A) Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE)

The test is conducted to determine the lowest spark energy that will ignite a powder when dispersed in air, as a dust cloud. The spark energy may be either Electrostatic discharges or Mechanical sparks

Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) – Capacitance: A purely capacitive generated spark is used for assessment of electrostatic discharges (brush, spark, transitional / propagating brush discharges) incendivity.

Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) – Inductance: An inductive generated spark is selected for mechanical (friction, impact and grinding) or electrical (wire short, electrical contact) spark incendivity analysis.

Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) testing is conducted in accordance to the following standards

1. British Standards : BS EN ISO IEC 80079-20-2

2. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E2019 - 03

B) Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) : Dust Cloud

The test is conducted to determine the lowest temperature at which a hot surface will ignite a powder when dispersed in air, as a dust cloud. The data is required for defining the maximum operating temperature for electrical and non-electrical equipment used in areas where the test material is present.

Minimum Ignition temperature (MIT) testing is conducted in accordance to the following standards.

1. British Standards : BS EN 50281-2-1

2. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E1491

C) Layer Ignition Temperature (LIT) : Dust Surface

The test is conducted to determine the lowest temperature at which a hot surface will ignite a powder when settled as a dust layer. The data is required for defining the maximum operating temperature for electrical and non-electrical equipment used in areas where the test material is present.

Layer Ignition Temperature (LIT) testing is conducted in accordance to the following standards

1. British Standards : BS EN 50281-2-1

2. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E2021