Use of explosibility diagrams in potentially explosive atmospheres

National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion – INSEMEX, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea street, 332047, Petrosani, Hunedoara county, Romania

^* Corresponding author: adrian.matei@insemex.ro

Abstract

Although the first research in the field was carried out by Davy in 1816, the first discovery emerged in 1891 when Le Chatellier defined the law for determining the explosive limits. Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) represents the lowest concentration of gas or vapours in air which is able to generate the explosion in the presence of an efficient ignition source. It is considered to be the same as the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL). Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) represents the highest concentration of gas or vapours in air which is able to generate the explosion in the presence of an efficient ignition source. It is considered to be similar with the Upper Flammability Limit (UFL) [1]. For the optimal management of underground or surface industrial environments, confined, obstructed or open environments, is required to know the point which defines the monitored atmosphere in relation with the explosion triangle. For confined underground environments, monitoring the atmosphere and using the explosibility diagrams are required during the closure process and also for re-opening the area. For underground environments specific to active mine workings and for industrial environments located on the surface, monitoring the atmosphere and using explosibility diagrams are required permanently.