The purpose of this guide is to provide information that may be considered when selecting and qualifying a cleaning agent for an oxygen system.

Insufficient cleanliness can result in the ignition of contaminants or components by a variety of mechanisms. Therefore, an acceptable level of contamination for each condition of use in oxygen service should be defined. The acceptable level of contamination may depend on various factors, such as:

The nature and type of the contaminants,

The location and degree of contamination,

The type of substrate material,

The configuration and end use of the equipment or part to be cleaned, and

The operating parameters of the oxygen system (pressure, temperature, phase, concentration, fluid velocity, etc.).

1.1 The purpose of this guide is to establish a procedure to select cleaning agents, both solvents and water-based detergents, for oxygen service. This includes of laboratory-scale tests for cleaning effectiveness, materials compatibility and oxygen compatibility.

1.2 The effectiveness of a particular cleaning agent depends upon the method by which it is used, the nature and type of the contaminants, and the characteristics of the article being cleaned, such as size, shape, and material. Final evaluation of the cleaning agent should include testing of actual products and production processes.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.