Explosion Testing for dust, gases & vapours
© March 2024
Sustained combustibility, ADR, ISO 9038
For the classification of flammable liquids
Classification of flammable liquids under CHIP 4, CLP or UN Recommendations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods,
may allow certain substances to be down-rated if they do not sustain combustion.
In the sustained combustibility test, a metal block with a concave depression is heated to 60.5
o
C. A specified volume of
sample is added to the cup and, after a specified time to allow the test substance to heat up, its ability to sustain
combustion after application and removal of an ignition source (test flame) is noted.
The test is carried out 3 times using fresh sample and, if sustained combustion is not found, the whole sequence is
repeated at a test temperature of 75
o
C.
Substances that are a mixture of highly flammable and non-flammable components - for example, ethanol and water -
may benefit from being tested for sustained combustibility.