ASTM G63

The purpose of this guide is to furnish qualified technical personnel with pertinent information for use in selecting materials for oxygen service in order to minimize the probability of ignition and the risk of explosion or fire. It is not intended as a specification for approving materials for oxygen service.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide applies to nonmetallic materials, (hereinafter called materials) under consideration for oxygen or oxygen-enriched fluid service, direct or indirect, as defined below. It is intended for use in selecting materials for applications in connection with the production, storage, transportation, distribution, or use of oxygen. It is concerned primarily with the properties of a material associated with its relative susceptibility to ignition and propagation of combustion; it does not involve mechanical properties, potential toxicity, outgassing, reactions between various materials in the system, functional reliability, or performance characteristics such as aging, shredding, or sloughing of particles, except when these might contribute to an ignition.

1.2 When this document was originally published in 1980, it addressed both metals and nonmetals. Its scope has been narrowed to address only nonmetals and a separate standard Guide G 94 has been developed to address metals.

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.

Note 1—The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any evaluation methods asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this guide. Users of this guide are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such evaluation methods and data and the risk of use of such evaluation methods and data are entirely their own responsibility.

Note 2—In evaluating materials, any mixture with oxygen exceeding atmospheric concentration at pressures higher than atmospheric should be evaluated from the hazard point of view for possible significant increase in material combustibility.

2. Referenced Documents

D1264 Test Method for Determining the Water Washout Characteristics of Lubricating Greases
D1743 Test Method for Determining Corrosion Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases
D1748 Test Method for Rust Protection by Metal Preservatives in the Humidity Cabinet
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D2512 Test Method for Compatibility of Materials with Liquid Oxygen (Impact Sensitivity Threshold and Pass-Fail Techniques)
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
D4809 Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter (Precision Method)
D566 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
G72 Test Method for Autogenous Ignition Temperature of Liquids and Solids in a High-Pressure Oxygen-Enriched Environment
G74 Test Method for Ignition Sensitivity of Materials to Gaseous Fluid Impact
G86 Test Method for Determining Ignition Sensitivity of Materials to Mechanical Impact in Ambient Liquid Oxygen and Pressurized Liquid and Gaseous Oxygen Environments
G88 Guide for Designing Systems for Oxygen Service
G93 Practice for Cleaning Methods and Cleanliness Levels for Material and Equipment Used in Oxygen-Enriched Environments
G94 Guide for Evaluating Metals for Oxygen Service
BS 3N:100: 1985 Specification for General Design Requirements for Aircraft Oxygen Systems and Equipment
CGA Pamphlet G4.4 Industrial Practices for Gaseous Oxygen Transmission and Distribution Piping System
Fed. Test Method Std. 91B Corrosion Protection by Coating: Salt Spray (Fog) Test
NSS 1740.15 NASA Safety Standard for Oxygen and Oxygen Systems

Index Terms

autogenous ignition temperature; calorimetry; combustion; flammability; friction/rubbing; gaseous fluid impact; heat of combustion; ignition; impact; LOX/GOX compatibility; material evaluation; materials selection; mechanical impact; nonmetallic materials; oxygen index; oxygen service; particle impact; pneumatic impact; promoted ignition/combustion; sensitivity; ICS Number Code 19.040; 19.040

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]