Test Descriptions
The tests described on this page are the most common process safety tests quoted by DEKRA.
- We have additional tests that we quote that do not show up on this list including UN/DOT tests and customized testing to meet client’s specific needs. Please reach out to us if you need a test that does not show up on this list.
- In addition, we can customize testing to meet the client’s needs on a case-by-case basis unless regulations require a specific method (e.g. DOT testing for classification).
Dust Explosion Testing
Go / No-Go - Explosibility Screening Test
Go / No-Go - Explosibility Screening Test
The explosibility screening test determines whether a powder or dust will explode when exposed to an ignition source when in the form of a dust cloud. The test results in a material being classified as either GO – explosible or NO-GO -- non-explosible.
DEKRA Services, Inc., performs explosibility screening testing first using the Modified Hartmann Tube apparatus. The apparatus consists of a 1.2-liter vertical tube mounted onto a dust dispersion system. Initially, powder or dust samples of various sizes are dispersed in the tube and attempts are made to ignite the resultant dust cloud by 10 J constant arc ignition source. If the material fails to ignite in the Modified Hartmann Tube apparatus, GO / NO-GO testing is continued in the 20-litre sphere apparatus in general accordance with ASTM E1226. Powder or dust samples of various sizes are dispersed inside the sphere and are exposed to a 10 kJ, 5kJ, or 2.5kJ ignition source (chemical igniters).
Explosion Severity Test - 20L Sphere Apparatus
Minimum Ignition Energy Test - Dust Cloud
Minimum Ignition Temperature Test - Dust Cloud
Minimum Ignition Temperature Test - Dust Layer
Minimum Explosible Concentration Test - 20L Sphere
Limiting Oxygen Concentration Test - 20L Sphere apparatus
Particle Sieve Analysis
Laser Particle Analysis
Explosion Severity at Reduced/Increased Oxygen
Explosion Severity (Kg) - Hybrid Mixture
Explosion Severity Test – 1m3 Vessel
Minimum Ignition Energy at elevated temperatures
Minimum Ignition Energy at reduced oxygen conc.
Minimum Ignition Energy Test - Dust Layer
Limiting Oxygen Concentration Test - Vertical Tube
Dust Testing Bundles
Bundle #1: Key Dust Tests
Bundle #1
This bundle of tests includes the following individual tests:
Bundle #2: Primary Dust Tests
Bundle #3: Combustible Dust Haz Screening
Bundle #4: Core Dust Tests
Bundle #5: Basic Material Properties
Bundle #6: Ignition Sensitivity & Explosion
Bundle #7: Combustible Dust Characterization
Bundle #8: Haz Area Classification
Bundle #9: Explosion Prevention Test
Electrostatic Testing (Liquids)
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Liquid
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Liquid
The concept of chargeability refers to the propensity of a liquid to become charged when flowing through conveyances, filters or when handled in mixing vessels. Chargeability is measured by flowing samples through tubes -- and measuring the resultant electrostatic charge. The test provides data which can be used to develop appropriate materials handling guidelines.
Because of the effect of flow velocity on liquid chargeability, this test is performed at a number of flow velocities.
Due to the potential electrostatic ignition risks, this test is conducted under an inert atmosphere.
Liquid Conductivity Test
Electrostatic Testing (Powders)
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Powder
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Powder
The concept of chargeability refers to the propensity of a powder or dust to become charged when flowing through conveyances or when handled in containers. DEKRA Services, Inc. measures powder chargeability in general accordance with ASTM D4470 Standard requirements. Chargeability is measured by flowing samples through tubes of uniform length and made from different materials -- specifically stainless steel, plastic, and glass -- and measuring the resultant electrostatic charge. The test provides data which can be used to develop appropriate materials handling guidelines.
Because of the effect of atmospheric and absorbed moisture on powder chargeability, this test is performed at ambient and low relative humidity conditions. For low humidity testing, samples are conditioned for at least 12 hours.
