What does flammable limit refer to?

The concept of flammable limits is crucial in understanding fire hazards associated with gases and vapors. Flammable limits specifically refer to the range of concentrations in which a flammable gas or vapor can ignite and sustain combustion in air. This is characterized by two distinct values: the lower flammable limit (LFL), which is the minimum concentration of gas in the air that will ignite, and the upper flammable limit (UFL), which is the maximum concentration above which the mixture is too rich to sustain combustion.

Understanding flammable limits is essential for safety practices in environments where flammable substances are present, as it helps in assessing risk and implementing appropriate safety measures to prevent fire or explosion. Knowing the flammable limits of substances allows investigators and safety professionals to analyze potential hazards and establish guidelines for handling and storing flammable materials.