Materials Explosion Hazard Analysis & Testing
We offer dust explosion testing, gas & vapor flammability testing, materials characterization testing, electrostatics testing and flammability. SCE conducts an extensive range of standard hazards tests to support safety hazard analysis. We can test any solid, liquid or gas for initiation sensitivity, speed of propagation and explosiveness. We conduct field tests, such as explosives, blasting, burn rate, as well as propagation tests, at our quarry site in western Illinois. We also conduct material tests in situ at customer plant facilities.
In addition to dust explosion testing, gas & vapor flammability testing, materials characterization testing, electrostatics testing and flammability testing of refrigerant blends, we also provide the following testing services:
- Chemical reactivity testing
- Thermal sensitivity testing
- Mechanical sensitivity testing
- Customized & large-scale testing
Dust Explosion Testing
We conduct a wide range of laboratory tests to determine the ignition sensitivity and explosion severity of a material and quantify the risk associated with specific manufacturing or other processes. These tests help prevent or mitigate hazardous incidents and accidents in the workplace.
Comprehensive dust explosion testing services include:
- Chemical reactivity testing
- Thermal sensitivity testing
- Mechanical sensitivity testing
- Customized & large-scale testing
Dust Explosion Testing
We conduct a wide range of laboratory tests to determine the ignition sensitivity and explosion severity of a material and quantify the risk associated with specific manufacturing or other processes. These tests help prevent or mitigate hazardous incidents and accidents in the workplace.
Comprehensive dust explosion testing services include:
- Kst and Pmax Values -Measure of explosion severity. Used in relief vent sizing and design of explosion suppression and containment systems.
- Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC) – Measure of the oxygen concentration below which an explosion will not occur. Used in designing inerting systems.
- Minimum Ignition Energy – Measure of sensitivity to ignition by electrostatic discharge
- Minimum Ignition Temperature – Measure of sensitivity to ignition by hot surfaces, friction sparks, and electrical equipment
- Resistivity, Conductivity, and Chargeability – Measure of ignition risks
- Explosibility Screening Test – Go / No Go Test
- Minimum Explosible Concentration Test
- Explosion Severity Test (Maximum Explosion Pressure, Kst)
- OSHA Combustible Dust NEP Services
Gas and Vapor Flammability Testing
Our comprehensive tests for gas & vapor flammability include:
- Minimum Ignition Energy Test – Vapor
- Limits of Flammability
- Vapor Pressure
- Limiting Oxygen Concentration Test
- Flash Point Determination
- Flash Point Determination – Setaflash Closed Cup Apparatus
- Autoignition Temperature Determination
- Autoignition Temperature at High Pressure
- Explosion Severity / ( Pmax, dP/dt – Kg )
- Open Burning Test – Liquids
- Sustained Combustibility Test
- Flammability Diagram
Materials Characterization Testing
We use more than 40 standard tests to characterize materials under conditions that simulate actual process conditions. These standard tests include material sensitivity testing (e.g., impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, chemical properties, etc.), DOT and DOD testing. We also provide customized testing to meet specialized client needs.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing
SCE conducts ESD testing to determine the response of an explosive when subjected to various levels of electrostatic discharge energy. Our laboratory testing services examine dust explosion properties, conductivity, resistivity, charge decay time and chargeability. We also perform electrostatic hazards assessments and incident investigations.
Additional services we provide related to electrostatic processing problems include:
- On-site measurements/investigations
- Laboratory testing: chargeability, resistivity, charge decay time and humidity effects
- Charge elimination/control
- Electrostatic research & development
Electrostatic Discharge Tests
- Liquid conductivity test
- Measurement of volume resistivity and charge relaxation time
- Measurement of volume resistivity and charge relaxation rate: sheets, films, fabrics, foils, and coatings
- Electrostatic chargeability test
- Electrostatic discharge testing
- Measurement of surface resistivity and charge relaxation time: sheets, films, fabrics, foils, and coatings
- Propagating brush discharge testing and breakdown voltage measurement: sheets, films, fabrics, foils, and coatings