Flammable and combustible

The Dow Fine and Explosion Index is a useful method for obtaining an estimate of the relative fine and explosion hazards associated with flammable and combustible chemicals. However, the technique is very procedure oriented, and there is the danger of the user becoming more involved with the procedure than the intent. 

The characteristics of flammable and combustible materials can be displayed on a ternary (triangular) graph. The characteristics of several common flammable and combustible materials are presented in Table 2. 

Fire and Explosion Prevention. Prevention of fire and explosion takes place in the design of chemical plants. Such prevention involves the study of material characteristics, such as those in Table 1, and processing conditions to determine appropriate ha2ard avoidance methods. Engineering techniques are available for preventing fires and explosions. Containment of flammable and combustible materials and control of processes which could develop high pressures are also important aspects of fire and explosion prevention. 

R. P. Benedetti, Flammable and Combustible Tiquids Code Handbook, Quincy, Mass., 5th ed., 1994. 

Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible Materials, Code No. 33, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, Mass., 1989. 

UL 58, Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids... 

Safety Considerations Design and location of storage tanks, vents, piping, and connections are specified by state fire marshals, underwriters codes, and local ordinances. In NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 1993 (published by the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass.), liquid petroleum fuels are classified as follows for safety in handhng ... 

NFPA 30 details the design features and safe placement of handling equipment for flammable and combustible hquids. 

NFPA 328 Recommended Practice for the Control of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases in Manholes, Sewers, and Similar Underground Structures, 1992 edition. National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 

Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Turbines National Electrical Code Recommended Practice on Static Electricity Lightning Protection Code... 

Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, and Volatile Solids... 

CFR 1910.106. 1969. Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Code of Federal Regulations. Washington, DC. 

Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA-30, 1987 or latest Ed. National Fire Protection Association. 

Outdoor equipment of the type covered in Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA, 30-1993 (ANSI), Section 5-3.3.2, where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under normal operation... 

NFPA-325 Guide to Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases and Volatile Solids, (1994 ed.), NFPA-321 Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids (1991 ed.), NFPA-497A, Classification of Class 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas (1992 ed.), and NFPA-497B, Classification of Class II Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas (1991 ed.), National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 

Several industry standards, codes, and company internal standards were used in developing the information in Table 1.2. These include internal company standards NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (Ref. 22) NFPA 59A. Liquefied Natural Gas (Ref. 23) API 2510, Design and Construction of Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) Installations (Ref. 24) iRlnformation IM.2.5.2, Plant Layout and Spacing for Oil and Chemical Plants (Ref. 25), and Factory Mutual 7-44, Spacing of Facilities In Outdoor Chemical Plants (Ref. 26). 

Identify the inventories of flammable and combustible materials within the process plant and the physical conditions under which they are contained. Similarly, identify other materials or process conditions that can result in explosion events, including condensed-phase explosions, physical explosions, or uncontrolled chemical reactions. 

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