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This test determines the minimum ignition energy of a dust cloud in air.
The MINIMUM IGNITION ENERGY (MIE) of a dust –cloud is primarily used assess the likelihood of
ignition during processing and handling and to evaluate the need for precautions such as explosion
prevention systems.
The minimum ignition energy requirement for a combustible substance can be important in the
assessment of hazards in a plant. It can serve as a guideline for determining the scope of the protective
measures to be taken and to provide an insight for the general understanding of ignitions by static
electricity
The minimum ignition energy measures the ease of ignition of a dust cloud by electrical and electrostatic discharges. The test follows guidance given in BS 5958 and BS EN 13821 and may be used for risk assessments to determine likely electrical ignition sources and whether special precautions are required to guard against static electricity.
The MIE apparatus used for this test consists of a borosilicate tube placed over a dispersion cup and fitted with two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to a circuit which produces an electrical spark of known energy.
A weighed sample of dust or powder is placed in the dispersion cup, which is then blown up through the tube with compressed air past the ignition source. If flame propagation is observed, the energy of the spark is reduced until no flame propagation is seen for ten consecutive tests. A range of dust sample weights is tried to ensure a thorough investigation of potential dust explosion concentrations
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