Oxygen cylinders, especially the bottle mouth, must be kept free from oil and grease contamination. This is a critical safety requirement that is often overlooked by personnel involved in handling, storing, and operating oxygen cylinders. Oils and fats, particularly those containing unsaturated fatty acids, are prone to oxidation and can generate heat. In some cases, materials like oily rags or tarps can even catch fire due to spontaneous combustion when exposed to air. However, under normal conditions, the heat from slowly evaporating oil dissipates quickly and does not lead to ignition.
When pure oxygen comes into contact with oils and fats, the situation becomes extremely dangerous. Oxygen is a powerful oxidizer, and it significantly accelerates the evaporation of oil, causing rapid heat generation. This increase in temperature can quickly reach the auto-ignition point, leading to fires or even explosions. If the cylinder’s mouth is contaminated with grease, the high-pressure oxygen flow can cause friction, triggering an oxidation reaction that leads to combustion. This risk is particularly high in areas such as the cylinder valve, pressure regulators, and gas hoses—components that directly interact with oxygen.
To prevent such incidents, strict precautions must be taken during storage, transportation, and use. First, all oxygen cylinders and their storage areas should have clear warning signs indicating that they must not come into contact with any form of oil or grease. Accessories like pressure regulators, welding torches, and gas hoses must also be kept free from contamination. Second, warehouses and transport vehicles must never store or transport oxygen cylinders alongside oil or fat products. Any area that has been contaminated with oil must be thoroughly cleaned before being used for oxygen storage or transport.
Third, oxygen cylinders should always be protected with caps during storage and transport to prevent dust, dirt, or mechanical damage at the cylinder opening. Fourth, workers involved in handling oxygen should avoid wearing clothing, gloves, or other equipment that may be contaminated with oil. Finally, if a cylinder becomes contaminated with oil or grease, it should be cleaned using carbon tetrachloride or a suitable detergent. It is important to avoid using flammable solvents, as they could further increase the risk of fire.
By following these guidelines, the risk of fire or explosion caused by oil and grease contamination can be minimized, ensuring the safe handling and use of oxygen cylinders. Always prioritize safety when working with oxygen systems.
China Labor Insurance Network
Analytical Balance
An analytical balance is a highly precise laboratory instrument used to measure the mass or weight of samples with high accuracy and precision. It is commonly used in analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and other scientific fields where precise measurements are required. Analytical balances typically have a readability of 0.1 milligrams (0.0001 grams) or less and are designed to minimize external factors that may affect the measurement, such as air currents and temperature fluctuations. They often use a draft shield to protect the sample from external influences and have a built-in calibration system to ensure accurate readings. Analytical balances can be operated manually or electronically, and some models are equipped with advanced features such as automatic calibration, data storage, and connectivity to a computer or other devices.
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Lachoi Scientific Instrument (Shaoxing) Co., Ltd. , https://www.lachoinst.com