Explosive Gases, Vapors, and Dust Mixtures

Some gases, vapors, and dust mixtures with air or oxygen may produce explosions. For explosion to occur, a flammable gas or combustible material 

Flammable gases and vapors include acetylene, hydrogen, butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, acrolein, ethyl ether, ethylene, acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, cyclopropane, ethanol, gasoline, hexane, methanol, methane, natural gas, naphtha, and propane. 

Combustible dusts include metal dust (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys), carbonaceous dust (e.g., carbon black, charcoal, and coal), flour, grain, wood, plastics, and chemicals. 

Flammable gases and vapors or combustible dust may be present in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures due to  

Among common areas where explosion can occur are coal mines, petrochemical plants, chemical plants, paint shops, grain handling industry, etc. Explosive limits for gases and vapors are expressed as percentages (% ), and may be defined as minimum and maximum concentrations of a flammable gas or vapor between which ignition occur. Concentrations below the lower explosive limit (LEL) are too lean to burn, while those above the upper explosive limit (UEL) are too rich. Table 7.8 lists explosive limits for some common gases. 

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Explosive Gases, Vapors, and Dust Mixtures References 432... 

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