What can happen if organic oil is present in pressurized oxygen systems?

When organic oils are present in pressurized oxygen systems, they can create a highly dangerous situation that may lead to spontaneous combustion. This is due to the fact that oxygen significantly enhances the combustion of materials, and in the presence of organic oils, the risk of a fire or explosion is greatly increased.

Organic oils can ignite at relatively low temperatures when in contact with high-pressure oxygen, creating a situation where common materials that are normally safe can become flammable. The combination of the increased availability of oxygen and the volatile nature of organic oils lowers the ignition point, leading to potential spontaneous ignition.

This hazard underscores the importance of maintaining strict cleanliness and ensuring that only suitable materials are used in oxygen service to prevent catastrophic failures.