The operation of gas systems and equipment must be regularly monitored as leaks can occur in any part of the system, especially at the connections.
Check the condition of your gas equipment regularly
It is important that the tightness of all parts of the gas system is checked after installation and any necessary repairs are made before the system is put into operation.
● Regularly check the condition and tightness of your gas system. Below are instructions on how to perform a leak test.
● Hoses with leaks, holes, or local surface or burn damage must be replaced with standardized hoses.
● Cut or welding torch nozzle must be checked regularly. If the nozzle is clogged, clean or replace it.
● Keep the equipment clean. Oxygen system pressure regulators must be kept clean, especially when not in use. If a pressure regulator is defective, it must be replaced immediately.
How to Perform a Leak Test
A leak detector must always be used when searching for gas leaks. Linden TL-4 leak detection spray is suitable for industrial systems. Do not use soap or cleaning solution water. Make sure the leak detection routine is suitable for the equipment materials used.
The leak test must be performed ON ALL connections:
● Open the gas inlet.
● Spray the leak detection spray on the connections and any other possible leakage points, such as between the cylinder valve and pressure regulator.
● Do not spray leak detection spray on the cylinder outlet.
● If foam is formed, gas is leaking => immediately close the gas inlet and repair the leakage point.
● Do not use the gas equipment until the leak has been fixed.
● Wipe the inspection point dry with a clean, lint-free cloth after the test.
● When the leak has been repaired, flush the system with air.
Handwheel Valve Leaks
A leak from the handwheel valve of the cylinder can be identified either by hissing sound or, in the case of flammable gases, by smell. If a leak is detected, the cylinder must not be used, and the leak must not be attempted to be fixed. Move the cylinder to a place where it can be emptied without causing danger. Clearly label the cylinder and make a complaint report to Linde.
General safety instructions for the use of gas equipment
Only use hoses that comply with European standards. Poor quality hoses can harden and may crack, leak, or even internally ignite when in contact with oxygen over time. Never use water hoses in gas systems.
Ensure that the hoses are the correct length. They must be long enough to safely position the cylinders away from sparks and hot metal. Do not twist the excess hose around the cylinder or pressure regulator or leave it on the floor near the cylinders. A fire that ignites in a coiled hose is very difficult to extinguish. It's advisable to keep excess hose behind the user so that sparks do not fly over it. Hoses should not be placed under cutting or welding points.
Poorly made connections are a common cause of accidents. Linden's supplied hose ends are tightly secured to connectors. They are equipped with nuts that attach the hose to the pressure regulator's outlet connector and the burner's inlet connector. Traditional connectors with hose clamps are also available.
Never use hose connectors in hose connections. A twisted hose can cause serious damage if it comes loose and starts spinning in the air. Regularly check the connections. Remember to flush the hoses before igniting the cutting or welding flame.
When using oxygen-fuel gas equipment, flame backfires can occur due to failure to follow recommended pressures and operating instructions, nozzle clogging, or equipment faults or leaks. One of the most common causes of backfires is backflow, which occurs when gas at higher pressure flows back toward the lower pressure gas flow.
The check valve on the hose prevents oxygen and fuel gas from mixing in the hose and prevents potential fires, accidents, or equipment damage. The backflow preventer is designed to prevent flame backfires and, together with the shut-off valve, automatically closes the gas supply. These multifunctional devices act as an additional safety system, especially in places where a fire caused by a backfire would be particularly dangerous, such as hospitals, repair shops, and workplaces with flammable or hazardous chemicals. All oxygen-using systems must be approved for their intended use. Backflow preventers should be installed in all fuel gas lines and in those oxygen lines used in conjunction with fuel gases. Local practices vary as to whether backflow preventers should be installed in oxygen lines. We recommend using backflow preventers with four safety features, including a manually opened, pressure-reactive shut-off valve.
Use CE-marked safety glasses with dual lenses when welding and cutting. The inner lenses must be tinted and the outer lenses clear. Outer lenses must be replaced regularly as they collect splatters. Additionally, when handling pressurized gases, it is recommended to use CE-marked eye protectors that prevent flying dust particles or gas jets from getting into the eyes.
Do not wear clothes made of highly flammable materials. Wear leather gloves or long protective gloves if necessary. Additional protective equipment may be needed in difficult working conditions.
When handling liquid nitrogen, use personal protective equipment designed for cryogenic products to protect against splashes and frostbite from liquid nitrogen. The temperature of liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, -196 degrees Celsius, so even a small drop of liquid nitrogen on the skin can cause a serious burn. The gas produced by liquid nitrogen is also cold and can damage the eyes.
When handling liquid nitrogen, such as in the storage of biological materials, adequate ventilation should be ensured and an oxygen deficiency warning system should be used.
Nitrogen is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas and, in high concentrations, is suffocating. If liquid nitrogen leaks uncontrollably into the air, it displaces oxygen from the space. This situation can pose a serious risk to individuals if appropriate protective equipment or oxygen deficiency warning systems are not in place.
Hoses
Correct fittings
Hose check valves and flashback arrestors
Workwear and PPE
Oxygen depletion warning systems
Hoses
Only use hoses that comply with European standards. Inferior quality hoses can harden over time and may crack, leak, or even ignite internally when exposed to oxygen. Never use water hoses in gas systems. Make sure hoses are the correct length. They should be long enough to allow cylinders to be safely stored, protected from sparks and hot metal. Do not loop excess hose around the cylinder or the regulator, or near the bottles on the floor. A fire ignited in a coiled hose is very difficult to extinguish. Any excess hose should be kept behind the user, so that sparks do not land on it. Hoses should not be placed under a cutting or welding operation.
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