Explosionsgrenze

Explosionsgrenze refers to the concentration range of a combustible substance in an oxidizing medium, typically air, within which an explosion can occur if an ignition source is present. This range is defined by two critical values: the lower explosive limit (LEL) and the upper explosive limit (UEL).

The lower explosive limit (LEL) is the minimum concentration of a flammable substance in air below which it is too lean to ignite or propagate a flame. If the concentration is below the LEL, there is not enough fuel to sustain combustion.

The upper explosive limit (UEL) is the maximum concentration of a flammable substance in air above which it is too rich to ignite or propagate a flame. If the concentration is above the UEL, there is not enough oxygen to support combustion, even if a fuel source is present.

The region between the LEL and UEL is known as the explosive range or flammability range. Within this range, a mixture of the combustible substance and the oxidizing medium can readily ignite and burn or explode when exposed to a sufficient ignition energy.

Understanding and monitoring explosive limits is crucial in industrial safety, particularly in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may be present. Safety measures are implemented to ensure that concentrations remain outside the explosive range, either by maintaining concentrations below the LEL through ventilation or by preventing ignition sources from being present.