Expert Testing Is The Best Way To Measure Your Explosion Risk

Combustible Dust Testing

Dusts formed from combustible solids pose special fire and explosion risks in the workplace by virtue of their high surface-to-volume ratio and intimate inclusion of air between dust particles, and have ignition and burning characteristics that may differ significantly from the parent bulk solid.

Quantifying the ignition and explosion properties of dusts and dust clouds is an important part of a hazard review of areas where combustible dusts are found.

• Dust Cloud Explosibility, P_MAX and K_ST – ASTM E1226
• OSHA Dust Classification - OSHA CPL 03-00-008
• Minimum Explosible Concentration, MEC – ASTM E1515
• Minimum Ignition Energy, MIE – ASTM E2019
• Ignition Temperature of a Dust Cloud, MIT Cloud – ASTM E1491
• Limiting Oxygen Concentration, LOC – ASTM E2931
• Hot Surface Ignition Temperature of a Dust Layer, MIT Layer – ASTM E2021
• Dust Layer Ignition Temperature, T_L – CRC SD-11
• Packaging Classification of Dust – Class 4 Division 4.1, Test N.1
• Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion – Class 4 Div. 4.2, Test N.4
• Volume Resistivity & Volume Resistance of Powders – ASTM D257

Flammability of Liquids and Gases

Understanding the combustion characteristics of flammable liquids, vapors and gases is an essential aspect of a process safety review and regulatory compliance. Combustion properties of importance include:

• Closed Cup Flash Point – ASTM D93
• Open Cup Flash Point – ASTM D1310 or 16 CFR 1500.43a
• Fire Point of Liquid Mixtures – ASTM D1310
• Sustained Burning of Liquid Mixtures – ASTM D4206 or UN Test L.2
• Sustained Burning of Liquid Mixtures - U.S. DOT per 49 CRF173 Appendix H