Calculating Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for Gas Mixture

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for a gas mixture when individual component LELs are known. It concludes that while experimental determination is the most straightforward method, a theoretical approach could involve analyzing the partial pressures of each gas to establish an air/fuel ratio. However, the complexity of reaction kinetics suggests that this method may not yield accurate results. Reference to Section 2.3 of the technical report PNNL-13933Rev1 is recommended for further insights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lower Explosive Limits (LEL)
  • Knowledge of gas mixture composition
  • Familiarity with partial pressure concepts
  • Basic principles of reaction kinetics
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  • Study the methodology for experimental determination of LEL in gas mixtures
  • Research the impact of partial pressures on gas ignition
  • Examine the contents of the technical report PNNL-13933Rev1 for detailed calculations
  • Explore advanced reaction kinetics related to gas mixtures
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Chemical engineers, safety professionals, and researchers involved in gas safety and explosive risk assessment will benefit from this discussion.

rppearso
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Can the lower explosive limit (LEL) be calculated for a gas composition if you have each components LEL but not the mixtures LEL? Or does this need to be determined experementially?
 
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Good bloody question.

I don't know.

Easy answer would be to determine experimentally. I would imagine the difficult answer involves looking at the part pressures of each individual component gas in the mixture to give you an air/fuel ratio for each component, and assuming that the component with the lowest LEL will ignite the rest (though reaction kinetics being complicated as they are, I doubt this would be correct!).

I don't know. Perhaps asking a mod nicely to move this to the chemistry house would be more useful?
 
Section 2.3 of http://www.pnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-13933Rev1.pdf" and references therein.
 
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