Pressure test for oxygen piping
Pressure test for oxygen piping
(OP)
I'm compiling a piping specification for oxygen gas and liquid and I need to have some information about the type of pressure test usually used: pneumatic (with dry air) or hydraulic? And which precaution I need?
I will use 316 piping with 100% Rx
Thanks in advance
Nicorvp
I will use 316 piping with 100% Rx
Thanks in advance
Nicorvp





RE: Pressure test for oxygen piping
RE: Pressure test for oxygen piping
Please heed some words of hard-earned advice - never, never, employ the terms "hydraulic" and "Oxygen" in the same application!
I must emphasize the importance that the term hydraulic infers: the use or tolerance of oil (or hydrocarbon liquids). This is simply not tolerable in any Oxygen application. I realize that most engineers know this; however, using the term(s) loosely can be fatally mis-interpreted. For example: note that while I highly recommmend a hydrostatic test on the stainless pipe instead of a pneumatic one, I would highly caution you to insist and ensure that the water is totally oil and grease-free. Additionally, I would run an oil and grease solvent through the piping to ensure that it is, in fact, free of any hydrocarbon substance prior to being filled with Oxygen. (of course, you have to purge and evaporate the residual solvent - more expense and labor, typical of Oxygen installations). The big concern in an Oxygen application is not the high pressures used or the gas itself; it is the potential, dangerous mixture of pure Oxygen with a readily oxidizable substance, such as a hydrocarbon. This is never to be allowed or credibly achievable. Mechanical engineers will recognize the product of such a mixture as an explosion.
Bear in mind that the B31.3 Process Piping Code is a mechanical code; this has nothing to do with the ultimate hazard and danger when dealing specifically with Oxygen: it will oxidize efficiently and instantly if given the right opportunity - in other words, it will detonate any hydrocarbon it comes in contact with under the right conditions. Your application is very process sensitive and you should consider the process needs and precautions rather than just applying strictly mechanical codes in his instance. There are existing standards for Oxygen service within some organizations - especially producers like Air Products, Praxair, Liquid Air, etc. These people can give you all the correct and safe guidelines to put your Oxygen system into service under the best and most experienced guidelines and standards - besides those of B31.3. You may, in fact, be purchasing your Oxygen from such suppliers and it would be a smart move to get their expert advice on how to test, clean, and ensure a safe Oxygen piping system.
Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
RE: Pressure test for oxygen piping
Note that this procedure does not clean pipe but merely removes any contaminants caught in the piping after cleaning process. If we re-open the piping, black light is used to check against contamination.
Hope this helps. regards.
RE: Pressure test for oxygen piping
Just a note: Never blow yourself off with a cutting torch, it's pure Oxygen. Just an accident waiting to happen.
Hope it Helps