Oxygen-Compatible Valves for Oxygen Mixing Applications

Rachel Desenberg — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:51:28 +0000

Category:

When working in oxygen-enriched environments, such as with oxygen mixing applications, selecting the right components is critical to ensure both safety and functionality. One of the key components in these systems is the valve, which controls the flow of gases. For engineers designing systems in medical, aerospace, or other oxygen-sensitive environments, using oxygen-compatible valves is not just a best practice—it's a necessity.

In this article, we'll explore the critical factors that make a valve oxygen-compatible, highlighting key considerations for design engineers. We’ll also introduce �ǳ�web’s solutions for oxygen mixing applications, offering a detailed look at how they meet the unique demands of this high-stakes field.

Subscribe to �ǳ�web's YouTube channel

Two Key Factors for Oxygen-Compatible Valves

When it comes to selecting valves for oxygen-enriched environments, there are two main factors that determine compatibility: material selection and cleanliness. Both are crucial in preventing contamination, ensuring safety, and maintaining reliable operation in systems that handle oxygen.

1. Material Compatibility with Oxygen

The materials used in the construction of the valves must be compatible with oxygen. This is especially important in high-oxygen applications, where certain materials can react with oxygen and pose a risk of combustion or degradation.

In �ǳ�web’s oxygen-compatible valves, the wetted materials (those that come in direct contact with oxygen) are carefully selected to be compatible with oxygen use. Typically, these valves are constructed using standard materials, but with modifications to enhance their safety and performance in oxygen systems. These modifications include:

•PTFE Grease: A non-reactive, oxygen-compatible lubricant that ensures smooth valve operation without the risk of contamination.

•FKM Seals: Fluoroelastomer seals, known for their excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oxygen. These seals help maintain a tight, leak-free seal and reduce the risk of material degradation.

By using these specially chosen materials, �ǳ�web’s valves maintain their integrity and performance in oxygen environments, helping to minimize the risk of failure in critical applications.

2. Cleanliness and Contamination Control

Contamination control is another critical factor when designing valves for oxygen environments. Oxygen is highly reactive, and even minute traces of contaminants—whether organic or inorganic—can lead to dangerous situations such as fires, oxidation, or system malfunctions.

�ǳ�web takes cleanliness to the highest level by ensuring that all oxygen-compatible valves are:

•Ultrasonically Cleaned: A process that removes any contaminants from the valve components before assembly. Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that help dislodge dirt, oil, and particulate matter from surfaces.

• Assembled and Inspected in a Clean Room: Every valve is assembled and inspected in a positive pressure clean room that exceeds ISO 13485 standards. This clean room environment ensures that the valves are free from contaminants that could compromise their performance in oxygen systems.

• No Organic Sealants or Lubricants: To prevent contamination, �ǳ�web valves are manufactured without the use of organic sealants or lubricants, which could introduce harmful residues into the system.

• Individual Testing with Medical-Grade Nitrogen: Each valve is subjected to rigorous testing and calibration using medical-grade clean nitrogen. Dedicated test fixtures and precision inspection techniques—such as magnification, visual inspection, and ultraviolet light—ensure that no hydrocarbon oils or particulate contaminants are present.

This comprehensive cleanliness protocol ensures that �ǳ�web’s oxygen-compatible valves meet the stringent requirements for high-risk applications, providing peace of mind to engineers and end-users alike.

�ǳ�web’s Expertise in Oxygen-Compatible Valves

�ǳ�web’s commitment to quality and safety has made us a trusted partner for engineers working with oxygen and other sensitive gases. With years of experience working with medical device manufacturers and other industries that require the highest levels of safety, we are well-positioned to support your most challenging oxygen-related design needs.

Whether you're designing a system for medical oxygen delivery, aerospace applications, or industrial uses, our range of electronic on/off and proportional valves can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. By partnering with �ǳ�web, you gain access to valves that not only meet the technical requirements for oxygen mixing applications but also exceed industry standards for safety and performance.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discuss your specific application requirements.

Related Products
Oxygen Clean EV Series	Analytical EV Series

Pneumatic Solutions for Wound Therapy

Chris Agricola — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:08:50 +0000

Category:

Applications

The lack of standardized wound therapy methods and care contributes to unnecessarily long treatment and healing times. In addition, these factors contribute to excessively high costs borne by patients and health plans. Various new technologies and discoveries are bringing to patients the ability to work with their doctors to get wounds under control with pneumatics.

Hyperbaric Oyxgen Therapy for Wound Healing (HBO2)
Oxygen is one of the most versatile and powerful agents available to the modern medical device manufacturers. The therapeutic use of oxygen under pressure has been used to assist wound healing for almost 40 years. HBO2 provides pharmacological doses of oxygen to stimulate the tissue, thereby promoting a much quicker healing process.

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
Negative-pressure wound therapy is a therapeutic technique using a vacuum source that creates continuous or intermittent negative pressure inside the wound to remove fluid, exudates, and infectious materials to prepare the wound for healing and closure.

�ǳ�web has been successfully partnering with progressive companies in the design and development of innovative pneumatic solutions for both stationary and portable non-invasive topical wound therapy equipment.

�ǳ�web’s miniature valves, actuators, fittings and regulators are ideal for these types of applications, especially with the addition of the Oxygen Clean and Analytical Series Electronic valves.

• Saves production time
• Reduces cost and labor for piping
• One part number reduces purchasing and assembly resources
• Complete “plug-and-play” assemblies
• Optimized system design increases performance
• �ǳ�web products and assemblies are 100% tested

Contact �ǳ�web today to see how our engineering and application expertise can assist in the development of efficient, compact pneumatic assemblies for your next critical project.

View more information