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Title: Flammable Range

Description

The Flammable Range (also commonly referred to as the Explosive Range) is the difference between the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) and the Upper Flammable Limit (UFL) of a flammable gas, vapor, or dust in the air (or other oxidizer) within which a mixture is capable of igniting and sustaining combustion (fire or explosion) if an adequate ignition source is present.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has--font-size">Explanation of the Term "Flammable Range"</h2>

Understanding the flammable range is perhaps the single most critical concept in preventing fires and explosions involving flammable substances. It represents the "sweet spot" where fuel and oxygen are in just the right proportions to combust.

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If the concentration is below the LEL, the mixture is too lean—there is not enough fuel to ignite.</li>

<li>If the concentration is above the UEL, the mixture is too rich—there is too much fuel and not enough oxygen to support combustion.</li>

<li>Combustion requires fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source in specific ratios.</li>

<li>Only within the flammable range can the air-fuel mixture ignite and burn when exposed to a source of ignition.</li>

<li>Wider ranges indicate more dangerous substances (e.g., hydrogen: 4–75%).</li>

<li>Most explosions occur near the LFL (less fuel needed).</li>

<li>Above UFL, the primary risk shifts to asphyxiation (oxygen displacement).</li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has--font-size">Example:</h2>

Let's use Hydrogen (H2), a highly flammable gas often used in industrial processes:

Gas

LFL/LEL %

UFL/UEL %

Flammable Range

Interpretation of the Flammable Range:

Hydrogen (H2)

4.0%

75.0%

4.0% - 75.0%

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If the concentration of hydrogen in the air is below 4.0%, it's too lean to burn.</li>

<li>If the concentration is between 4.0% and 75.0%, it is within the Flammable Range. This is an extremely wide and dangerous range. Any ignition source present within this concentration window will cause a fire or explosion.</li>

<li>If the concentration is above 75.0%, it's too rich to burn.</li>
</ul>

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