Why are petroleum-based lubricants not used with high-pressure oxygen?

Petroleum-based lubricants are not used with high-pressure oxygen primarily because they may ignite and burn extremely easily. In oxygen-rich environments, especially at high pressures, the combustion characteristics of materials change significantly. Oxygen supports combustion more vigorously, leading to a higher risk of fire and explosion when these lubricants are involved.

When petroleum products are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen, they can become highly reactive. The risk increases in systems where pressure is elevated, as the conditions can lead to spontaneous ignition. This is a critical safety concern in diving and other technical applications where oxygen is used under pressure, as any ignition could have catastrophic consequences.

Understanding the properties of oxygen and the materials that come into contact with it is vital for ensuring safety in diving operations, particularly when using enriched oxygen mixes like those in nitrox. Thus, using non-petroleum-based lubricants designed specifically for oxygen service is essential to mitigate these risks.