ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Minimum Ignition Energy and Quenching Distance in Gaseous Mixtures
 N E582

Annotation

This test method covers the determination of minimum energy for ignition (initiation of deflagration) and associated flat-plate ignition quenching distances.2 The complete description is specific to alkane or alkene fuels admixed with air at normal ambient temperature and pressure. This method is applicable to mixtures of the specified fuels with air, varying from the most easily ignitable mixture to mixtures near to the limit-of-flammability compositions.

Extensions to other fuel-oxidizer combinations, and to other temperatures and pressures can be accomplished with all the accuracy inherent in this method if certain additional conditions are met: (a) mixture stability and compatibility with bomb, seal, and other materials is established through time tests described in Section 9; (b) the expected peak pressure from the test is within the pressure rating of the bomb (established as required by the particular research laboratory); (c) spark breakdown within the bomb is consistent with Paschen's law for the distance being tested; (d) the temperature, including that of the discharge electrodes, is uniform; and (e) if the temperature is other than ambient, the energy storage capacitance required is less than about 9 pF.

This method is one of several being developed by Committee E27 for determining the hazards of chemicals, including their vapors in air or other oxidant atmospheres. The measurements are useful in assessing fuel ignitability hazards due to static or other electrical sparks. However, the quenching distance data must be used with great prudence since they are primarily applicable to the ignition stage and therefore, represent values for initial pressure and not the smaller values existing at higher pressures.

The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.