Volume Resistivity and Charge Relaxation Time – Powder
Volume Resistivity - Powder
Electrostatic Testing (Films, Fabrics, Liners, Clothing, & Flooring Samples)
Electrostatic Accumulation and Discharge Testing
Electrostatic Accumulation and Discharge Testing
Insulating materials and conductive materials isolated from ground can become electrostatically charged. Accumulated charge can produce electrostatic discharges when exposed to ground. Electrostatic discharges from insulating materials are known as brush discharges, while discharges from isolated conductors are known as spark discharges.
The purpose of electrostatic discharge testing is to determine whether a material or object is capable of producing electrostatic discharges. Samples are electrostatically charged using a variety of methods and attempts to produce electrostatic discharges are made. Trials are performed under both ambient and low humidity conditions.
Measurement of Electrical Resistance - Shoes, Gloves, Clothing, & Flooring Sample
Propagating Brush Discharge Testing and Breakdown Voltage Measurement – Sheets, Films, Fabrics, Foils, and Coatings
Surface Resistivity and Charge Relaxation Time – Sheets, Films, Fabrics, Foils, and Coatings
Volume Resistivity and Charge Relaxation Time – Sheets, Films, Fabrics, Foils, and Coatings
Electrostatic Testing (FIBCs, Drums, Sacks)
Discharge Incendivity Testing – FIBC
Discharge Incendivity Testing – FIBC
DEKRA Services, Inc., performs discharge incendivity testing, in general accordance with IEC 61340-4-4, by suspending an FIBC in a test rig and filling and emptying the FIBC with test powder. The test is intended to simulate a FIBC that becomes charged during filling and represent a reasonable worst-case electrostatic charging scenario. Electrostatic voltage on the FIBC surfaces is measured using an electrostatic voltmeter (fieldmeter).
Discharge incendivity is measured by approaching the FIBC surfaces with a gas-emitting probe. Discharges exhibiting an effective energy greater than the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of the flammable atmosphere within the probe shroud will cause an ignition. The MIE of the flammable atmosphere will be 0.14mJ. The purpose of discharge incendivity testing is to assess the potential hazard posed by the use of FIBCs in flammable atmospheres.
A total of 200 discharge incendivity tests (filling trials) will be carried out on the FIBC. Because atmospheric and absorbed moisture affects the propensity of a material to produce electrostatic discharges, these tests are performed at ambient and low relative humidity conditions. For low humidity testing, samples are conditioned for at approximately 12 hours.
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Drum/Sack
Electrostatic Chargeability Test – Emptying of Drum Depending on conditions and sample
Electrostatic Chargeability and Discharge Incendivity Test – Emptying of Sacks
Measurement of Resistance to Ground – FIBC
Surface Resistivity & Charge Relaxation Time – Drum/Sack
Volume Resistivity and Charge Relaxation Time – Drum/Sack
Flammability Testing
Aerosol Foam Test-per UN DOT Standard
Aerosol Foam Test-per UN DOT Standard
The test method is used to determine the flammability of an aerosol spray emitted in the form of a foam, mousse, gel or paste. An aerosol that emits a foam, mousse, gel or paste is sprayed on a watch glass and an ignition source is placed at the base to observe if ignition and sustained combustion of foam, mousse, gel or paste occurs.
Autogenous Ignition Temperature in a High Pressure Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere: Per ASTM G72
Autoignition Temperature - per ASTM E659
Autoignition Temperature at High Pressure
Burning Velocity – Vertical Tube
Explosion Severity / (Pmax, dP/dt - Kg) - at atmospheric pressure in reactor
Explosion Severity / (Pmax, dP/dt - Kg) - at high pressure
Flame Projection Test ASTM D3065 - Flammability of Aerosols
Flammability Diagram at atmospheric pressure - per ASTM E681
Flammability Diagram - vapors at high pressure
Flammability of Aerosol Products per ASTM D3065-Closed Drum Test
Flash and Fire Point Test – Cleveland Open Cup
Flash Ignition Temperature – per ASTM D1929
Flash Point Determination - Pensky Martens Closed Cup Apparatus
Flash Point Determination - Tag Cup ASTM D56
Flash Point Test - Setaflash Closed Cup Apparatus
Ignition Distance Test UN DOT Standard - Flammability of Aerosols
Limiting Oxygen Concentration Test
Limiting Oxygen Concentration Test-Vapor - at high pressure
Limits of Flammability - higher than 100 psig and/or greater than 250°C
Limits of Flammability – Up to 100 Psig / 250°C - per ASTM E918
Minimum Ignition Energy Test – Aerosol Mist Cloud
Minimum Ignition Energy Test - Vapors & Gases in 1 liter flask
Open Burning Test – Liquids
Spontaneous Ignition Temperature – per ASTM D1929
Temperature Limit of Flammability ASTM E1232
Temperature Measurement of Combustion Front
UNDOT enclosed space (Closed Drum Test) - Flammability of Aerosols (a follow-up to the above test)
Thermal Stability Testing
Aerated Solid Screening Test
Aerated Solid Screening Test
The Aerated Powder Test is used to evaluate the thermal stability of powders and dusts during drying operations in which a heated air stream passes through the material, such as in circulating band and fluidized bed dryers. DEKRA Services, Inc., performs aerated powder testing in an explosion-protected laboratory oven in accordance with the Institute of Chemical Engineers (UK) "Guide to Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Dryers" (1990).
