DESIGN OF HIGH PRESSURE OXYGEN SYSTEMS - PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

摘要

It is commonly known that materials, both metallic and nonmetallic, are more flammable in oxygen-enriched environments than in air. When the structural elements of a system containing oxygen ignite and burn, the results are often catastrophic, causing loss of equipment and perhaps even human lives. Therefore, design of high pressure oxygen systems is extremely important. While designing an oxygen system (high or low pressure) the physical design of the components and component location must be coupled with proper material selection for safe operation. The materials must be selected based on the application and suitability of use in oxygen-enriched environments. The designer must select materials that are less flammable. When selecting materials for use in oxygen-enriched environments the designer should also consider the different ignition mechanisms that may be present in the system. This paper discusses some practical suggestions for designing high pressure oxygen systems, giving specific examples of how design changes can minimize the risk of an oxygen fire.