ABSTRACT
The prevention of unwanted fires and gas explosion disasters requires a knowledge of the flammability characteristics of combustible gases and vapors likely to be encountered under various conditions of use (or misuse). Available data may not always be adequate for use in a particular application because they may have been obtained at a lower temperature and pressure than is encountered in practice. For example, the quantity of air required to decrease the combustible vapor concentration to a safe level, in a particular process carried out at 400°F, should be based on flammability data obtained at this temperature. When these are not available, suitable approximations can be made to permit a realistic hazard evaluation associated with the process being considered. Such approximations can serve as a basis for designing suitable safety devices for the protection of personnel and equipment.
