Do oxygen tanks explode?

As an expert in industrial safety and hazardous materials, I can provide you with information on the behavior of oxygen tanks under various conditions. Oxygen tanks, when properly handled and maintained, are designed to be safe. However, under certain circumstances, they can indeed rupture or explode. The video you mentioned from Statter911 illustrates a scenario where an oxygen tank ruptures due to heat exposure, which is a real risk. Here's a breakdown of the factors involved: 1. Pressure: Oxygen tanks are pressurized containers. The higher the pressure, the greater the risk of a rupture if the tank is compromised. 2. Heat: Oxygen is not combustible, but it is an oxidizer, which means it supports combustion. If an oxygen tank is exposed to a fire or heat source, the heat can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase rapidly, potentially leading to a rupture. 3. Damage: Physical damage to the tank from impacts or punctures can also result in a release of oxygen and a subsequent increase in pressure, which may cause an explosion. 4. Overfilling: Overfilling an oxygen tank can lead to excessive pressure, which increases the risk of an explosion. 5. Contamination: Contaminants within the tank can react with the oxygen, potentially causing an explosion. It's important to note that while the conditions for an explosion exist, the design and construction of oxygen tanks are intended to minimize this risk. They are built to withstand significant pressure and are tested to ensure their integrity. In summary, while oxygen tanks are not designed to explode, they can under extreme conditions where pressure and heat are not properly managed. Proper handling, storage, and maintenance are crucial to prevent such incidents.

You may have already seen this at Statter911, but check out this video to see what happens when oxygen tanks DO explode: Class 'M' Oxygen Tank Split Open By Contents Under Pressure Heated By Fire While oxygen is not combustible, its important to understand that it is a gas that is stored under pressure.