A 150 mL sample is loaded into a sintered glass sample cell which is fitted with an air inlet adapter. The cell is inserted into the oven, where it is suspended and exposed to increasing temperatures ramped at 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) per minute for 14 hours. Heated air is passed through the sample at a rate of 0.6 liters per minute or other rate specified by the client. The temperature of the sample and oven are measured at several locations. The sample temperatures over the duration of the test are analyzed to determine any exothermic activity.
Bulk Solid Screening Test - Powder
Isothermal Bulk Powder Test
Isothermal Powder Layer Test
Isothermal Test - Basket Test
Powder Layer Screening Test
Explosivity Testing
Explosion Severity Test (Gases) – 20 Liter
DEKRA Services, Inc., performs explosion severity testing using the 20-Liter Sphere apparatus. A known concentration of the fuel is prepared in the sphere, ignited with an energetic ignition source and the pressure of the resulting explosion is measured. The sample concentration is varied to determine the optimal fuel concentration. The maximum pressure and rate of pressure rise are measured and used to determine the KG value of the material. These data can be used for the purpose of designing explosion protection measures and equipment.
Explosion severity testing is performed in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method E 1226, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 68 (1994), German Society of Engineers (VDI) Method 3673 (1995), and International Standards Organization (ISO) Method 6184/1.
Chemical Reaction Hazard Testing
Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC)
Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC)
DEKRA Services, Inc. performs ARC tests in accordance with the methods described in ASTM standards E1981 and ASTM E2086, to determine appropriate reactivity-hazard ratings for individual chemicals per NFPA 704 and registration criteria for individual chemicals and mixtures for the New Jersey Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (NJTCPA), where applicable.
The ARC is an automated laboratory instrument, which aids in experimentally determining the time, temperature, and pressure relationships of any exothermal reaction in a confined adiabatic environment. In operation the ARC uses an automatic heat-wait-search step scanning mode to determine the onset of exothermic reaction. When detected, the calorimeter will follow this reaction adiabatically, storing time, temperature, and pressure data. The data produced by the ARC can be applied to the evaluation of thermal and pressure hazard potentials of reactive chemicals. The ARC generates data such as heat generation rates, adiabatic self-heating parameters, temperature vs. real time plot, adiabatic reaction temperature, adiabatic reaction pressure, pressure rate data, kinetic data, reaction rate constants, and time to maximum rate. The calorimeter package consists of an insulated aluminum canister package which houses the calorimeter jacket, sample bomb assembly, and connections for thermocouples, heating elements, pressure transducer and jacket cooling air.
Samples usually 1- 10 grams are contained in pressure rated holders (bombs) of various masses and materials of construction such as titanium, tantalum, Hastelloy – C and 316 stainless steel.
