BS EN 13673-1-2003 PDF

Full title and description

Determination of the maximum explosion pressure and the maximum rate of pressure rise of gases and vapours — Part 1: Determination of the maximum explosion pressure. This European Standard specifies a laboratory test method to measure the explosion pressure (Pex) and the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) of a quiescent, homogeneous flammable gas/air/inert mixture in a closed volume at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract

The standard defines the test apparatus, sample preparation, ignition and pressure-measurement procedures, and the way results and test reports are expressed. It is intended to provide repeatable measurements of Pex/Pmax for use in explosion-protection design and risk assessment, while excluding detonative or decomposition phenomena and conditions where internal geometry causes pressure piling (e.g., flameproof enclosures are excluded).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (European standard withdrawn and later consolidated into EN 15967).
• Publication date: 2003 (original EN published in spring 2003; national adoptions published through 2003).
• Publisher: CEN (European Standard); published nationally as BS EN by BSI (national adoption).
• ICS / categories: 13.230 (Explosion protection); 75.160.30 (Gaseous fuels).
• Edition / version: 1st edition, 2003 (Part 1 of EN 13673).
• Number of pages: National published versions vary (typical EN/EA national texts 21–26 pages depending on national forewords).

Scope

This part specifies a laboratory method for determining the explosion pressure and the maximum explosion pressure of flammable gases and vapours in a quiescent, homogeneous mixture in an empty closed vessel at ambient temperature and pressure. It excludes detonation and decomposition phenomena, mixtures with elevated oxygen content or spontaneous reactions at ambient conditions, and geometries that give rise to pressure piling (e.g., flameproof enclosures). Results are intended to support explosion-protection design and the selection of protective measures.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and measurement of explosion pressure (Pex) and maximum explosion pressure (Pmax).
• Specification of test vessel geometry and apparatus required (vessel, mixture preparation equipment, ignition system, pressure and temperature measurement devices).
• Preparation, storage and handling of test mixtures and test samples.
• Detailed test procedure: mixture preparation, ignition, measurement, data smoothing and expression of results.
• Requirements for verification, test reporting and informative annexes (conversion tables, example report forms, verification methods).
• Limitations and exclusions (detonations, pressure piling geometries, mixtures outside defined compositions).

Typical use and users

Used by laboratories performing flammability/explosion testing, explosion-protection engineers, safety and process engineers in the chemical, petrochemical and fuel industries, manufacturers and designers of plant and enclosures requiring ATEX/zone classification input, and regulatory/compliance specialists who need documented Pmax values for design of venting, suppression or pressure-resistant equipment. Data from these tests are used to size protection measures and to support risk assessments.

Related standards

EN 13673-1 (this part) was published alongside EN 13673-2 (related procedure for rate of pressure rise). Both parts were later consolidated and revised as EN 15967 (2011), which itself has subsequently been revised (later editions). Other related documents include EN 1127-1 (basic concepts for explosive atmospheres) and test standards for dusts and vapours such as EN 14034 series and national/adopted versions.

Keywords

maximum explosion pressure, explosion pressure, Pex, Pmax, gases, vapours, flammability testing, explosion testing, ATEX, explosion protection, pressure rise, test vessel, ignition system.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 13673-1:2003 is a European laboratory test method for measuring the explosion pressure and maximum explosion pressure of quiescent flammable gas/air/inert mixtures in a closed vessel.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, test-vessel requirements, mixture preparation, ignition and pressure-measurement procedures, expression of results and test reporting; it specifically excludes detonation phenomena and geometries that cause pressure piling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Explosion-test laboratories, process and safety engineers, designers of pressure-resistant or vented equipment, and compliance specialists working on ATEX/explosion-protection measures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: EN 13673-1:2003 has been withdrawn/superseded; its requirements were consolidated into EN 15967 (first published 2011), and EN 15967 has itself been updated in later revisions. For current test practice consult the latest edition of EN 15967 and the relevant national adoption.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 13673 is a multi-part series (Part 1 — maximum explosion pressure; Part 2 — maximum rate of pressure rise / Kst-like values for gases/vapours), later consolidated into EN 15967.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Explosion pressure, maximum explosion pressure, Pmax, pressure rise, gases, vapours, flammability testing, ATEX, explosion protection, test vessel, ignition system.