Comparison of calculated data for the flammability and the oxidation potential according to ISO 10156 with experimentally determined values

The classification of flammable gas mixtures is based on either testing or calculation methods proposed by the revised international standard ISO 10156. This standard is used for classification of physical hazards in Chapters 2.2 and 2.4 of the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and in the UN Recommendations on Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG). The test methods of flammability and oxidizing potential in this standard were developed by BAM. Earlier versions of this standard are not based on triangular diagrams and on the reference combustible substance “ethane”. The old material characteristics, especially in case of oxidizing potential, are based mostly on practical experience without any quantifiable test results. First time it is possible to compare experimental results from the CHEMSAFE database with the newly developed calculation method. In this paper the basic principles of the calculation methods are presented and the methods are validated by examples. A comparison of experimental flammability data with classification results gained by the calculation methods of ISO 10156 is demonstrated.

► Classification of gases is based on test and calculation methods acc. to ISO 10156:2010.
► These classifications are important for the UN GHS in transport, storage and use of gases.
► BAM developed test and calculation methods for flammability and oxidizing power.
► Experimental data and calculated data have been compared and are in good agreement.
► These classification methods can be used only for atmospheric conditions.