Adiabatic Dewar Test
Carius Tube Test
Carius Tube - Enclosed
Desk Screening for Chemical Reaction Hazards Using CHETAH
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Emergency Vent Sizing Test – Vent Sizing Package (VSP)
Heat of Combustion
Isothermal Reaction Calorimetry (RC-1)
Screening Test
Theoretical Heat of Reaction Calculation
OSHA NEP Testing For Combustible Dust
Class II Test
Class II Test
National Materials Advisory Board (NMAB) 353-3-80, Classification of Combustible Dusts in Accordance with the National Electrical Code, defines dusts having Ignition Sensitivity (IS) greater than or equal to 0.2 or Explosion Severity (ES) greater than or equal to 0.5 to be explosion hazards requiring electrical equipment suitable for Class II hazardous electrical locations. Ignition Sensitivity and Explosion Severity of the sample is determined by comparing explosibility and sensitivity test data to the same parameters of Pittsburgh Coal dust.
Percent Combustible Dust Determination
Percent Combustible Material/Product Test
Percent Moisture Content Test
Percent through 40 Mesh Test
UN/DOT Test Bundles
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 1 Determination Test
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 1 Determination Test
This bundle of tests includes the following individual tests depending on if the test material is classified as a class 1 or class 2 material.
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 3 Determination Tests
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 3 and 6 Determination Tests
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 4 and 6 Determination Tests
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 5 Determination Tests
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 8 Determination Tests
Bundle – UN/DOT Series 8 Determination Tests + MBP Test
UN/DOT Transportation Testing
There is a difference between the UN and 49CFR DOT regulations for Division 4.3 materials. The UN test only measures the rate of flammable gas evolution, while the 49CFR regulation covers both flammable or toxic gas evolution. For 49CFR DOT testing, the gas evolution rate is measured and the presence of a toxic gas is determined through chemical analysis. Many toxic gases can be economically detected using Draeger tubes. Draeger tubes are not available for every gas. For gases without an available Draeger tube, or for samples where the identity of the gas produced is unknown, DEKRA would use a mass spectrometer to identify the gas.
- Dangerous When Wet Test - UN Test N.5 (Division 4.3) (emits flammable gas)
- Dangerous When Wet Test – 49CFR (Division 4.3) (emits toxic gas) (detection by Draeger tubes)
- Dangerous When Wet Test – 49CFR (Division 4.3) (emits toxic gas) (detection by mass spectrometer)
UN/DOT Test Descriptions for testing in accordance with the test methods described in the United Nations (UN) Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria 7th Edition 2019. These descriptions were last updated: 11/16/2021.
UN/DOT Test Series 1(a): Gap Test for Detonation Propagation
UN/DOT Test Series 1(a): Gap Test for Detonation Propagation
The test is used to assess the ability of a substance to propagate a detonation. The test involves filling a cold-drawn, steel tube (400 mm L x 48 mm OD x 4 mm t) with the sample material. The top of the vertical tube is covered with a mild steel witness plate. The bottom of the tube is fitted to a booster charge and detonator. Test uses no gap between the booster assembly and the tube. A positive (+) result is indicated by complete fragmentation of the tube and/or a hole punched through the witness plate. If a negative (-) result is obtained during the first trial, a second trial is performed.
Required amount of material: 1-L (typically 1 to 1.5-Kg)
UN/DOT Test Series 2(a): Gap Test for Detonation Propagation
UN/DOT Test Series 1(b): Koenen Test
UN/DOT Test Series 2(b): Koenen Test
UN/DOT Test Series 1(c)(i): Time/Pressure Test
UN/DOT Test Series 2(c)(i): Time/Pressure Test
UN/DOT Test Series 1(c)(ii): Internal Ignition Test
UN/DOT Test Series 2(c)(ii): Internal Ignition Test
UN/DOT Test Series 3(a)(i): BOE Drop Impact Sensitivity Test
UN/DOT Test Series 3(a)(ii): BAM Fallhammer Impact Sensitivity Test
UN/DOT Test Series 3(b)(i) BAM Friction Sensitivity Test
