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White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) specializes in the study of oxygen compatibility in space, aircraft, medical, and industrial applications. We investigate the effects of increased oxygen concentration on the ignition and burning of materials and components used in these applications.

When high-pressure oxygen is present in an application, there are fire hazards that must be assessed and mitigated to ensure personnel and system safety. Fires have occurred in space applications, such as in the Mir Space Station fire, as well as in the following environments:

• Aircraft Life Support
• Medical Applications
• Aerospace Applications
• Construction Materials
• Oxygen Production

Typically, fire hazards are associated with the presence of ignition sources and with materials incompatibility. At WSTF, we perform hazards analyses to identify potential problems within oxygen systems. We test materials and components to determine their suitability for use in oxygen systems. We also perform postfire failure analyses to identify the cause of a fire and can recommend design criteria to avoid future problems.

Additionally, WSTF offers site tours so you can visit our facilities and understand what we do. We also teach two training courses offered through the American Society for Testing and Materials. Oxygen Systems: Operation & Maintenance is a half-day course designed for those who assemble, operate, and maintain oxygen systems. Fire Hazards in Oxygen Systems, a two-day course aimed primarily at those who design systems, was the 1998 Recipient of the Education Award for Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives.

For additional information contact Joel Stoltzfus, 
(505) 524-5731.

Oxygen Systems Home
Why Study Oxygen Compatibility?  
Materials Testing | Components Testing 

NASA-White Sands Test Facility
12600 NASA Road
Las Cruces, NM 88012

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 Last Updated:09/23/2002