Upper and Lower Flammability Limits, Limit N₂O Concentrations, and Minimum Inerting Concentrations of <i>n</i>-Alkane–N₂O–Diluent Mixtures: An Experimental and Computational Study

Objectives: N2O is widely used in the chemical industry and laboratories; however, several fire/explosion accidents have been reported facilities that handle N2O. This study aimed (i) to experimentally investigate lower upper flammability limits (LFL UFL, respectively), limit nitrous oxide concentration (LN2OC), minimum inerting concentrations (MICs) of fuel–N2O–diluent mixtures (ii) computationally estimate UFLs mixtures. Methods: Herein, methane n-propane nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), carbon dioxide (CO2) were as fuels diluents, respectively. The LFL, LN2OC, MICs determined using a closed cylindrical vessel, their estimated based on laws conservation energy mass adiabatic flame temperatures. Results: Flammability-limit experiments revealed following: LFLs CH4–N2O–diluent C3H8–N2O–diluent 2.5 1.4 vol %, respectively, 40.5 24.0 (iii) nearly linear relationship between UFL diluent was found, (iv) order atmosphere consistent with ability diluents. Calculations overall combustion reactions six five chemicals successfully mean absolute percentage errors ≤2.8% ≤4.1%, Conclusions: semiempirical model suggested herein allows accurate estimation tested These findings would contribute reducing accident-induced losses laboratories handling