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SAE AIR4071 Revision A, November 1, 2010
Lubricants for Oxygen Use
Description / Abstract:
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) describes two
classes of lubricants which, when properly applied, can be used in
oxygen systems and components.
Product Classification
Lubricants covered by this document are classified as follows:
Class I Fluids and greases
Class II Solids and dry films
Field of Application
Molecular oxygen is an aggressive oxidizer, which will support and highly intensify combustion, which is why contact with conventional lubricants must be avoided. Only special sliding agents, tested under standardized conditions / materials and approved by certified Agencies, can safely handle their jobs in valves, fittings or systems that carry oxygen.
The major requirement established is that lubricants must be primarily non-reactive, in all expected use conditions, to gaseous oxygen (GOX) and – if applied – to liquid oxygen (LOX). The emphasis on oxygen compatibility confines the choice of the components making up the formulation to non-reactive fluids, thickeners, powders and binders. These are typified by the fully fluorinated fluids - polyperfluoroalkylethers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP) and by saturated hydrogen-free chlorofluorocarbons.
In selecting lubricants for oxygen systems, not only oxygen compatibility has to be considered but also their toxicity property. A toxic or just skin irritating chemical, even if it is oxygen compatible, should not be used in oxygen systems.
Oxygen compatible lubricants are safer in oxygen systems only in the sense that the energy required to initiate a reaction is higher than that of conventional materials. Under appropriate conditions, all such materials are combustible in oxygen.
Prior to application of any lubricant, all components which come in contact with oxygen must be cleaned for oxygen service and thoroughly dried.
Fluids and greases will not function as lubricants at LOX temperatures -183 °C (-297 °F). Only solid or dry film lubricants can be used at these temperatures. To ensure maximum safety, contact the application engineers of the manufacturer.
Fluoro and chloro-organic compounds are capable of reacting with aluminum and magnesium, even in the absence of oxygen, when the metals are subjected to conditions of high shear or galling, as is the case with pipe threads.
Bonded solid lubricants do not provide corrosion resistance. The metal substrate must be protected or be a corrosion-resistant material prior to the application of the solid film.
Before use, check the product information leaflet, the data sheet and the materials safety data sheet to check the compatibility between the lubricant and the metal piping and any possible surrounding fluids.
If the lubricant should be used in connecting fittings/hose couplings (pipes, valves etc.), inform about the sealing effects. Read the data sheet and decide whether the lubricant meets your requirements. 1.3.9 If the lubricant should be used in connecting fittings in contact with other sealing materials (NBR, EPDM,FPM or PTFE), inform about the compatibility with those materials.
Product Classification
Lubricants covered by this document are classified as follows:
Class I Fluids and greases
Class II Solids and dry films
Field of Application
Molecular oxygen is an aggressive oxidizer, which will support and highly intensify combustion, which is why contact with conventional lubricants must be avoided. Only special sliding agents, tested under standardized conditions / materials and approved by certified Agencies, can safely handle their jobs in valves, fittings or systems that carry oxygen.
The major requirement established is that lubricants must be primarily non-reactive, in all expected use conditions, to gaseous oxygen (GOX) and – if applied – to liquid oxygen (LOX). The emphasis on oxygen compatibility confines the choice of the components making up the formulation to non-reactive fluids, thickeners, powders and binders. These are typified by the fully fluorinated fluids - polyperfluoroalkylethers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP) and by saturated hydrogen-free chlorofluorocarbons.
In selecting lubricants for oxygen systems, not only oxygen compatibility has to be considered but also their toxicity property. A toxic or just skin irritating chemical, even if it is oxygen compatible, should not be used in oxygen systems.
Oxygen compatible lubricants are safer in oxygen systems only in the sense that the energy required to initiate a reaction is higher than that of conventional materials. Under appropriate conditions, all such materials are combustible in oxygen.
Prior to application of any lubricant, all components which come in contact with oxygen must be cleaned for oxygen service and thoroughly dried.
Fluids and greases will not function as lubricants at LOX temperatures -183 °C (-297 °F). Only solid or dry film lubricants can be used at these temperatures. To ensure maximum safety, contact the application engineers of the manufacturer.
Fluoro and chloro-organic compounds are capable of reacting with aluminum and magnesium, even in the absence of oxygen, when the metals are subjected to conditions of high shear or galling, as is the case with pipe threads.
Bonded solid lubricants do not provide corrosion resistance. The metal substrate must be protected or be a corrosion-resistant material prior to the application of the solid film.
Before use, check the product information leaflet, the data sheet and the materials safety data sheet to check the compatibility between the lubricant and the metal piping and any possible surrounding fluids.
If the lubricant should be used in connecting fittings/hose couplings (pipes, valves etc.), inform about the sealing effects. Read the data sheet and decide whether the lubricant meets your requirements. 1.3.9 If the lubricant should be used in connecting fittings in contact with other sealing materials (NBR, EPDM,FPM or PTFE), inform about the compatibility with those materials.
SAE AIR4071 Revision A, November 1, 2010
Lubricants for Oxygen Use