Reactive Substances and Systems

The division is engaged in the examination and assessment for classification purposes of the physicochemical safety properties of condensed substances and mixtures of substances (i.e. combustible dusts). This task includes questions of safety in production, storage and transportation of these substances. Other priorities are the investigation and assessment of exothermic chemical reactions and explosion processes, particularly with regard to the safe performance of chemical processes.

Silo for dust explosion testing

Detonation tube

The main basis for this division's activities is compliance with German technical legislation which nominates BAM as the named authority for such specialist activities.

Main areas of activities which are focused round the following substances and mixtures of substances

• Flammable solids, oxidising substances and substances which are liable to spontaneous combustion (pyrophoric or self-heating properties), as well as substances which emit flammable gases when they come into contact with water;
• Combustible dusts and explosive dust/air-mixtures
• Organic peroxides; self-reactive substances; water-wetted explosives; products containing nitrocellulose; products containing esters of nitric acid, ammonium nitrate fertilizers
• Exothermic reaction mixtures
• Explosive and detonatable heterogeneous systems

Methods, procedures and test equipment used by the division in experimental investigation

• Test methods for the assessment and classification of hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the Council Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 and the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of "Tests and Criteria"
• Different thermal analysis methods
• Different reaction calorimetry methods
• Instrumental analysis and chemical analysis by wet processes
• Methods to investigate dust fires and dust explosions
• Autoclaves and tubes for the investigation of explosion and detonation processes
• Equipment for high-speed photography of explosion and detonation processes
• Mathematical modelling processes

In addition, large-scale experiments can be performed at BAM Test Site Technical Safety.
Information concerning the safety properties of substances or mixtures of substances is offered by using computer-aided information systems such as the CHEMSAFE ^® database.

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