Description

Oxygen (O2) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that makes up approximately 20.9% of the Earth’s atmosphere by volume. It is absolutely essential for human life, as our bodies require a constant supply of oxygen for cellular respiration, the process that generates energy.

Normal Oxygen Levels and Effects of Deficiency:

• Normal Air: Approximately 20.9% oxygen.
• Comfortable Range: Typically, oxygen levels are considered safe and comfortable between 19.5% and 23.5%.
• Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere (Hypoxia): Below 19.5% oxygen, the atmosphere is considered oxygen-deficient and hazardous.
  • 16-19.5%: Impaired judgment, coordination, and breathing. Increased pulse and breathing rates.
  • 14-16%: Faulty judgment, rapid fatigue, muscular incoordination.
  • 10-14%: Very poor judgment and coordination, severe fatigue, intermittent respiration.
  • 6-10%: Nausea, vomiting, collapse, convulsions, gasping respiration, rapid death.
  • < 6%: Convulsions, respiratory arrest, rapid death.

Oxygen depletion occurs when oxygen is consumed or displaced by other gases in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space. This is a critical concern in many industrial and occupational settings.

Locations where oxygen levels may drop to uncomfortable or dangerous levels:

• Confined Spaces:

  • Tanks, Vessels, Silos, Pits, Vaults, Sewers, Manholes: These spaces are often enclosed or partially enclosed, limiting natural ventilation.
  • Causes of Depletion:
    • Consumption: Rusting of metal surfaces, decomposition of organic matter, fermentation, welding, brazing, or other hot work.
    • Displacement: Introduction of inert gases (nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide) for purging, blanketing, or fire suppression.
    • Chemical Reactions: Some chemical processes can consume oxygen.

• Areas with Fermentation or Biological Decomposition:

  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries: Fermentation processes consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, which displaces oxygen.
  • Landfills: Decomposition of waste generates gases (like methane and carbon dioxide) that can displace oxygen in enclosed structures or low-lying areas.
  • Manure Pits and Lagoons (Agriculture): Decomposition of animal waste consumes oxygen and produces other gases.
  • Sewage Treatment Plants: Decomposition in sludge tanks and digesters.

• Areas with Inert Gas Usage:

  • Laboratories: Use of inert gases (nitrogen, argon) for experiments or specialized equipment, especially in walk-in cold rooms or glove boxes that are not adequately vented.
  • Cryogenic Facilities: Leaks from liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic gas storage and transfer systems can rapidly displace large volumes of oxygen as they vaporize.
  • Industrial Processes: Purging pipelines, tanks, or reactors with nitrogen to remove flammable substances before maintenance, or using inert gases for blanketing to prevent explosions.

• Areas with High Combustion Activity:

  • Furnace Rooms, Boiler Rooms, Engine Rooms: If ventilation is inadequate, combustion processes (which consume oxygen) can reduce ambient oxygen levels.
  • Fire Scenes (Post-Fire): After a fire, oxygen can be significantly depleted in affected areas.

• Refrigerated Storage Facilities (e.g., Cold Rooms):

  • While not consuming oxygen directly, if refrigerants like carbon dioxide are used and leak, they can displace oxygen.

• Areas with Rusting or Corrosion:

  • Large, enclosed metal structures (e.g., ships’ holds, storage tanks) that are rusting can consume significant amounts of oxygen over time.

Replacement Sensor, Part No. 17124975-3, Properties