Advancing oxygen safety: A State-of-the-Art experimental facility dedicated to researching pressure surge in oxygen systems

Rapid pressure surges in flow control equipment (FCE) like valves and regulators increases the risk of fire hazard in oxygen systems. This paper outlines the details of the newly established Oxygen Pressure Surge Test (OPST) facility at the University of Luxembourg. The facility is engineered to test a broad range of adiabatic compression scenarios in oxygen systems allowing for an in-depth analysis, characterization, and optimization of the FCE. The facility boasts a solenoid-actuated quick opening valve (QOV) designed for precision in adiabatic compression testing in oxygen systems. Capable of handling pressures up to 750 bar, the QOV’s operation can be tuned to have a range of opening times enabling the testing of various rapid pressure surge scenarios. The test features a robust safety framework to mitigate fire hazards. It is housed inside a secure container, equipped with advanced fire suppression systems, and includes a protective enclosure around the testing apparatus. Dynamic pressure and temperature sensors positioned close to the test sample capture critical data during rapid pressure and temperature surges, providing essential insights about the flow. The test data also serves as a validation database for CFD benchmarking which could improve the accuracy and reliability of CFD models in simulating complex flow behaviors. With the aim of performing detailed testing and characterization of oxygen FCE’s, the facility is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the safety and reliability of oxygen systems.