UN/DOT Test Series 3(b)(iv) ABL Friction Sensitivity Test
UN/DOT Test Series 3(c)(i): Thermal Stability Test @ 75°C
UN/DOT Test Series 3(c)(ii): SBAT Thermal Stability Test @ 75°C
UN/DOT Test Series 3(d): Small-scale Burning Test
UN/DOT Test Series 4(a): Thermal Stability Test for Packaged Articles
UN/DOT Test Series 4(b)(ii): Twelve-meter Drop Test for Packaged Articles
UN/DOT Test Series 5(a) Cap Sensitivity Test - #8 Cap Test
UN/DOT Test Series 5(b)(ii) USA DDT Test
UN/DOT Test Series 5(c): External Fire (Bonfire) Test for Division 1.5
UN/DOT Test Series 6(a): Single Package Test
UN/DOT Test Series 6(b): Stack Test
UN/DOT Test Series 6(c): External Fire (Bonfire) Test
UN/DOT Test Series 6(d): Unconfined Package Test
UN/DOT Test Series 8(a) Thermal Stability Test for ANE
UN/DOT Test Series 8(b) ANE Gap Test
UN/DOT Test Series 8(c) Koenen Test
UN/DOT Test Series 8(d)(i) Vented Pipe Test
UN/DOT Test Series 8(d)(ii) Modified Vented Pipe Test
UN/DOT Test 8(c)(ii) - Canmet CERL MBP Test – Minimum Burning Pressure Test
UN/DOT Test A.5 - UN Gap Test for Self-Reactive Substances
UN/DOT Test B.1: UN Detonation Test in Package
UN/DOT Test C.1: Time/Pressure Test
UN/DOT Test C.2: Deflagration Test
UN Test D.1 Deflagration Test in Package
UN/DOT Test E.1: Koenen Test
UN/DOT Test E.2 Dutch Pressure Vessel Test
UN/DOT Test E.3: United States Pressure Vessel Test
UN/DOT Test F.4: Modified Trauzl Test
UN/DOT Test G.1: Thermal Explosion Test
UN/DOT TEST H.1: United States Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT) Test
UN/DOT Test H.2: Adiabatic Storage Test – SADT
UN/DOT Test H.4: Heat Accumulation Storage Test
UN/DOT Test L.2 or ASTM D4206 - Sustained Combustibility Test
UN/DOT Test N.1: Test for Readily Combustible Solids – Division 4.1
UN/DOT Test N.2 (Division 4.2) - Pyrophoric Solids Test
UN/DOT Test N.3 (Division 4.2) - Pyrophoric Liquids Test
UN/DOT Test N.4 (Division 4.2) - Self-Heating Substances Test
UN Test N.5 (Division 4.3) or DOT - Dangerous When Wet Test - Emits flammable gas
UN/DOT Test O.1 Test for Oxidizing Solids – Division 5.1
UN/DOT Test O.2: Liquid Oxidizing Substances Test – Division 5.1
UN/DOT Test O.3 Test for Oxidizing Solids – Division 5.1
Skin Corrosivity Test (in vitro) a.k.a. Corrositex
Examination by Analogy
Other Tests
Corrosion Testing Study Using Metal Coupons – ASTM G31
Corrosion Testing Study Using Metal Coupons – ASTM G31
To measure the corrosion rate of a metal when exposed to a potential corrosive substance, corrosion immersion tests are performed in accordance with ASTM G31,Standard Practice for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals. Selected test conditions such as temperature and duration should reflect those anticipated for the actual service (e.g. the highest anticipated service temperature). Following the exposure, the corrosion rates will be calculated and the coupons examined for the evidence of localized corrosion.
The assignment of a packing group of the material or mixture (after testing is completed) will be recommended according to 49 CFR Part 173.137 and UN Recommendation on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Chapter 2.8 “Corrosive Substances” 2003. The corrosion test will be conducted for seven (7) days at a test temperature of 55°C.
Many corrosive substances can react with metals, with natural or synthetic fibers and with some other substances. Therefore, it is important to store or transport corrosive substances with only compatible substances to avoid any violent or adverse reactions. Optional customized coupons may be tested if it is desired (see note below) at the same time.
Custom Qualitative Analytical Analysis of Gas, Liquid, and Solid Phases
Evaporation Rate per ASTM D1901
Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Analysis
Gas Burette: Off-Gas Rate and Gas Volume Test
Gas Chromatography
Gravimetric Loss on Drying (LOD)
Heated Bulk Material – LOC
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient
pH of an Aqueous Solution
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) & Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDA)
Solubility in Water at 25°C
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
Thermogravimetric – Mass Spectroscopy (TG-MS)
Water Determination by Karl Fischer (KF)
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)