Companion Portable Technical Service Manual •
PN 20562220 Rev B
5
Companion P
or
tables
Safety
III
WARNING: Extreme high pressure can rupture container or
plumbing components. Be sure specified pressure relief devices
are present, in the proper location, and functioning properly.
NOTE: Liquid oxygen at atmospheric pressure expands at a
ratio of approximately 860:1 (at 0 bar/ 0psig) when vaporizing
into a gas. This can occur very rapidly when exposed to the
heat in the atmosphere. See Figure 2 for comparison.
WARNING: Do not smoke or keep burning tobacco near this
equipment. Death or injury may occur.
WARNING: Keep flammable materials away from this equip-
ment. Oils, grease, including facial creams and petroleum jelly,
asphalt, and synthetic fibers ignite easily and burn rapidly in
the presence of concentrated oxygen. If needed, use only speci-
fied oxygen compatible lubricants as directed.
LOX
GAS
1
860
WARNING: Liquid oxygen vessels periodically release small
amounts of oxygen gas that must be ventilated to prevent pres-
sure buildup. Do not store liquid oxygen equipment in a car
trunk, closet, or other confined area. Do not place bags, blan-
kets, draperies, or other fabrics over the equipment when it
contains liquid oxygen.
WARNING: When using concentrated oxygen, the risk of fire
is increased.
WARNING: The possibility of fire exists when the combina-
tion of a fuel, source of ignition, and oxygen is present. High
concentrations of oxygen (air is approximately 21% oxygen)
greatly enhance the possibility of combustion.
NOTE: Figure 1 below is referred to as the fire/combustion tri-
angle. This triangle describes the three factors required for fire/
combustion to occur.
Figure 2:
LOX to Gas ratio
Figure 1:
Fire/Combustion Triangle
NOTE: To reduce the risk of combustion/fire when dealing
with LOX, please refer to the following suggestions
• Obtain all replacement parts for medical oxygen equipment
from the manufacturer.
• Use only recommended oxygen compatible cleaning and
leak detection products.
• Keep the reservoir upright at all times. Secure liquid oxy-
gen equipment when transporting to prevent accidental
tipover and spillage.
• If a liquid oxygen spill occurs indoors, open doors and
windows to ventilate the area. Avoid sources of ignition
and do not walk on or roll equipment over the affected
area.
• Any clothing or porous material that is splashed with liq-
uid oxygen or otherwise absorbs high concentrations of
oxygen should be removed and aired for at least one hour
away from any source of ignition.
WARNING: During transfer of liquid oxygen gas blow off
from the vent valve creates a loud horn-like noise. Ear protec-
tion is recommended.