PHODS Technical Manual
22
PROCEDURE A: OXYGEN CLEANING AND LUBRICATING
Parts made of plastic or rubber may be soaked and cleaned in a solution of warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Use only a
soft nylon toothbrush to scrub away any deposits. Rinse in fresh water and thoroughly blow dry, using low pressure filtered air.
Cleaning Brass and Stainless Steel Parts
1.
Preclean in warm, soapy water* using a nylon bristle tooth brush. If there are stubborn deposits, household white
distilled vinegar (acetic acid) in an ultrasonic cleaner will work well.
2.
Thoroughly clean parts in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with an oxygen compatible solution for 5-15 minutes.
3.
Remove parts from the ultrasonic cleaner and rinse with fresh water. If tap water is extremely “hard,” place the parts in a
bath of distilled water to prevent any mineral residue. Agitate lightly, and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove and blow
dry with low pressure 25 psi / 1.7 BAR filtered air, and inspect closely to ensure proper cleaning and like-new condition.
Cleaning Plastic & Rubber Parts
*Soapy water is defined as “household” grade liquid dishwashing detergent diluted in warm water.
CAUTION:
Do not place plastic and rubber parts in acid solutions. Doing so may alter the physical properties
of the component, causing it to prematurely degrade and/or break.
Lubrication and Dressing
Wear powder free latex or nitrile gloves when handling and lubricating o-rings. Keeping internal parts free from skin oils and
other contaminants is important when running oxygen through a first stage. All o-rings should only lubricated with Christo-
Lube
®
MCG-111. This is an oxygen compatible lubricant. Dress the o-rings with a very light film of grease, and remove any
visible excess by running the o-ring between thumb and forefinger. Avoid applying excessive amounts of Christo-Lube
®
MCG-111, as this will attract particulate matter that may cause damage to the o-ring.
Cleaning Hoses
1.
If corroded, soak hose ends only in ultrasonic cleaner.
2.
Do not allow cleaner to enter hose more than necessary.
3.
Thoroughly rinse with fresh water.
4.
Allow to dry with fittings hanging down.
5.
Blow out hose before installing.
Oxygen Safe Area Guidelines
Components requiring O2 cleaning must be disassembled, cleaned and assembled in a designated “O2 Safe Area”; with the
following minimum requirements:
• Work area shall be enclosed, well lighted, climate controlled and restricted to essential traffic only.
• Work area shall be clean and free of oil, grease, dust, dirt and other foreign matter.
• Work surfaces shall be clean and non pourus.
• Tools shall be clean, non sparking and designated for “FOR O2 USE ONLY”.
• Personnel shall have clean hands, face and clothing.
• Area shall be clearly marked: “RESTRICTED - O2 SAFE AREA” “NO SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING”.
General Safety and Environmantal Precautions
• Ensure oxygen systems are depressurized before performing maintenance.
• Open and close oxygen valve slowly, as oxygen is a high pressure oxidizing fire hazard.
• Exercise extreme care when charging, handling or storing HP oxygen cylinders.
• Qualifications to perform maintenance on PHODS are obtained after successful completion of the PHODS Technical
Training Course. In addition, individuals must be certified as oxygen clean workers.
