Welcome
WHA is pleased to offer free access to the Oxygen-Compatibility Materials Database contained herein. The data provided relates to common testing performed according to both standard and non-standard test methodologies utilized by oxygen system designers and practitioners. For non-metallic materials data is provided for Autogenous Ignition Temperature (AIT), Heat of Combustion (HC), Oxygen Index (OI) and Mechanical Impact (MI). For metallic materials data is provided for Promoted Combustion (PC), Particle Impact (PI), Heat of Combustion (HC), and Mechanical Impact (MI). Descriptions for each of these tests are provided below. We recommend that materials be viewed by selecting the Classification of material and then selecting the Trade Name of interest. Alternatively, you can select the Generic Name (type) of material and then select the Trade Name of Interest. Additional query features will be added in the coming months.
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WHA is currently attempting to validate and revise the materials listings provided herein. As a result this database is expected to be changed frequently in the coming months as the Classification listings, Generic Name listings, and Trade Name listings are revised and edited. We have provided a feature for the submission of comments and bugs under the "Submit a Bug" link of this web page. We would welcome any comments or help in revising the content herein.
Disclaimer
The oxygen compatibility data herein has been taken by WHA from various sources and offered free of charge. However, WHA does not warrant the reliability of any of the data and expressly denies responsibility for any reliance or use of this data in any way. The data herein is offered free of charge and is to be used at your own risk.
Test Descriptions
Autogenous Ignition Temperature (AIT)
ASTM G72
This test method covers the determination of the temperature at which liquids and solids will spontaneously ignite when heated in an oxygen-enriched environment without the application of a spark, flame, or other positive ignition mechanism. Non-metallic test samples of typically 200 mg are exposed to 10.3 MPa (1500 psig) gaseous oxygen and are heated at a rate of 5° C per minute until ignition is observed. The AIT of the material is taken as the temperature in the test chamber, measured within one inch of the test sample, just prior to the rapid temperature rise associated with ignition.
Heat of Combustion (HC)
ASTM D4809 or ASTM D2015
This test method determines the heat of combustion of materials exposed to pressurized gaseous oxygen (GOX) in an adiabatic bomb calorimeter. The heat of combustion of a material is the amount of energy released per unit mass when it is burned completely in oxygen and the combustion products are returned to essentially their original temperature. By thermodynamic convention, a change in heat content (H, enthalpy) is considered positive when heat is absorbed and negative when heat is released, as in a combustion reaction. However, as a general rule, the heats of combustion specified herein are given as positive values even though heat was released in the test. The test is conducted by placing a pre-weighed sample inside a heavy stainless steel container, the bomb, filled with gaseous oxygen at about 3 MPa (30 atm) pressure. The bomb is placed inside a weighed container of water that is itself surrounded by a temperature-controlled water jacket and all are temperature equilibrated to maintain adiabacity in the system.
Mechanical Impact (MI)
ASTM D2512 (LOX Mechanical Impact at Ambient Pressure)
This test method covers the determination of compatibility and relative sensitivity of materials with Liquid Oxygen (LOX) under impact energy using the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) type impact tester. Materials that are impact-sensitive with LOX are generally also sensitive to reaction by other forms of energy in the presence of oxygen. In this test a sample of test material is placed in a specimen cup, precooled and covered with LOX, and placed in a cup holder located in a rigid base holding fixture that is open to the ambient environment. A precooled striker pin is then centered in the cup on top of the test sample. A nominally 20-lb plummet is then dropped from selected heights onto the striker pin to deliver energy to the test specimen. A reaction is observed by consumption of the test sample, an audible report, flash of light, or char/melting that is visually evident on the test sample after the test. Drop tests are continued using a fresh specimen, specimen cup and striker pin for each successive drop, until the threshold reaction energy is determined which is defined as 0 reactions in 20 successive drops at a specific energy level.
ASTM G86 (LOX/GOX Mechanical Impact Testing at pressures up to 10,000 psig)
This test method covers the determination of compatibility and relative sensitivity of materials with Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Gaseous Oxygen (GOX) under impact energy using the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) type impact tester modified to allow the test specimen to be positioned within a pressurized test chamber to any pressure up to 10,000 psig. The test method addresses testing with near-100 percent oxygen environments or oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Samples are placed in the test chamber and exposed either to pressurized LOX or GOX and a striker pin is positioned on top of the sample in the center of a holding cup. A nominal 20-lb plummet is then dropped from selected heights onto the striker pin to deliver energy to the test specimen. A reaction is observed by consumption of the test sample, detection of a flash of light from a photocell, detection of a pressure rise in the test chamber, or char/melting that is visually evident on the test sample after the test. Drop tests are continued using a fresh specimen and specimen cup for each successive drop until the threshold reaction energy is determined which is defined as 0 reactions in 20 successive drops at a specific energy level. A threshold reaction pressure can also be determined by achieving a 0 reactions in 20 successive drops at the highest pressure (constant drop energy) at which this result can be obtained.
Oxygen Index (OI)
ASTM D2863 or ASTM G125
This test method covers a procedure for measuring the threshold-limit conditions to allow equilibrium combustion of non-metallic materials in various oxidant gases under specific conditions of pressure, temperature, flow, and fire propagation. The objective of the test is to determine the minimum concentration of oxygen required for a material to support candle-like burning after being positively ignited in a flowing oxygen/nitrogen mixture.
Promoted Combustion (PC)
Promoted Combustion Threshold
