C
Fires and Explosions
The identification of fire and explosion hazards involves the review of substance
properties related to the release of energy and critical gases. These properties can be
categorized into either being related to (A) state characterization or (B) dynamics
characterization. Figure C.1 provides an overview of ten key parameters included
within these two characterizations.
The state characterization properties include (1) flash point, (2) explosion limits,
(3) ignition temperature, and (4) minimum ignition energy. These are depicted
within what is known as the triangle of energy release (adapted from ESCIS (1994)).
In principle, there is a risk of fire or explosion if fuel, oxygen, and an ignition
source come together. 1 State characterization data can, therefore, be used to design
conditions that control a substance from being ignited.
Dynamic characterization properties rather describe the hazards posed by a
substance when an energy release occurs, and they, therefore, provide relevant
information for the design of technical fire and explosion protection systems.
These characteristics include (5) fire spreading, (6) explosion dynamics, (7) thermal
explosion, (8) deflagration, (9) detonation, and (10) explosive material. Here,
the definition of these state and dynamic characterization properties is briefly
introduced.
C.1
State Characterization Properties
1. Flash Point: the lowest temperature at which a liquid under normal pressure
vaporizes to form an ignitable vapor/air mixture. The flash point is used as basis
for the GHS classification of flammable liquids, which can be categorized within
the following four classes:
1 Note that deflagration could occur even without the presence of oxygen.
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
K. Hungerbühler et al., Chemical Products and Processes,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62422-4
271
Fires and Explosions
The identification of fire and explosion hazards involves the review of substance
properties related to the release of energy and critical gases. These properties can be
categorized into either being related to (A) state characterization or (B) dynamics
characterization. Figure C.1 provides an overview of ten key parameters included
within these two characterizations.
The state characterization properties include (1) flash point, (2) explosion limits,
(3) ignition temperature, and (4) minimum ignition energy. These are depicted
within what is known as the triangle of energy release (adapted from ESCIS (1994)).
In principle, there is a risk of fire or explosion if fuel, oxygen, and an ignition
source come together. 1 State characterization data can, therefore, be used to design
conditions that control a substance from being ignited.
Dynamic characterization properties rather describe the hazards posed by a
substance when an energy release occurs, and they, therefore, provide relevant
information for the design of technical fire and explosion protection systems.
These characteristics include (5) fire spreading, (6) explosion dynamics, (7) thermal
explosion, (8) deflagration, (9) detonation, and (10) explosive material. Here,
the definition of these state and dynamic characterization properties is briefly
introduced.
C.1
State Characterization Properties
1. Flash Point: the lowest temperature at which a liquid under normal pressure
vaporizes to form an ignitable vapor/air mixture. The flash point is used as basis
for the GHS classification of flammable liquids, which can be categorized within
the following four classes:
1 Note that deflagration could occur even without the presence of oxygen.
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
K. Hungerbühler et al., Chemical Products and Processes,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62422-4
271