LONG-TERM STORAGE OF LIQUID OXYGEN
Abstract
When liquid O is stored, the only real hazard is presented by the gradual accumulation of acetylene over a long period of time. If on-site storage tanks were filled and topped off with liquid O that had 0.5 ppm or less acetylene, the continuous increase in acetylene concentration would not become hazardous for 3 yr. The effect depends not on the size of the storage facility, but rather on heat-leak losses. The 3 yr safety period assumes a heat-leak loss of 0.4%/C day. There are 2 excellent ways to extend the period of safe operation. The first method prevents acetylene build-up by purifying the liquid O introduced into the storage tank during the topping operation. The storage tank should be filled initially with liquid O containing 0.5 ppm of acetylene. Thereafter, each monthly addition should be passed through a 14-lb silica-gel bed at a flow rate of 700 gph, thereby eliminating acetylene and ethylene from the added liquid oxygen. The second method uses small quantities of F. We believe that less than 0.5% of F added to the liquid O entering the tank would react preferentially with acetylene, and form inert, soluble freons. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 1958
- Accession Number
- AD0267782
Entities
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little