Oxygen is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. We breathe it in every day without thinking about its risks. However, an oxygen enriched atmosphere may cause a fire or explosion, as O2 supports and accelerates combustion. That means that industries that rely on oxygen in their operations, such as hospitals, must pay special attention to safety. That includes their equipment, including oxygen booster (compressors). This article discusses the importance of oxygen booster (compressor) safety – and how to achieve it.
The danger of fire and explosions
Fires or explosions are among the most devastating events in any industrial setting. They pose a threat to the health and safety of your team and can cause untold damage to your equipment and facilities. So how can you prevent that from happening?
Any fire or explosion needs three things to happen simultaneously: The presence of oxygen, a source of fuel, and a type of ignition. If only two of the three factors are present, there can be no fire.
It is important to limit a potentially explosive mix of all three factors as much as possible. In an industrial setting where all three are present, that can be a challenge. A fuel source does not just mean gasoline or oil. It can be anything that burns, such as solvents and grease or even the clothing we wear and our hair. The ignition can come from a cigarette or sparks but also from nearby welding, grinding, or heating operations.
Many industries, such as hospitals, fish farms and biogas facilities, require working with high-purity O2, which comes with an added element of risk. The goal is to minimize that hazard so that you and your team are safe when working with oxygen. That includes prohibiting smoking nearby. The equipment you use, including an oxygen booster (compressor), also plays a crucial role in mitigating risks.
Oxygen booster (compressor) safety
Many businesses that rely on oxygen generate their own rather than buying it from a vendor. This requires an oxygen generation system that can consist of an air compressor, an air dryer, filters, an oxygen generator and an oxygen booster (compressor). This entire system and its individual components must meet the highest safety standards.
The LFB 150 oil-free oxygen booster (compressor) from Atlas Copco, for example, comes with safety built in. Completely oil-less, it eliminates one potential fuel source. In addition, it comes with a ventilated gearbox. That means oxygen cannot accumulate there. At the same time, temperature and pressure sensors avoid overheating and overpressure, which greatly lowers the chance of igniting a fuel source.
Installation, operation and monitoring for safety
Of course, having a safe machine is not enough. You must ensure fire safety by installing, operating, maintaining, and monitoring your equipment appropriately. Going back to the oxygen booster (compressor) example, you have to follow the installation instructions*. Also select the right materials (including filter and vessels) and choose the correct piping diameters to limit velocity.
Maintaining high cleanliness standards during operation is equally important. That means ensuring clean installation and servicing. It also means monitoring the quality/contamination of the oxygen going into the booster compressor. Any traces of oil or a high concentration of particles may cause the booster compressor to explode.
This also illustrates the importance of monitoring. An O2 level monitoring system installed in the space where the oxygen booster (compressor) operates is a smart idea. In addition, keep the space well ventilated.
Working with oxygen comes with inherent safety risks. That’s why it’s important that you can rely on equipment that meets the highest safety standards. As is working with a partner with the expertise, services, and solutions specific to your application. Atlas Copco offers a complete range of products that allow you to generate and store your own oxygen safely and reliably. And our global service network ensures that spare parts are available and can get to you quickly if necessary. Our experts are always happy to answer any questions you may have. So don’t hesitate to reach out.
* Please read all safety instructions in your oxygen booster (compressor) manual before installation and usage.
