Valves for Oxygen Service

The best material is stainless steel. But the best material for your specific situation could be other materials depending on the purpose and design. A quick google search will result in many oxygen safe valves of varying design and materials. Cost is an important consideration.

Drew K

"The best material is stainless steel."

No, I strongly disagree with this statement. In fact inconel is the best material for oxygen service which is used for existing valve. Reason for failure may not be because of material of construction of valve, but may be due to manufacturing defect or faulty operation.

The second rung material for oxygen service are bronzes (except aluminum bronze) and brass. Stainless steel is only a third rung material which can be used for low velocity oxygen up to 25 m/s only.

Cool...I havn't used inconel, I have used brass, stainless and even aluminum (fittings not valves).

The intent of my post (probably not stated clearly) was to show that we need more information to suggest the type of valve. :)

Drew K

NOSHOK, Inc. - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To be more specified I am looking to replace an existing globe valve rating#600 working in oxygen service. the valve is completly fabricated from inconel 600 (UNS N06600) and it is damged after getting in service for less than 6 months. the valve was stucked and under trials for openeing it the handweel was broken.

I guess that it is may be better to get anither valce with different stem material.

Replace like for like.

You say hand wheel is broken but talking about stem material. I can guess that stem might have seared. Stainless steel is better material for stem. For valve body and disc inconel is the best for oxygen service.

Have you analysed for reasons for failure? Have you dismantled the valve, can you post a picture? If causes are not taken care, your new valve may fail again. Dust is the biggest enemy for oxygen. Was the the total piping was blown with high velocity nitrogen then only this valve is installed? If blown with this valve in position, the dust particles would have deposited or embedded on disc/body surface and may get stucked-up.

we have always used brass in the construction field. brass might not be appopiate in hospital situations where the patient will be inhalling oxygen.

oxygen is of coarse a strong oxygizer and requires using materials that are free of alloys containing any ferrous materials.

ss316 is best of the best