High-Pressure Oxygen Service Hoses: Specifications & Safety

Hoses for high-pressure oxygen service -- such as those used for diving -- must be designed to meet two critical requirements. First, they must be able to withstand the kinds of pressures typically encountered in high-pressure service. Second, they must be able to resist the build-up of static electricity, which oxygen can create at high pressures, because a spark can easily cause a lethal explosion.

Pressure Capacity

• Standard working pressure for a high-pressure oxygen hose is 5000 PSI. Burst pressure for these hoses should meet or exceed 20,000 PSI.

Materials

• The interior lining of pressurized oxygen hoses should be made of low-friction materials such as high-strength thermoplastic or teflon-coated braided steel, because of the need to reduce static discharge in the hoses.

Fittings

• Fittings on high-pressure service hoses should be fabricated of stainless steel because of the reactivity of compressed oxygen.

Working Temperature

• Working temperature range for high-pressure oxygen service hoses should be from -40 degrees F to 212 degrees F.