Current industrial practice: This guide contains a summary of current industrial practices and is based on the combined knowledge, experience, and practices of major liquid oxygen producers through the consensus process of CGA. It is written as a reference document when specifying stationary, electric-motor-driven, centrifugal liquid oxygen pump designs and installations, and as a guide for the operation and maintenance of this equipment. It is not intended to cover other types of pumps such as reciprocating or vehicle mounted. While many parts of this guide can be used as the basis for those other types of pumps, it is not written considering all the special features of those designs. In addition, it does not attempt to include design and installation criteria for all cryogenic pumps but focuses on those specifically related to oxygen safety. Most industrial experience involves pump installations where the liquid oxygen concentration is 95 mol % or greater. The installer shall exercise sound engineering judgment when specifying pumping equipment for oxygen-enriched liquid mediums with oxygen concentrations between 25 mol % and 95 mol %.

Engineering judgment: Some of the practices presented represent conservative compromise, and not all situations are described. The designer is cautioned that this guide is not a design handbook and does not eliminate the need for competent engineering judgment and interpretation. It does not purport to address all the safety problems associated with liquid oxygen pump use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this guide to consult with qualified technical personnel, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before use.

Shall and should: Although this guide is not intended to be a mandatory code, the word "shall" is frequently used. When used, it implies very strong concern that the particular practice be followed for safety reasons. The use of the word "should" implies that the referenced practice is commonly followed but recognizes other safe practices may be used.