Oxygen can be separated by a number of methods, including chemical reaction and fractional distillation, and then either used immediately or stored for future use.
- Liquid storage — Liquid oxygen is stored in chilled tanks until required, and then allowed to boil (at a temperature of 90.188 K (−182.96 °C)) to release oxygen as a gas. This is widely used at hospitals due to their high usage requirements, but can also be used in other settings. See Vacuum Insulated Evaporator for more information on this method of storage.
- Compressed gas storage — The oxygen gas is compressed in a gas cylinder, which provides a convenient storage, without the requirement for refrigeration found with liquid storage. Large oxygen cylinders hold 6,500 litres (230 cu ft) and can last about two days at a flow rate of 2 litres per minute. A small portable M6 (B) cylinder holds 164 or 170 litres (5.8 or 6.0 cu ft) and weighs about 1.3 to 1.6 kilograms (2.9 to 3.5 lb). These tanks can last 4–6 hours when used with a conserving regulator, which senses the patient's breathing rate and sends pulses of oxygen. Conserving regulators may not be usable by patients who breathe through their mouths.
- Instant usage — The use of an electrically powered oxygen concentrator or a chemical reaction based unit can create sufficient oxygen for a patient to use immediately, and these units (especially the electrically powered versions) are in widespread usage for home oxygen therapy and portable personal oxygen, with the advantage of being continuous supply without the need for additional deliveries of bulky cylinders.
Storage of Cylinders
Storerooms should be of fire-proof construction and so designed that in the event of fire, the cylinders are easily removable.
Storerooms should be well ventilated, top and bottom, and must never be below ground level.
Light fittings, as well as all electric switches in stores containing acetylene, Handigas or other flammable gases, should either be of the flame-proof type, or should be placed outside thebuilding lighting the interior through fixed windows. 'NO SMOKING - NO NAKED LIGHTS' symbolic signs, should be posted in the area of the store.
Handigas cylinders stored inside a building on an industrial user's premises should be limited to a total mass of 19kg per 600m3 of building space with a total maximum of 100kg.
Where Handigas is stored in bulk, reference should be made to SABS 087 Part 1 and Part 3. Since these may be updated from time to time, it is important to ensure that reference is made to the latest issue.
Afrox Limited has a specialised department for the installation of gas distribution systems, storage vessels, etc.
Handigas cylinders exceeding a total capacity of 19kg should not be installed or kept inside a private home or a place of business frequented by the public. Cylinders must be kept cool, and should be protected from sunlight, rain, frost, wet soil and corrosive conditions. If cylinders have to stand in the open, they should be protected from the rays of the sun. Do not use tarpaulins or any other cover which comes in direct contact with the cylinders as a protection against the sun.
Full or empty combustible gas cylinders should be kept apart using 'ful' and 'empty' notices to prevent confusion and mistakes.
The valves of empty cylinders should always be firmly closed to prevent 'breathing'. If a cylinder is found with the valve open, close it and attach a note stating this fact, e.g.
WARNING - CYLINDER VALVE LEFT OPEN WHEN CYLINDER EMPTY'.
This will ensure that moisture and purity tests are carried out before the cylinder is refilled. Oxygen should not be stored with flammable gases such as acetylene and Handigas. Acetylene and Handigas cylinders should NOT be stacked horizontally, but should always be stored in an upright position.
Oxygen cylinders may be stacked horizontally provided that they are firmly secured at each end to prevent rolling.
If cylinders are exposed to heat, the pressure of the gas content will increase, and a dangerous situation may arise.Therefore, store all cylinders well away from sources of heat such as furnaces, stoves, boilers and radiators as well as potential fire hazards.
Oil and grease will ignite violently in the presence of oxygen and if the latter is under pressure this may result in an explosion. Cylinders and fittings should be kept away from overhead shafting, cranes or belts.
Prevent dirt, grit of any sort, oil or any other lubricant from entering the cylinder valves and store cylinders well clear of any corrosive influence, e.g. battery acid. Do not lubricate the valve spindle.
Do not smoke, wear oily or greasy clothes, or have any naked light or fire in a place where compressed gases are stored.
Storerooms should be well ventilated, top and bottom, and must never be below ground level.
Light fittings, as well as all electric switches in stores containing acetylene, Handigas or other flammable gases, should either be of the flame-proof type, or should be placed outside thebuilding lighting the interior through fixed windows. 'NO SMOKING - NO NAKED LIGHTS' symbolic signs, should be posted in the area of the store.
Handigas cylinders stored inside a building on an industrial user's premises should be limited to a total mass of 19kg per 600m3 of building space with a total maximum of 100kg.
Where Handigas is stored in bulk, reference should be made to SABS 087 Part 1 and Part 3. Since these may be updated from time to time, it is important to ensure that reference is made to the latest issue.
Afrox Limited has a specialised department for the installation of gas distribution systems, storage vessels, etc.
Handigas cylinders exceeding a total capacity of 19kg should not be installed or kept inside a private home or a place of business frequented by the public. Cylinders must be kept cool, and should be protected from sunlight, rain, frost, wet soil and corrosive conditions. If cylinders have to stand in the open, they should be protected from the rays of the sun. Do not use tarpaulins or any other cover which comes in direct contact with the cylinders as a protection against the sun.
Full or empty combustible gas cylinders should be kept apart using 'ful' and 'empty' notices to prevent confusion and mistakes.
The valves of empty cylinders should always be firmly closed to prevent 'breathing'. If a cylinder is found with the valve open, close it and attach a note stating this fact, e.g.
WARNING - CYLINDER VALVE LEFT OPEN WHEN CYLINDER EMPTY'.
This will ensure that moisture and purity tests are carried out before the cylinder is refilled. Oxygen should not be stored with flammable gases such as acetylene and Handigas. Acetylene and Handigas cylinders should NOT be stacked horizontally, but should always be stored in an upright position.
Oxygen cylinders may be stacked horizontally provided that they are firmly secured at each end to prevent rolling.
If cylinders are exposed to heat, the pressure of the gas content will increase, and a dangerous situation may arise.Therefore, store all cylinders well away from sources of heat such as furnaces, stoves, boilers and radiators as well as potential fire hazards.
Oil and grease will ignite violently in the presence of oxygen and if the latter is under pressure this may result in an explosion. Cylinders and fittings should be kept away from overhead shafting, cranes or belts.
Prevent dirt, grit of any sort, oil or any other lubricant from entering the cylinder valves and store cylinders well clear of any corrosive influence, e.g. battery acid. Do not lubricate the valve spindle.
Do not smoke, wear oily or greasy clothes, or have any naked light or fire in a place where compressed gases are stored.