5.1 This test method provides a procedure for performing laboratory tests to evaluate deflagration parameters of dusts.

5.2 The data developed by this test method may be used for the purpose of sizing deflagration vents in conjunction with the nomographs and equations published in NFPA 68, ISO 6184/1, or VDI 3673.

5.3 The values obtained by this testing technique are specific to the sample tested and the method used and are not to be considered intrinsic material constants.

5.4 For dusts with low K_St values, discrepancies have been observed between tests in 20-L and 1-m³ chambers. A strong ignitor may overdrive a 20-L chamber, as discussed in Test Method E1515 and Refs (1-4).8 Conversely, more recent testing has shown that some metal dusts can be prone to underdriving in the 20-L chamber, exhibiting significantly lower K_St values than in a 1-m³ chamber (5). Ref (6) provides supporting calculations showing that a test vessel of at least 1-m³ of volume is necessary to obtain the maximum explosibility index for a burning dust cloud having an abnormally high flame temperature. In these two overdriving and underdriving scenarios described above, it is therefore recommended to perform tests in 1-m³ or larger calibrated test vessels in order to measure dusts explosibility parameters accurately.

Note 5: Ref (2) concluded that dusts with K_St values below 45 bar m/s when measured in a 20-L chamber with a 10 000-J ignitor, may not be explosible when tested in a 1-m³ chamber with a 10 000-J ignitor. Ref (2) and unpublished testing has also shown that in some cases the K_St values measured in the 20-L chamber can be lower than those measured in the 1-m³ chamber. Refs (1) and (3) found that for some dusts, it was necessary to use lower ignition energy in the 20-L chamber in order to match MEC or MIC test data in a 1-m³ chamber. If a dust has measurable (nonzero) P_max and K_St values with a 5000 or 10 000-J ignitor when tested in a 20-L chamber but no measurable P_max and K_St values with tests conducted using an ignition source less than or equal to 2500 J, it may be helpful to test the material in a larger chamber such as a 1-m³ chamber using at least a 10 000-J ignition source to further characterize the material’s explosibility in dust cloud form.

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this test method is to provide standard test methods for characterizing the “explosibility” of dust clouds in two ways, first by determining if a dust is “explosible,” meaning a cloud of dust dispersed in air is capable of propagating a deflagration, which could cause a flash fire or explosion; or, if explosible, determining the degree of “explosibility,” meaning the potential explosion hazard of a dust cloud as characterized by the dust explosibility parameters, maximum explosion pressure, P_max; maximum rate of pressure rise, (dP/dt)_max; and explosibility index, K_St.

1.2 Limitations. Results obtained by the application of the methods of this standard pertain only to certain combustion characteristics of dispersed dust clouds. No inference should be drawn from such results relating to the combustion characteristics of dusts in other forms or conditions (for example, ignition temperature or spark ignition energy of dust clouds, ignition properties of dust layers on hot surfaces, ignition of bulk dust in heated environments, etc.)

1.3 Use. It is intended that results obtained by application of this test be used as elements of a dust hazard analysis (DHA) that takes into account other pertinent risk factors; and in the specification of explosion prevention systems (see, for example NFPA 68, NFPA 69, and NFPA 652) when used in conjunction with approved or recognized design methods by those skilled in the art.

Note 1: Historically, the evaluation of the deflagration parameters of maximum pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise has been performed using a 1.2-L Hartmann Apparatus. Test Method E789, which describes this method, has been withdrawn. The use of data obtained from the test method in the design of explosion protection systems is not recommended.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.