Flammable range, definition

Amyl nitrite is a yellowish liquid with an ethereal odor and a pungent taste. It is volatile and inflammahle at mom temperature. Amyl nitrite vapor forms an explosive mixture in air or oxygen. Inhalation of the vapor may involve definite explosion hazards if a source of ignition is pre.sent. as both room and htxly temperatures are within the flammability range of amyl nitrite mixtures with either air or oxygen. It is nearly insoluble in water but is miscible with organic-solvents. The nitrile also will decompo.se into valeric acid and nitric acid. 

Flammable liquids or gases and meet the definition of the OSHA Hazard Communication standard [A-7] as a liquid having a flash point <100°F or a gas having a lower flammable limit of 13% by volume or having a flammable range that is wider than 12% by volume. The OSHA Threshold Quantity for flammable liquids and gases is 10,000 pounds. 

For any chemical reaction to take place it is known that definite quantities of constituents are necessary. The quantity of oxygen available in the air near flammable material can only oxidize/bum a certain quantity of the flammable material. A commonly known term, stoichiometric ratio, is responsible for determining the quantity of oxygen necessary to react with available flammable materials. Naturally, when the quantity of the flammable material and the available atmospheric oxygen are near to the stoichiometric ratio, the reaction will be near completion and cause an explosion with increase in temperature and pressure. The explosion will be violent. When the quantity of flammable material is too small, combustion carmot spread and may cease. The situation is similar when the quantity of flammable material is too large, because the lack of the required quantity of O2 means that the reaction carmot proceed further. As indicated in an earlier clause (Fig. X/3.1.2-1), all flammable materials have their explosion ranges and limits LEL and UEL. It may be possible to dilute flammable materials in excess air, but it is very difficult to create a situation where there is a dearth of oxygen because of the work force, hence this is only applicable inside equipment. 

Methyl bromide is flammable only in the range of 10 percent to 16 percent by volume in air. Its physical properties do not meet the definition of a flammable gas as defined by DOT and TC. The onset of thermal decomposition occurs at approximately 752°F (400°C). 

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