Air is a mixture of the elements and compounds listed below:
The composition, as stated, is for dry air at sea level under normal conditions. The data are based on values listed in the "Dictionary of Technical Terms SP-7," 1965, published by NASA. It should be noted that the actual percentages vary slightly. Also, air typically contains various trace impurities depending on the industry in the area, and other local factors.
What are the minimum legal requirements for breathing air?
The Federal OSHA regulations for compressed breathing air are published under Title 29, Section 1910.134 (d) (1) and (2), parts of which are reproduced below:
Breathing air shall meet at least the requirements of the specification of Grade D breathing air as described in Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification G-7.1-1966...
Compressors shall be constructed and situated so as to avoid entry of contaminated air into the system and suitable in-line air purifying sorbent beds and filters installed to further assure breathing air quality.
If an oil-lubricated compressor is used, it shall have a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both. If only a high-temperature alarm is used, the air from the compressor shall be frequently tested for carbon monoxide to insure that it meets the specifications in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.
Grade D Air
What equipment is required?
All ENMET Air Filtration Panels utilize a unique 3-stage filtration concept. This filtration system removes condensed water, oil and solid particulate matter. A charcoal element is incorporated in the system to eliminate objectionable odor from compressed air.
ENMET recommends the use of a continuous, inline carbon monoxide monitor with all compressed breathing air systems, regardless of type. Studies have shown that carbon monoxide in the compressor intake air may be a more frequent problem than the internal production of CO from over heating of the compressor. ENMET monitors provide the user with complete protection from excess carbon monoxide, regardless of the source.
Ambient air contains approximately 20.9% by volume oxygen and slightly over 300 ppm of carbon dioxide. Since unlike some other purification systems, ENMET filtration panels do not catalytically convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, this equipment does not alter the concentration of carbon dioxide in the compressed air. The equipment also has no effect on the oxygen content in air. Therefore, in addition to the other factors, compressed ambient air purified using the ENMET system also meets the Grade D standards, for less than 1000 ppm CO2 and 19.5 to 23.5% by volume oxygen.
In certain critical installations, a combination of carbon monoxide and oxygen monitoring is recommended for compressed respiratory air. The primary example of such a case is where non-life supporting gases, e.g., nitrogen, argon, etc. are accessible to the breathing air system. The addition of an oxygen sensor provides protection if a gas other than air is inadvertently connected into the breathing air system.
ENMET offers Respiratory Air Line Monitors for O2, CO and dewpoint.
What equipment is required?
