Petroleum based lubricants should not be used with the oxygen or nitrous oxide systems used in hybrids. Why?

Petroleum based lubricants should not be used with the oxygen or nitrous oxide systems used in hybrids. Why?

• A. They thicken when exposed to oxygen or nitrous oxide
• B. They lose their lubricating properties when exposed to oxygen or nitrous oxide
• C. There is a risk of spontaneous ignition or explosion
• D. The lubricant can promote corrosion of the metal components in the presence oxygen or nitrous oxide

Answer: (C)

In oxidizer-rich systems like those using oxygen or nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons found in petroleum-based lubricants are a serious fire risk. The presence of a strong oxidizer dramatically lowers the energy needed to ignite a fuel and supports rapid combustion, so even a small lubricant leak or heat source can trigger ignition or an explosion. That’s why these lubricants are not used around oxidizers in hybrids—the danger happens if the oil comes into contact with the oxidizer or overheats. While other effects like changes in viscosity or potential corrosion can occur in different contexts, the primary safety concern here is the high likelihood of spontaneous ignition or explosive combustion in an oxidizer environment. Use lubricants specifically formulated to be compatible with oxidizers to prevent this hazard.

In oxidizer-rich systems like those using oxygen or nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons found in petroleum-based lubricants are a serious fire risk. The presence of a strong oxidizer dramatically lowers the energy needed to ignite a fuel and supports rapid combustion, so even a small lubricant leak or heat source can trigger ignition or an explosion. That’s why these lubricants are not used around oxidizers in hybrids—the danger happens if the oil comes into contact with the oxidizer or overheats. While other effects like changes in viscosity or potential corrosion can occur in different contexts, the primary safety concern here is the high likelihood of spontaneous ignition or explosive combustion in an oxidizer environment. Use lubricants specifically formulated to be compatible with oxidizers to prevent this hazard.