SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 26 July 2016
STP159620150080

Improved ASTM G72 Test Method for Ensuring Adequate Fuel-to-Oxidizer Ratios

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ASTM G72/G72M-15, Standard Test Method for Autogenous Ignition Temperature of Liquids and Solids in a High-Pressure Oxygen-Enriched Environment, is currently used to evaluate materials for ignition susceptibility driven by exposure to external heat in an enriched oxygen environment. Testing performed on highly volatile liquids such as cleaning solvents has proven problematic due to inconsistent test results (nonignitions). Nonignition results can be misinterpreted as favorable oxygen compatibility, although they are more likely associated with inadequate fuel-to-oxidizer ratios. Forced evaporation during purging and inadequate sample size were identified as two potential causes for inadequate available sample material during testing. In an effort to maintain adequate fuel-to-oxidizer ratios within the reaction vessel during a test, several parameters were considered, including sample size, pretest sample chilling, pretest purging, and test pressure. Tests on a variety of solvents exhibiting a range of volatilities are presented in this paper. A proposed improvement to the standard test protocol as a result of this evaluation is also presented. Execution of the final proposed improved test protocol outlines an incremental step method of determining optimal conditions using increased sample sizes while considering test system safety limits. The proposed improved test method increases confidence in results obtained by utilizing the ASTM G72 autogenous ignition temperature test method and can aid in the oxygen compatibility assessment of highly volatile liquids and other conditions that may lead to false nonignition results.

Author Information

Juarez, Alfredo
Jacobs Engineering, White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM, US
Harper, Susana, A.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, White Sands Test Facility/RF111, Las Cruces, NM, US
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Details
Developed by Committee: G04
Pages: 49–61
DOI: 10.1520/STP159620150080
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7638-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7637-9