Standard Testing Laboratory for Ignition Properties and Explosion Characteristics

The test laboratory at GexCon offers a wide range of standardized tests for the determination of ignition and explosion characteristics of dusts & powders as well as for gases, vapours and liquids. The standardized tests performed at GexCon in the test laboratory are split into two main groups:

• Ignition and explosion testing of dusts and powders
• Other standardised tests for gases, liquids and electrostatic testing

By using the results from such tests, industrial process plants can be designed to avoid the ignition of flammable materials so that damaging explosions can be prevented and/or at least their consequences minimised. Thus, process installations can be designed to achieve a higher degree of intrinsic safety. The test laboratory at GexCon also provides specialist advice and can assist when performing explosion and fire risk analysis and accident investigations.

Examples of typical industries exposed to explosion hazards:

• Chemical
• Pharmaceutical
• Food and feed
• Metallurgical
• Wood-processing
• Petroleum

Why is it necessary to perform ignition and explosion tests?

In order to obtain information concerning the safety precautions that should be taken when handling the powder/dust/gas/liquid you are processing, it is important to posess information about the ignition and explosion characteristics of your material(s). The performance of risk assessments as required by the ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC without the knowledge of such characteristics is virtually impossible. GexCon can perform several types of standised tests to investigate the characteristics describing the ignitability and explosibility of different materials. Several different tests often need to be performed in order to obtain the necessary material properties to be able to adequately characterise the hazards associated with your raw materials or products.

All standardised tests are performed according to internationally accepted standards.

If you require any help or advice concerning laboratory testing at GexCon, please contact any of the following: