Standard Test Method for Minimum Explosible Concentration of Combustible Dusts

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the minimum concentration of a dust-air mixture that will propagate a deflagration in a near-spherical closed vessel of 20 L or greater volume.

The minimum explosible concentration (MEC) is also referred to as the lower explosibility limit (LEL) or lean flammability limit (LFL).

1.2 Data obtained from this test method provide a relative measure of the deflagration characteristics of dust clouds.

1.3 This test method should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8 .