Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC) Test
Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC) Testing Service
The Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC) test determines the least dust cloud concentration required for a deflagration to occur. Each time an effort is made to ignite the dust cloud using an energetic chemical ignitor, a smaller amount of dust is disseminated in a 20 liter spherical tank. The MEC is defined as the minimum dust cloud concentration required for deflagration. Because MEC varies with dust dispersion uniformity, ignitor energy, and propagation criteria, it should be regarded as a relative rather than an absolute measurement.
The MEC test is carried out in line with the current edition of the ASTM E1515 standard.
Video 01: Combustible Dust Testing
Common Uses of Combustible Dust Testing
- To determine the combustibility and explosibility of a material.
- Quantifying dusts by measuring their ignition and explosion characteristics.
Advantages of Combustible Dust Testing
- The American Society for Testing and Materials has standards in place to carry out these tests.
- Proper testing can prevent operational hazards in factories.
Industrial Applications of Combustible Dust Testing
- Refineries
- Chemical factories
- Metal processing factories
- Woodworking
- Coal-fired power generation
