EVALUATION OF THE COMBUSTIBLE METAL SCREENING TEST

摘要

Finely divided metals and alloys have multiple potential physical hazards. NFPA 484 Standard forrnCombustible Metals applies where metals and alloys in a combustible form are used, handled,rnprocessed, stored and recycled. Combustibility and explosibility are evaluated by tests. The test forrncombustibility is based on the UN test method for flammable solids where a constant volumernprismatic train of material is exposed to an ignition source at one end and, if it ignites, the rate orrnduration of propagation is measured. This test method, which has not changed in over 20 years, isrnthe basis for not only transportation classification but also GHS categories and EPA wasterncharacterization. The test, however, has limitations including lack of guidance on materialsrncharacterization and the specified minimum temperature ignition source. Data from combustibilityrntest with various forms of metals and alloys using two ignition sources are presented. Proposedrnimprovements of the test methodology are reported.