Oxygen cleaning is an essential process for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of equipment used in oxygen service. This procedure involves removing any contaminants that could potentially react with oxygen. The goal is to prevent any hazardous interactions that could lead to combustion or other dangerous outcomes.

Types of Oxygen Cleaning

There are two main types of oxygen cleaning:

1. Cleaning with Oxygen-Compatible Cleaners
   This type of cleaning is focused on removing particles, dirt, oil, grease, or any other residue from the surface of equipment that comes into contact with oxygen. For instance, the body of a cylinder or a regulator should be cleaned using chemicals that leave no residues that could react with oxygen.
2. Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service
   When equipment such as the valve opening on a cylinder or the inside of a cylinder is cleaned for oxygen service, it must undergo more rigorous cleaning. This involves not only using oxygen-compatible cleaners but also employing special equipment and procedures to ensure that no particles remain on the surface. Even small particles can ignite when exposed to the speed of oxygen flow, making thorough cleaning crucial.

Importance of Proper Cleaning

Proper oxygen cleaning is vital for maintaining the integrity and safety of oxygen equipment. If not done correctly, the presence of contaminants can lead to severe consequences, such as ignition or explosions, especially when dealing with high-pressure oxygen.

Leak Testing Considerations

Leak testing is another critical aspect of maintaining oxygen equipment. The FDA and industry standards recommend against using soap and water solutions for leak testing because these can leave behind residues that might ignite under high-pressure oxygen. Instead, specific leak-testing solutions that do not contain combustible materials should be used. The FDA mandates two leak tests during the filling process: one while the cylinder is being filled and another after filling to ensure no leaks are present and that the patient will receive the full contents of the cylinder.

Keep Your Oxygen Equipment Safe and Reliable

Oxygen cleaning is more than just a routine task—it's a crucial step in ensuring that oxygen service equipment remains safe and reliable for those who depend on it.