In industrial systems, all structural types of valves may be used for oxygen service, but an oxygen valve is not simply a substitute for a standard valve. Due to the high combustibility of oxygen and its tendency to cause explosions under high pressure, valves must strictly follow standards throughout the entire process—from material selection and structural design to operation and maintenance. Additionally, thorough degreasing is required before leaving the factory, and oil must be strictly prohibited during on-site use.
Size:
150LB~~600LB: ≤NPS24; 900LB~~2500LB: ≤NPS10.
Material:
Copper alloy, Monel alloy, nickel alloy, etc. Under low pressure and low velocity, carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel may also be used.
Trim/Stem:
Same as the valve body material. Special attention must be paid to the limited application of conventional sealing surface hardening material STL under oxygen service.
Structure:
The inner chamber must be smooth and free of burrs or sharp edges and corners; sudden changes and abrupt turns in the flow path should be minimized.
Operation:
Manual or gear-operated. Even when using electric or other remote control devices, the valve should be opened and closed slowly. For high-pressure oxygen valves, the bypass valve must be opened first to equalize the pressure before opening the main valve, in order to avoid sudden changes in pressure and flow rate.