Oxygen Deficiency and Enrichment: Causes and Risks
Oxygen depletion can be caused by displacement, combustion, oxidation, chemical reaction or bacterial action. But oxygen enrichment also creates risk: oxygen-enriched air (above ~23.5%) makes clothing and materials ignite more easily.
Key points
- Five causes of oxygen depletion: displacement, combustion, oxidation, chemical reaction and bacterial action.
- Increased oxygen raises the flammability of materials and gases.
- Oxygen-enriched air (above ~23.5%) makes clothing and materials ignite more easily.
- Sensors must be specially certified for use in O2-enriched atmospheres.
Causes of oxygen depletion
Oxygen depletion can be caused by:
- Displacement
- Combustion
- Oxidation
- Chemical reaction
- Bacterial action
Risks of oxygen enrichment
It is often forgotten that oxygen enrichment can also cause risk. As O2 levels increase, the flammability of materials and gases increases. Oxygen-enriched air (above ~23.5%) makes clothing and materials ignite more easily. Oxyacetylene welding equipment combines Oxygen and Acetylene gases to produce extremely high temperatures. Sensors must be specially certified for use in O2-enriched atmospheres.
For on-the-spot oxygen measurement, consider portable gas detectors from Honeywell or RAE Systems.
Frequently asked questions
What can cause oxygen depletion?
Oxygen depletion can be caused by displacement, combustion, oxidation, chemical reaction or bacterial action.
Is excess oxygen dangerous?
Yes. As O2 levels increase, the flammability of materials and gases increases; oxygen-enriched air (above ~23.5%) makes clothing and materials ignite more easily.
What is required of sensors used in oxygen-enriched atmospheres?
Sensors must be specially certified for use in O2-enriched atmospheres.
