On Thursday, December 18, 2003, at 09:10 AM, Dominic-Luc Webb wrote:
My only caution is to be aware that diffusion pumps operate by
heating oil in a vacuum. If suddenly exposed to air, many of
these oils hit the spontaneous ignition point and explode. Some
degree of understanding and planning will be required to make
sure the diffusion oil is protected from higher pressures when
hot, as for instance in the event of an unexpected leak.
I've read and heard much about damaging the oil itself (oxidation)
due to exposing it at elevated temp to air, but I've never heard of
one exploding, although I'm not saying it couldn't happen. Do
you have any citations or references that mention this?
