
wood, and cloth. nonmetallic, adj.
3.1.6 qualified technical personneloxidant compatibility, n— persons such as engineers and chemists who, by virtue of
education, training, or experience, know how to apply the physical and chemical principles involved in the reactions between
oxygen and other materials.
3.2Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1hazard—the ability of a substance to coexist at an expected pressure and temperature with both an oxidant and a potential
source(s) of ignition within a risk parameter acceptable to the user.
3.1.7 oxygen-enriched, n—source of danger; something that could harm persons or property.
3.2.1.1adj—containing more than 25 mol percent oxygen.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The magnitude of a hazard relates to the severity of the harm it could cause.
3.2.2 oxygen compatibility, n—the ability of a substance to coexist both with oxygen and with a potential source(s) of ignition
at an expected pressure and temperature with a magnitude of risk acceptable to the user.
3.2.3—Other standards such as those published by NFPA and OSHA differ from the definition in their specification of oxygen
concentration.
3.1.8 qualified technical personnel, n— persons such as engineers and chemists who, by virtue of education, training, or
experience, know how to apply the physical and chemical principles involved in the reactions between oxidants and other
materials.
3.1.9 risk, n—probability of loss or injury from a hazard.
3.2.3.1
3.1.9.1 Discussion—The magnitude of a risk relates to how likely a hazard is to cause harm. G 128
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to introduce the hazards and risks involved with the handling of oxygen, cautioning the reader
about the limitations of present practices and technology and about common hazards that often are overlooked. It then provides
anoverviewofthestandardsproducedbyASTMCommitteeG-4andtheiruses,aswellassimilardocumentsavailablefromother
knowledgeable sources. It does not highlight standard test methods that support the use of these practices from this or other
committees.
4.2 The standards discussed here focus on reducing the hazards and risks 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. In this latter aspect, other Other ASTM Committees and products (such as the CHETAH program ) and
other outside groups are more pertinent for these.
4.3 Thisguideisnotintendedasaspecificationtoestablishpracticesforthesafeuseofoxygen.Thedocumentsdiscussedhere
donotpurporttocontainalltheinformationneededtodesignandoperateanoxygensystemsafely.Thecontrolofoxygenhazards
hasnotbeenreducedtohandbookprocedures,andthetacticsforusingoxygenarenotunique.Rather,theyrequiretheapplication
of sound technical judgement and experience. Oxygen users should obtain qualified technical expertise to design systems and
operating practices to ensure the safe use of oxygen in their specific applications.
5. Summary
5.1 Oxygen and its practical production and use are reviewed. The recognized hazards of oxygen are described.Accepted and
demonstrated methods to diminish those hazards are reviewed.ApplicableASTM standards from Committees G-4 and how these
standards are used to help mitigate oxygen system hazards are discussed. Similar useful documents from the National Fire
Protection Association, the Compressed Gas Association, and the European Industrial Gas Association also are cited.
6. Oxygen
6.1Oxygen is the most abundant element, making up 21% of the air we breathe and 55% of the earth’s crust. It supports plant
and animal life. Oxygen also supports combustion, causes iron to rust, and reacts with most metals. Pure oxygen gas is colorless,
odorless, and tasteless. Liquid oxygen is light blue and boils at−183°C.
6.2Commercial Uses of Oxygen:
G128–02 (2008)
6.2.1Metals processing:
6.2.1.1steelmaking, and
6.2.1.2flame cutting and welding.
6.2.2Chemical processes:
6.2.2.1synthetic gas, gasoline, methanol production;
6.2.2.2ammonia, aldehydes, alcohol production;
6.2.2.3nitric acid, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide production;
6.2.2.4oxy-fuel combustion; and
6.2.2.5waste water treatment.
6.2.3Life-support systems:
6.2.3.1high-altitude flight;
6.2.3.2clinical respiratory therapy or anesthesiology; and
6.2.3.3emergency medical and fire service rescues. Oxygen
6.1 Oxygenisthemostabundantelement,makingup21%oftheairwebreatheand55%oftheearth’scrust.Itsupportsplant
and animal life. Oxygen also supports combustion, causes iron to rust, and reacts with most metals. Pure oxygen gas is colorless,
odorless, and tasteless. Liquid oxygen is light blue and boils at−183 °C (−297 °F).
6.2 Oxygen has many commercial uses. For example, it is used in the metals industry for steel making, flame cutting, and
welding. In the chemical industry it is used for production of synthetic gas, gasoline, methanol, ammonia, aldehydes, alcohol
production,nitricacid,ethyleneoxide,propyleneoxide,andmanyothers.Itisalsousedforoxygen-enrichedfuelcombustionand
wastewater treatment. For life support systems it is used in high-altitu
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.