Fire and explosion hazards at temperature and pressure extremes

A number of general trends are reviewed and specific data are given on the effects of temperature and pressure on the ignition energy requirements and on the limits of flammability of various flammable materials. Specific data are given on the effect of pressure on the minimum oxygen requirements for flame propagation through paraffin hydrocarbons in nitrogen-air atmospheres and on the minimum autoignition temperature of various fuels and lubricants. These data and others are used to develop a number of empirical rules that have been found useful in predicting the behaviour of flammable gases and vapours over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.