süttimispiirid

Süttimispiirid, often translated as ignition limits or flammability limits, refers to the range of concentrations of a flammable substance in an oxidizing medium, typically air, within which combustion can occur. Below the lower limit, the concentration of the flammable substance is too low to sustain a flame, and the mixture will not ignite. Above the upper limit, the concentration of the flammable substance is too high, and there is insufficient oxygen to support combustion.

These limits are crucial in industrial safety and process design. For flammable gases and vapors, the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL) define the boundaries of a potentially explosive atmosphere. Working with flammable materials requires maintaining concentrations outside of this range to prevent fires and explosions. For example, ventilation systems in chemical plants are designed to keep vapor concentrations below the LEL.

The specific values of ignition limits depend on several factors, including the chemical nature of the fuel, the presence of diluents like nitrogen, the temperature and pressure of the environment, and the size and geometry of the space where combustion might occur. These limits are determined experimentally and are often provided in safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals. Understanding and respecting these limits are fundamental to safe handling and storage of flammable substances.