SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 26 July 2016
STP159620150087

An Improved Approach for Analyzing the Oxygen Compatibility of Solvents and Other Oxygen-Flammable Materials for Use in Oxygen Systems

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Solvents used to clean oxygen system components must be assessed for oxygen compatibility because incompatible residue or fluid inadvertently left behind within an oxygen system can pose a flammability risk. The most recent approach focused on solvent ignition susceptibility to assess the flammability risk associated with these materials. Previous evaluations included ambient pressure liquid oxygen (LOX) mechanical impact testing (ASTM G86) and autogenous ignition temperature (AIT) testing (ASTM G72). The goal in this approach was to identify a solvent material that was not flammable in oxygen. As environmental policies restrict the available options of acceptable solvents, it has proven difficult to identify one that is not flammable in oxygen. A more rigorous oxygen compatibility approach is needed in an effort to select a new solvent for NASA applications. NASA's White Sands Test Facility proposed an approach that acknowledges oxygen flammability yet selects solvent materials based on their relative oxygen compatibility ranking, similar to that described in ASTM G63-99. Solvents are selected based on their ranking with respect to minimal ignition susceptibility, damage, and propagation potential, as well as their relative ranking when compared with other solvent materials that are successfully used in oxygen systems. Based on these comparisons, in which solvents exhibited properties within those ranges seen with proven oxygen system materials, it is believed that Solstice PF, L-14780, and Vertrel MCA would perform well with respect to oxygen compatibility.

Author Information

Harper, Susana, A.
Materials and Component Laboratories Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Juarez, Alfredo
Jacobs Technology, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Peralta, Stephen, F.
Materials and Component Laboratories Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Stoltzfus, Joel
Materials and Component Laboratories Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Arpin, Christina, Piña
Materials and Component Laboratories Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Beeson, Harold, D.
Materials and Component Laboratories Office, NASA White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
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Details
Developed by Committee: G04
Pages: 137–151
DOI: 10.1520/STP159620150087
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7638-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7637-9