Ignition source, flammability

The drying of solids may involve the removal of volatile solvents. When these are flammable, ignition sources must be excluded to minimise risk of fire or explosion. 

The autoignition temperature is the minimum temperature required for self-sustained combustion in the absence of an external ignition source. The value depends on specified test conditions. Tht flammable (explosive) limits specify the range of concentration of the vapor in air (in percent by volume) for which a flame can propagate. Below the lower flammable limit, the gas mixture is too lean to burn above the flammable limit, the mixture is too rich. Additional compounds can be found in National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Protection Handbook, 14th ed., 1991. 

Flammability Acrolein is very flammable its flash point is <0° C, but a toxic vapor cloud will develop before a flammable one. The flammable limits in air are 2.8% and 31.0% lower and upper explosive limits, respectively by volume. Acrolein is only partly soluble in water and will cause a floating fire, so alcohol type foam should be used in firefighting. The vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the ground and flash back from an ignition source. 

Extreme caution must be taken to prevent the possibility of fire when using flammable removers. Extra care must be taken when stripping on location to secure the area of ignition sources. When used on lacquer finishes, the dissolved finish and remover combined are extremely flammable. Natural mbber, neoprene, or other gloves suitable for use with the remover formula must be worn. The effect of skin contact with the remover is limited because there is immediate irritation and discomfort. Canister respirators are available for most petroleum and oxygenate remover solvents. Symptoms of long-term overexposure should be compared to symptoms of the major ingredients in the formula. 

The lower flammable limit (LEL) or lower explosive limit (LEL) is the minimum concentration of vapor in air below which a flame is not propagated when an ignition source is present (61—64). Below this concentration, the mixture is considered too lean to bum. The lower flammable limit and the flash point of a flammable Hquid are closely related by the Hquid s vapor pressure characteristics. 

The metal reacts violently with water, ice, steam, lower molecular weight alcohols, and chloriaated hydrocarbons. In the presence of air/moisture mbidium can act as an ignition source if a flammable organic Hquid or vapor is also present. Rubidium can ignite spontaneously ia the presence of oxygen and tarnishes rapidly when exposed to air. Burning mbidium should only be extinguished with dry powders, such as dolomite or sodium carbonate. 

Ignition probability (flammable releases) ignition sources/location... 

Flammable Limits Flammable limits, or the flammable range, are the upper and lower concentrations (in volume percent) which can just be ignited by an ignition source. Above the upper limit and below the lower hmit no ignition will occur. Data are normally reported at atmospheric pressure and at a specified temperature. Flammable hm-its may be reported for atmospheres other than air and at pressures other than atmospheric. 

Tayout also has a significant role in minimizing the probability of ignition of a flammable release. Area electrical classification provides the basis for the control of electrical ignition sources. This classification is also used to determine the areas that require protection from vehicular access, etc. Frequently, highly hazardous processes that can result in overpressure (e.g., hydrogenation) are placed behind blast resistant structures/walls. 

Ignition of flammable Provide safe separation distances release resulting in fire. Develop appropriate area electrical or explosion. classification Provide ignition source control Place ignition sources in positive pressure enclosure and buildings Provide adequate ventilation API RP500 BS 5345 BS 5958 NFPA-70 NFPA-77... 

Provide damper mechanical position stop to prevent complete closure of damper Eliminate ignition sources within the ductwork Use bonding and grounding Eliminate flammables or combustible by material substitution Use inert atmosphere... 

Design to contain overpressure where practical Maintain ignition source control Maintain use of inert atmosphere Provide automatic isolation via quick closing valves of manifold duct system on detection of fire/flammable atmosphere or overpressure in duct system... 

Ignition of flammable atmosphere for open filters or solvent may be above flash point with air present when cleaning or unplugging closed filters. This may necessitate tight control of ignition sources to prevent a fire/explosion. 

Upper Flammable Limit (UFL) The highest concentration of a vapor or gas (the highest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. See also Lower Flammable Limit. At concentrations higher then the UFL, the mixture is too rich to burn. 

A logic model that graphically portrays the range of outcomes from the combinations of events and circumstances in an accident sequence. For example, a flammable vapor release may result in a fire, an explosion, or in no consequence depending on meteorological conditions, the degree of confinement, the presence of ignition sources, etc. These trees are often shown with the probability of each outcome at each branch of the pathway... 

If the product is highly flammable, be aware of possible ignition sources. 

Of the instmments described only some are suitable for use outside the laboratory. Where any instrument is carried into a flammable environment it should either be certified as intrinsically safe for exposure to the flammable atmosphere or isolated from the atmosphere such as by keeping it within a purged enclosure. Any probe connected to the instmment must be separately considered as a possible ignition source. Electrometers are described in [ 1531. A more general review of electrostatic instruments is given in [ 136]. 

Ignition of a flammable dust-air mixture is more difficult than with flammable vapour-air mixtures. A larger source of heat is required, and a larger volume of fuel must be heated to the ignition point. The same range of potential ignition sources is applicable as for air-vapour mixtures. 

With flammable gases, eliminate all ignition sources (refer to Chapter 6). Possibly provide additional high/low level ventilation background gas detectors to alarm, e.g. at 40% of the LEL. With toxic gases, possibly provide additional local ventilation monitors connected to alarms appropriate air-fed respirators. (The flammable/toxic gas detectors may be linked to automatic shutdown instrumentation.)... 

Fit in-line flame arresters for flammable gases and eliminate ignition sources. 

Clearly mark the area with notices indicating an LPG storage area, flammable contents, prohibition of ignition sources and procedures to follow in case of fire. 

Vapor Density (VD) — the mass per unit volume of a given vapor/gas relative to that of air. Thus, acetaldehyde with a vapor density of 1.5 is heavier than air and will accumulate in low spots, while acetylene with a vapor density of 0.9 is lighter than air and will rise and disperse. Heavy vapors present a particular hazard because of the way they accumulate if toxic they may poison workers if nontoxic they may displace air and cause suffocation by oxygen deficiency if flammable, once presented with an ignition source, they represent a fire or explosion hazard. Gases heavier than air include carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide. 

---