An experimental study of flammability limits of LPG/air mixtures☆

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is generally considered to be eco-friendly viable fuel not only in domestic sector but also for transport sector. The inhibition of LPG–air premixed flames is a very important practical problem that has received relatively little attention. This paper is concerned with experimental determination of the flammability limits of LPG–air mixture. The standard procedure suggested by US Bureau of mines has been adopted for the present studies for determining the flammability limit of LPG–air mixture. The lower flammability limit (LFL) is found to be 1.81% and upper flammability limit (UFL) is 8.86% of LPG for upward propagation of flame. Whereas, for downward propagation of flame, the LFL and UFL are 1.87 and 7.69% of LPG, respectively. The nitrogen dilution effects on the flammability limits have been explored, which is presented on a flammability limit plot. It is believed that these data will be very useful for developing fire extinguishers and other combustion devices.