Flammability Testing
One of the largest causes for loss in process industries for both equipment and life is fire. The enormous volume and frequency of use of flammable and combustible liquids and gases handled worldwide implies that the risk of industrial accidents is great.
At Fauske & Associates (FAI) we can help you assess your risk exposure by characterizing the flammability potential of your combustible vapors or gases. The following is a list of the most common tests that are performed for flammability hazard characterization and the standards by which FAI can perform these tests; please note that specialized testing can be performed to more closely match your process conditions and thereby better gauge your risk.
Testing Services
Flash Point (Closed and Open Cup)
- ASTM D56 - “Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester”
- ASTM D92 - “Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester”
- ASTM D93 - “Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester”
- ASTM D3278 - “Standard Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus”
- ASTM D3828 - “Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester”
- EC 440 Test A.9 - "Flash Point"
Sustained Burning/Combustibility (Fire Point)
- 49 CFR Appendix H to Part 173 - "Method of Testing for Sustained Combustibility"
- ASTM D92 - "Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester"
- ASTM D4206 - "Standard Test Method for Sustained Burning of Liquid Mixtures Using the Small Scale Open-Cup Apparatus"
- UN/DOT Test L.2 “Sustained Combustibility Test”
Autoignition Temperature (AIT)
- ASTM E659 - "Standard Test Method for Autoignition Temperature of Chemicals"
- EC 440 Test A.15 - "Autoignition Temperature (Liquids and Gases)"
Flash And Spontaneous Ignition Temperature of Plastics (FIT, SIT)
- ASTM D1929 - "Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics"
- ISO 871 - "Plastics - Determination of Ignition Temperature using a Hot-Air Furnace"
Flammability Limits (LFL/LEL, UFL/UEL)
- ASTM E681 - "Standard Test Method for Concentration Limits of Flammability of Chemicals (Vapors and Gases)"
- ASTM E918 - "Standard Practice for Determining Limits of Flammability of Chemicals at Elevated Temperature and Pressure"
- EN 1839 - "Determination of Explosion Limits of Gases and Vapors"
Lower Temperature Limit of Flammability (LTL) Testing
- ASTM E1232 - “Standard Test Method for Temperature Limit of Flammability of Chemicals”
Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC)
- ASTM E2079 - "Standard Test Methods for Limiting Oxygen (Oxidant) Concentration in Gases and Vapors"
- EN 14756 - "Determination of the Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC) for Flammable Gases and Vapors"
Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE)
- ASTM E582 - "Standard Test Method for Minimum Ignition Energy and Quenching Distance in Gaseous Mixtures"
Explosion Severity (PMAX, KG) Testing
- EN 15967 - “Determination of Maximum Explosion Pressure and Maximum Rate of Pressure Rise of Gases and Vapors”
Heat of Combustion (HOC)
- ASTM D240 - "Standard Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter”
Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG)
- IEC 80079-20-1 - “Explosive Atmospheres - Part 20-1: Material Characteristics for Gas and Vapour Classification”
Custom Testing
- Some of the conditions we provide include:
- Elevated temperature
- Elevated pressure
- Various oxidizers and inerts
- Various volumes for test variations (1L, 5L, 20L, etc.)
Evaluate the flammability hazards of liquid vapors to reduce your risk
Understanding Flammability - Resources
Estimation of Peak Pressure for Sonic-Vented Hydrocarbon Explosions in Spherical Vessels
Flammability and Combustion of H2, Air or O2, and Ar Gas Mixtures
Gas Behavior in Large Diameter Containers During and Following Loading With 105K East Sludge
Hydrogen Generation for Select FTS Scenarios
Potential for Flammable Atmosphere Above the K-Basin Pool During Grouting