ISSN: 0090-3973
Page Count: 8

Inflammability Ranking of Metals and Alloys in an Oxygen Atmosphere
Sato, J
Senior Researcher, Research Institute, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.,

Abstract

Fire spread limits along low flammability metal rods of copper, nickel, Monel (Monel 400), and tin-bronze (BC 3), in a high pressure oxygen atmosphere, have been studied experimentally and theoretically. Theoretical results have shown that two types of low flammability metals exist: one for metals like copper, the other for metals like nickel. The low flammability nature of copper is attributable to the low heat of formation of copper oxide. On the other hand, the low flammability nature of nickel is attributable to the high activation energy of the oxidation reaction. With the combined experimental and theoretical studies, the inflammability ranking of these metals and alloys has been discussed. The inflammability ranking is as follows (from the lowest flammability): copper, Monel (Monel 400), nickel, tin-bronze (BC 3).

Keywords:
oxygen, oxygen compatibility, metal fire, fire spread limit, copper, nickel, Monel, tin-bronze, flammability

Paper ID: JTE11144J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11144J
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