Gases (petroleum), C3-4

Flammability

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.8 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

8.4 % (not further specified)

Conclusions:

The explosion limits of Isobutane are 1.8-8.4%.

Executive summary:

The explosion limits of isobutane are 1.8 -8.4%. This information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.9 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

8.5 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The explosion limits of butane are 1.9-8.5%.

Executive summary:

The explosion limits of butane are 1.9 -8.5%. This information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 3

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP status not known, guideline not known, information from a published handbook, acceptable with restrictions

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

3 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

12.5 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

Ethane is a gas with a flammability range in air of 3.0 to 12.5% volume.

Executive summary:

Ethane can form flammable and mixtures with air within the range of 3.0% to 12.5 volume %. No information on the primary source of the data or the methods used is available. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint. Most up to date source at the time.

Reference 4

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

5 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

15 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The explosion limits of methane are 5-15%. The data would result in a classification of category 1 flammable gas and the hazard statement 'extremely flammable gas'.

Executive summary:

The explosion limits of methane are 5-15%. This information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 5

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

2.1 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

9.5 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The explosion limits of propane are 2.1-9.5%.

Executive summary:

The explosion limits of propane are 2.1 -9.5%. This information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 6

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP non compliant, guideline not known, information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

2 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

12 % (not further specified)

No further details provided

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper flammability limits of buta-1,3-diene are 2-12% by volume in air

Executive summary:

The lower and upper flammability limits of 1,3-butadiene are 2-12% by volume in air. No information on the data or the method used is available in the handbook. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 7

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.6 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

10 % (not further specified)

No further information provided

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper explosive limits of but-1-ene are 1.6-10 %

Executive summary:

The lower and upper explosive limits of but-1-ene are 1.6-10 %. No information on the test method used is available in the handbook. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 8

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.8 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

9.6 % (not further specified)

No further information provided

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper explosive limits of 2-methylpropene are 1.8 - 9.6 %

Executive summary:

No information on the test method used is available in the handbook. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint. The lower and upper explosive limits of 2-methylpropene are 1.8 - 9.6 %. Based on this range, 2 -methylpropene is an extremely flammable gas.

Reference 9

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP status not known, information from a published handbook, acceptable with restricitons

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

Key result

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

2.7 % (not further specified)

Key result

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

36 % (not further specified)

Conclusions:

The flammability of Ethylene is ranging from 2.7% to 36%.

Executive summary:

The flammability of Ethylene is ranging from 2.7% to 36%. No information on the primary source of this data or the methods used is available. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the supporting study for this endpoint.

Reference 10

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

Up to 2008

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.7 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

9.7 % (not further specified)

The range of lower and upper explosion limits are based on the cis and trans isomers of 2 -butene.

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper explosion limits of 2-butene are 1.7 - 9.7 %. Based on this range, 2- butene is classified as extremely flammable.

Executive summary:

The lower and upper explosion limits of 2 -butene are 1.7 - 9.7 %. No information on the test method used is available in the handbook. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Reference 11

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

Up to 2008

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non-GLP, non-guideline, Information from published handbook, acceptable with restrictions.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.6 % (not further specified)

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

10 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

extremely flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper explosion limits of butene are 1.6 - 10 %. Based on this range, butene is classified as extremely flammable.

Executive summary:

The lower and upper explosion limits of butenes are 1.6 - 10 %. No information on the method used was reported in the handbook. However, this information is taken from a reliable peer reviewed handbook and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint.

Description of key information

The flammability limits of the substances in the category range from 1.8 % to 36%. This data would result in a classification of the Other Petroleum Gases as category 1 flammable gas and the hazard statement 'extremely flammable gas'.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

extremely flammable

Additional information

Data from the CRC handbook (Lide 2008) were available for the substances methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, 2-methylpropane (isobutane), 2-methylpropene, butane, butene, 1-butene, 2-butene, and 1,3-butadiene. Data from the Merck handbook (O’Neill 2006) were available for methane, ethane and propane and were used as supporting information. The information is taken from reliable peer reviewed handbooks and so can be considered reliable and suitable for use for this endpoint.

The flammability limits of methane are 5 -15%, ethane are 3 -12.5%, ethylene are 2.7 -36%, propane are 2.1 -9.5%, 2-methylpropane (isobutane) are 1.8 -8.4%, 2-methylpropene are 1.8 -9.6%, butane are 1.9 -9.5%, butene are 1.6 -10%, 1-butene are 1.6 -10%, 2-butene are 1.7 -9.7%, and 1,3-butadiene are 2 -12%.

The data available for these substances can be read across to other members of the category.

Justification for classification or non-classification

The lower and upper explosion limits are are 2.1- 15%.This data would result in a classification of the Other Petroleum Gases as category 1 flammable gas and the hazard statement 'extremely flammable gas'.