Oxygen Pipeline Material

[baris82]

Hi,
we build a medical gas pipeline system using copper tubes and we have to make a special joint for the dilatation parts of the building. We make oxygen welding using copper electrodes. Our idea was to make omega shapes in order to absorb the vibration of the buildings.
My question is:
welded oxygenfree high purity copper joints or 316 stainless steel joints are more suitable for pure oxygen piping and which one has better mechanical resistance for this application? (The oxygen runs through pipeline contains no humidity). My concern is that our copper welded joints could crack in the case of the buildings vibration. Or could stainless steel be embrittled by the effect of the oxygen? I am not sure which one should be used.
Hope this is clear. Thanks for any input.

 

[strider6]

baris

From a corrosion point of view, at low-medium temperature, i don't see any problem for Cu pr SS if the fluid inside the pipe is pure oxygen and no humidity.

S.

http://www.corrosionist.com

 

[EdStainless]

It is common to use 304L SS for pure oxygen service. The stainless is a lot stiffer so it requires less support. You can use thinner tubing so that it weighs less also.

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