What is Oxygen Cleaning?

Oxygen cleaning is a process used to remove contaminants, particularly hydrocarbons and other combustible materials, from equipment and components that will come into contact with high-pressure oxygen or other oxidizing gases. This cleaning process is crucial in industries where oxygen is used.

Various cleaning methods are employed to remove contaminants. The choice of cleaning method depends on the nature of the contaminants and the materials of the components. Common cleaning methods include:

Solvent Cleaning

The use of solvents to dissolve and remove oils, greases, and other organic materials.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

The use of high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles, which help dislodge and remove contaminants from surfaces.

Precision Cleaning

This involves using highly purified solvents or cleaning agents to achieve a high level of cleanliness.

Benefits of Oxygen Cleaning:

Safety

Oxygen cleaning ensures that instrumentation used in oxygen service is free from contaminants, reducing the risk of accidents.

Reliability

Oxygen cleaning helps maintain the reliability and performance of instruments by eliminating potential sources of interference.

Compliance

Many industries have regulations regarding the cleanliness of equipment used in oxygen or high-purity gas service. Oxygen cleaning helps ensure compliance.

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The slightest contamination or residue left on the systems' moving parts may cause friction, which could produce enough heat that when combined with access to a fuel source (residue) could combust, auto-ignite, and possibly explode inside oxygen-rich systems.

It's important to note that the standards and procedures for oxygen cleaning can vary depending on the industry and the specific application. The process is often guided by industry standards and regulations to ensure consistency and compliance with safety requirements.