Is your oxygen equipment clean? We offer our unique oxygen cleanliness verification (OCV) as a standalone service for clients who wish to test the cleanliness of their own parts, components, and systems.
Our OCV is performed with solvent extraction methods according to ASTM standards and is capable of providing non-volatile residue (NVR) amounts (e.g., mg/ft2 or mg/m2) and particle sizing/counting/mass. If necessary, the extracted contaminants can also undergo material characterization at WHA, using techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and EDX spectroscopy to determine the type and origin of the contamination. With strategic sampling of a system and contamination mapping, the source of the contamination can also be determined. These services can be paired with our oxygen fire risk analysis to help evaluate the need for re-cleaning.
OCV Process
WHA's OCV process provides a precise measurement of the size and quantity of both NVRs and particulate contaminants. This method is typically performed on piece parts after cleaning prior to assembly. Solvent extraction of assemblies is usually avoided.
- Equipment Cleaning: All glassware and weighing trays are meticulously cleaned.
- Solvent Extraction: The clean solvent is then diligently applied to the parts of interest to extract contaminants into solution.
- Sample Filtration: The sample collected is then transferred to the filtration apparatus in order to separate particulate that will be analyzed under the microscope.
- Gravimetric Measurement: The filtered solvent sample is then transferred to a pre weighed tray, where the solvent is allowed to evaporate. The tray weight is then measured to calculate the amount of non-volatile residue that has been collected, while accounting for a control sample.
- Particulate Analysis: Finally, the preserved filter is transferred to a microscope for quantification of particulates.
Relevant Standards
WHA is capable of evaluating to oxygen cleaning specifications in standards such as:
- ISO 15001
- ASTM G93
- EIGA Doc. 33
- CGA 4.1
- MIL-STD-1330E
- SAE ARP1176
Training for Oxygen Cleaning & Compliance
WHA now offers a special technical training course providing an in-depth understanding of oxygen cleaning requirements and cleaning processes to achieve compliance with international standards.
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