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I am no expert on O2, but would like to know more. What I think is true: 1. It is dangerous and and can cause injury or death and should only be handled by trained professionals. (disclaimer before discussing this topic in public) 2. It would follow natural gas laws and cool down when it expands, ie like being released from a tank. 3. It is not a fuel. If you spray O2 on the end of the flame of a propane torch nothing happens because there is no fuel. The propane has already burned (by mixing with O2 from ambient air) and is thus no longer a fuel, and O2 is not a fuel. 4. O2 is It is a powerful oxidant. It accelerates an oxidation reaction (ie burning). This if you spray O2 a burning cigar the tobacco will burn like gun powder and it looks like a sparkler and may even explode. Obviously, don't try this at home. 5. Some metals will burn. When cutting some metals with an oxi-acetaline torch, once the metal is molten you can turn off the flow of acetaline and continure to cut the molten metal with just the flow of pure O2 because the 02 is enought to keep the reaction (oxidation or "burning" of the metal) going. 6. I think, but do not know, that aluminum either ignites at a lower temperature than other metals (lower flash point) or burns more feroicously or both; and this is why aluminum is not recommended (or in some jurisdictions allowed) for storage of pure O2. 7. Saturate a fuel (like grease or other hydocarbons) with O2 and you can have compound that is highly flamable or even explosive. Thus, all 02 equip. must be cleaned of hydocarbons so they don't become effecively packed with dynamite waiting for a spark (which could be caused by HP gas molecules heating up from the friction of racing though tubing and arount bends too fast and/or a spec of dust racing through the plumbing banging into things). What I want to know: 1. Real life stories of problems handling O2. 2. Good sources of info on this topic. I suppose the IANTD blender courses would have good info. I will check. I called the Compressed Gas Assoication, but they were not real recepitve and I was not real agressive and subsequently still do not know what resourses they have. 3. Elucidation re above beilefs would also be appreciated. Flame away. I realize that I need to do a lot more research, but I figure this board is a lazy man's way of getting some quick easy info. Also, I am particularly interested in the anecdotal storiest that research would not turn up. Thanks. -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send list subscription requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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