Flammability and explosivity tests
Safety in the handling and use of flammable and explosive materials is a critical issue in a variety of industries, from chemical to manufacturing. Our flammability and explosivity tests are used to assess the behaviour of substances under specific conditions and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Discover INFINITIA Industrial Consulting’s industrial laboratory. We help companies like yours to identify risks, optimise formulations and ensure safety in production environments. We have experts and advanced technology to carry out tests on liquids, solids and combustible powders, differentiating methodologies according to the characteristics of each material.
What are flammability and explosivity tests?
Los ensayos de inflamabilidad y explosividad sirven para determinar la capacidad de un material para arder o explotar bajo condiciones controladas. Parámetros como la temperatura de autoignición, el punto de inflamabilidad (Flash-Point) y la concentración mínima de oxígeno necesaria para la combustión en gases y vapores son analizados en este tipo de ensayos.
En el caso de los sólidos y polvos, se realizan pruebas como el ensayo de explosividad de nube de polvo, el comportamiento frente al fuego y la estabilidad térmica bajo distintas condiciones de temperatura y presión.
En INFINITIA disponemos de equipos especializados para evaluar tanto líquidos como sólidos y polvos combustibles, aplicando normativas vigentes y métodos de ensayo adaptados a cada material. Utilizamos tecnología avanzada para medir el Flash-Point, la temperatura de autoignición, el rango de inflamabilidad (LEL y UEL) en gases y vapores, así como la explosividad de polvos en suspensión. Nuestro equipo de expertos en ingeniería forense analiza cada material con rigor técnico para ofrecer a nuestros clientes informes detallados y soluciones personalizadas que mejoren la seguridad en sus procesos industriales. ¡Contáctanos!
Benefits of flammability and explosivity testing
Performing flammability and explosivity tests with INFINITIA offers key advantages for the industry. The identification of risks makes it possible to prevent accidents and optimise safety measures in production processes. In addition, compliance with regulations such as ATEX, applicable to explosive atmospheres, is essential for the approval of products in international markets. A case of success is the optimisation of formulations in the chemical industry, where our tests have made it possible to reduce the flammability of certain compounds without compromising their performance.
Types of flammability and explosivity tests
We evaluate the behaviour of flammable and explosive materials under specific conditions. We differentiate between tests for flammable liquids and combustible dusts, as they require different methodologies for their evaluation.
1. Flammability tests on liquids
Flammability tests on liquids are used to assess the combustion risk of substances such as solvents, fuels and chemicals. Determining these parameters is key to the safe storage, handling and transport of these products.
These tests are essential in the chemical and petrochemical industry, where the storage and transport of flammable liquids must comply with safety regulations such as ATEX:
- Self-ignition temperature: The minimum temperature at which a flammable liquid will ignite, without the need for an external ignition source.
- Flash-Point: The temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapour to form a flammable mixture with air.
- Flammability range (LEL and UEL): Lower and upper explosive limits are established, defining the minimum and maximum concentration of combustible vapours in air capable of burning.
- Minimum oxygen concentration: The minimum amount of oxygen required for gases or vapours to sustain combustion is analysed.
2. Explosivity testing of combustible dusts
Industrial dusts can generate explosive atmospheres if dispersed in the air in hazardous concentrations. To assess these risks, INFINITIA carries out specific tests to determine their behaviour in the event of fire and explosions.
These tests are key in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and metallurgy, where dust generated in industrial processes can become a risk if not properly managed:
- Dust cloud explosion test: The ability of dust to form an explosive atmosphere when dispersed in air is tested. This is essential for classifying whether a substance is ATEX or not.
- Fire behaviour: The flammability of the powder when exposed to heat sources or open flames is studied.
- Thermal stability test: The response of the material in different temperature and pressure ranges is evaluated, allowing the identification of critical risk conditions.
Applications of flammability and explosivity tests
Flammability and explosivity tests have various applications in different industrial sectors. The following are some of the sectors where these tests play a key role in safety and risk control.
1. Chemical and petrochemical industry
In the chemical industry, the handling of flammable liquids and combustible gases requires strict controls to avoid accidents. They are key to safety in storage and transport, thus enabling:
- Classify substances according to their flammability and explosiveness.
- Establish safety protocols for storage and handling.
- Comply with international regulations, through ATEX or REACH testing.
2. Pharmaceutical and food industry
In sectors where large volumes of dust are handled, such as the production of medicines or powdered ingredients, it is crucial to assess the risk of explosion. This ensures the safety of workers and prevents explosions in industrial environments. Explosivity and flammability tests thus help to:
- Determine whether a substance can generate explosive atmospheres in factories and laboratories.
- Optimise air extraction and filtering processes to reduce the accumulation of combustible dust.
3. Textile industry and building materials
It is well known that materials used in sectors such as construction and textile manufacturing must meet strict fire resistance standards. Hence, these tests are essential to measure the ignition point of materials and thus to obtain product certification according to fire safety regulations.
- Fire performance tests are carried out to determine the reaction of materials to ignition sources.
- Flame retardant coatings on technical textiles are evaluated, ensuring that they reduce the spread of fire.
4. Automotive and aerospace industry
The automotive and aerospace sector needs to assess the flammability of materials used in vehicles and aircraft. The aim is to develop safer components and minimise risks in the manufacture and operation of vehicles and aircraft.
- Flash point tests are carried out on fuels to ensure their safety.
- The auto-ignition temperature of hydraulic fluids and industrial oils is studied.
5. Mining and metallurgy
Mining and metallurgical industries generate combustible dusts that can pose a significant risk. It is therefore necessary to prioritise component safety, as well as to reduce risks in the manufacture and operation of vehicles and aircraft.
- Thermal stability tests are used to evaluate the response of materials under high temperature conditions.
- Safety protocols based on dust explosivity analysis are applied.
The importance of flammability and explosivity testing in industry
Safety in the handling of flammable and explosive materials is a critical factor in many industrial sectors. These flammability and explosivity tests help to optimise industrial processes, improve safety in the storage and transport of hazardous substances and develop products with improved fire resistance.
At INFINITIA we adapt to the needs of each industry. Our experts in forensic engineering and materials research and the use of state-of-the-art equipment guarantee accurate and reliable results. We identify risks, optimise your formulations and comply with the most demanding international regulations.
The evolution of safety regulations and the development of new flame retardant materials require constant updating of test methods. That is why at INFINITIA we follow the trends in the sector: from the chemical industry to the automotive industry.
Find out more now! INFINIA offers you specialised technical advice and solutions adapted to your sector. Contact us and improve the safety and performance of your products.