A Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support an Intraluminal Flame
SourceA test method for measuring the minimum concentration to support an intraluminal flame is described. An oxidizer is flowed through a plastic tube, and an ignition source is applied to the free end of the tube. If the oxygen concentration is sufficient, a flame propagates along the inner surface of the tube, termed an intraluminal flame. The minimum concentration of oxygen, or limiting oxygen index (LOI), that will support such a flame is determined. Results are reported for polyvinyl chloride tubing and compared to those using the standard ASTM D 2863, the candle-type flammability test. In the intraluminal test, the LOI with helium as the diluent gas is lower than that with nitrogen as the diluent, in contrast to results using ASTM D 2863. The effects of buoyancy are reduced in the intraluminal test, and the results may therefore be more applicable to low gravity environments.