The aluminum valves and regulators had nothing to do with the fires.
Direct quote from the report-
"The construction materials of the regulators, valves, seals, and oxygen cylinders are not listed because flash fires have occurred with all types of construction."
The two main causes were-
1) NOT O2 CLEAN
2) Opening the valves too quickly
From page 18-
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
The fire incidents described in the report include one or more of the following contributing factors. The construction materials of the regulators, valves, seals, and oxygen cylinders are not listed because flash fires have occurred with all types of construction.The following factors are issues to avoid:
- Internal hydrocarbon contamination of the regulator or regulator parts. Only equipment and parts designed for oxygen service should be attached to oxygen gas cylinders. Repairs to regula- tors and oxygen equipment must be done in clean facilities using tools cleaned for oxygen service. Store spare cleaned regulators in sealed containers such as a plastic bag to keep them free of dust, etc.
- Contamination of the surfaces and areas which mate the oxygen cylinder to the regulator with combustible materials. Example contaminants consist of dirty hands, cleaning solutions, dust, tape residue, and possibly skin oils and lotions. Protect spare cylinder valves with clean covers, caps, plastic bags, or plugs.
- The use of dirty tools and parts on oxygen regulators. Inadequate cleaning to remove combustible materials such as oils, greases, soldering ux, and solvent residues has contributed to the ash re hazard.
- Equipment cleaning agents that have not been tested and found suitable for use with oxygen. Some agents may leave behind residues that could be dangerous and other agents may have limited effec- tiveness and may not remove all contaminants.
- Petroleum based lubricants. Such products must not be used on parts that come into contact with oxygen, especially high-pressure areas. Lubrication must be limited to special materials and is usually avoided in equipment used with used with pure oxygen.
- Internal contamination from metal particles and akes from inside high-pressure cylinders and valves have accumulated on regulator lters. Inspection and maintenance of oxygen cylinder interiors should help to identify rust and corrosion that can be a source of particles and akes. Rough handling and completely emptying cylinders can accelerate the production of such metal particles.
- The rapid opening of cylinder valves and the "on" position of ow regulators. High-pressure cylinder valves need to be opened slowly to bring the regulator’s internal parts to pressure slowly. Flow valves should be off or at the zero ow position. Doing so minimizes the heat of com- pression and allows the heat to dissipate before ignition temperature is reached.
