System Manual Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology OIPT Systems
7. Liquid Nitrogen
WARNING
IF LIQUID NITROGEN FACILITIES ARE NOT INSTALLED, OPERATED AND MAINTAINED
CORRECTLY, DANGEROUS SITUATIONS CAN RESULT. THESE INTRODUCE RISKS OF:
A) HAZARDOUS PRESSURE BUILD-UP CAUSED BY THE BOIL-OFF OF LIQUID
NITROGEN, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION.
B) PERSONAL INJURY FROM TOUCHING PIPEWORK OR OTHER SYSTEM
COMPONENTS CARRYING LIQUID NITROGEN. THIS RISK CAN REMAIN EVEN
AFTER VENTING THE CHAMBER.
C) ASPHYXIATION CAUSED BY THE BOILED-OFF LIQUID NITROGEN REPLACING
OXYGEN IN THE SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT.
7.1 Mandatory Requirements for Liquid Nitrogen systems
• Ensure that the Liquid Nitrogen installation is carried out in accordance with local
safety regulations. This includes the following:
(a) No part of the Liquid Nitrogen circuit can become blocked with ice or
other contaminants.
(b) Adequate precautions, e.g. pressure relief valves, are fitted to prevent
hazardous pressure build-up from boil-off of the Liquid Nitrogen.
(c) All system components carrying Liquid Nitrogen are adequately
insulated, and covered to prevent personnel touching exposed
components.
• Ensure that the installation is inspected by a Specialist to confirm that it is safe to
use. Inspections must be carried out before the system is commissioned and at
regular intervals throughout its life.
• Pipework from the Dewar to the system must be adequately insulated and
connected to the system via a
3
/
8
” Swagelok connector.
Services Specifications
Printed: 6-Jan-10, 8:53 Page 17 of 22 Issue 21: January 10
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