Oxygen has strong oxidizing properties and combustion-supporting properties. Although oxygen itself is not combustible, it can reduce the ignition point of combustible substances. If it is not handled properly, there will be safety hazards. It can be said that in an oxygen production system, the safety of the oxygen pipeline directly determines whether the entire system is safe and reliable. Especially in some projects where oxygen consumption is large, the points are more, the distribution is wider, and the pipe network is more complicated, whether the oxygen pipeline is safe or not is a major test for the construction personnel. In this article, CAN GAS will share on the installation and safe use of oxygen pipelines.

Selection and installation of oxygen pipeline

1.Selection of oxygen pipeline

The material of the oxygen pipeline should be selected according to conditions such as the pressure and temperature of the oxygen, and the flow rate of the oxygen in the pipeline. In addition to meeting the strength conditions, the oxygen pipeline should also be able to prevent corrosion, rust and fire.

Steel pipes are often used for oxygen pipelines at room temperature. However, in extreme weather, such as the temperature of -40 ℃ throughout the year, copper alloy or stainless steel must be used. Oxygen tubes made of these materials will not become brittle even in a low temperature environment.

2.Installation of oxygen pipeline

During the installation planning of the oxygen pipeline, high temperature and flame areas should be avoided. If necessary, heat insulation measures should be added to the pipe section to ensure that the pipe wall temperature does not exceed 70°C. Open flames and oil pollution are strictly prohibited from approaching oxygen pipelines and valves.

Oxygen pipelines should be equipped with fewer elbows and bifurcations, and the connection of oxygen pipelines should be welded, but flanges or threaded connections can be used at the connection with equipment and valves. Teflon tape should be used as the filler at the threaded connection, and it is strictly forbidden to use hemp or cotton thread coated with lead red, or other grease-containing materials. The oxygen pipeline should be degreased before installation, and it can be used only after passing the inspection.

Purge after the construction of the oxygen pipeline

After the oxygen pipeline is constructed, use oil-free dry air or nitrogen to purge the oxygen pipeline. Clean up welding slag or other debris left in the pipeline.

Check and acceptance of oxygen pipeline

When checking and accepting pipeline materials, check whether there are cracks, scales, and slag inclusions in the oxygen pipelines, valves and pipe fittings. The inner wall including the contact with oxygen should also be smooth and clean, without residual debris.

Then there is the inspection of the strength and tightness of the pipeline, which should be carried out in strict accordance with the acceptance standards, and should not be sloppy. After all the above steps are qualified, the oxygen pipeline can be put into use.

Oxygen pipeline use and maintenance requirements

1. Equipment, valves, pipes and containers in contact with oxygen must be degreased during maintenance to prevent oil pollution. When it is confirmed that the degreasing is qualified, it can be put into production.

2. Non-regulating valves are forbidden to be used for regulation.

3. When the oxygen pipeline or valve catches fire, the upstream gas source should be cut off immediately.

4. Regular maintenance: Oxygen pipelines should be derusted and painted every 3 to 5 years. The safety valves and pressure gauges on the pipeline should be checked regularly. The safety valves are checked once a year and the pressure gauges are checked every six months.