Posted by AADIVER on August 06, 2001 at 22:49:00:
In Reply to: Re: Nitrox question - non O2 cleaned cylinders posted by Steve on August 06, 2001 at 20:22:21:
"When over 40 percent oxygen comes across a petroleum based hydrocarbon it can and will chemically ignite; no source of ignition is needed"
MHK asserts that non O2 cleaned cylinders can be filled with Nitrox up to 40% from a non blending, non membrane system. Apparently he's not concerned that 100% O2 initially pumped into the tank can chemically ignite if the tank has a degree of petroleum based hydrocarbon in it. I guess the question is, how much of it is needed to create ignition, and how does a commercial operator know the tank's clean of it if it isn't O2 prepped. IMHO, home brewing of Nitrox with pure O2 is an accident waiting to happen.