New Substance – US DOT Approved Examination
If a new substance is not intended to provide a practical explosive effect, then Energetics Experts, LLC (EEx) can provide a basic screening evaluation to determine if it can be excluded from the explosive class (Class 1). If the new substance is intended to provide an explosive effect or contains known explosives, then it is provisionally included in Class 1. See “New Explosive Substances”.
The screening evaluation is based on energy content, ignition temperature and the basic chemistry involved.
If the new substance cannot be excluded from Class 1 through the screening evaluation, then it is tested using UN Test Series 1 & 2, as described below to determine if it exhibits explosive characteristics and if so, are they sufficiently severe to warrant inclusion in Class 1.
If the new substance is excluded from Class 1, either by the screening procedure or test series 1&2 results, the EEx is able to provide the testing and analyses to determine the proper classification, shipping name and number and packing group for the non-explosive material.
Test Series 1(a) UN Gap Test
Test is used to measure the ability of a substance, under confinement (in a steel tube), to propagate a detonation by subjecting it to the detonation from a booster charge.
Required Amount of Material: 1.0- L, (typically 1 to 1.5 kg)
Test Series 2(a) UN Gap Test
Test is used to measure the sensitivity of a substance, under confinement (in a steel tube) to detonate. This is the same test as UN Test 1(a), except that a 50-mm gap is placed to separate the booster from the substance.
Required Amount of Material: 1.0- L, (typically 1 to 1.5 kg)
Test Series 1&2(b) Koenen Test
Test is used to evaluate the effect of confinement on the behavior of the substance, when heated rapidly.
The substance is placed in a steel tube with a variable orifice and heated rapidly. The reaction is observed by noting the damage to the tube after the test. The test result is evaluated against both Test Series 1 and Test Series 2 criteria, based on the limiting orifice diameter.
Required Amount of Material: 380- ml
Test Series 1&2(c)(i) Time/Pressure Test
The test is used to determine whether the substance, if ignited under confinement will deflagrate explosively.
The substance is placed in the Time/Pressure test apparatus and ignited by use of a set amount of prescribed igniter material. The test result is evaluated against both Test Series 1 and Test Series 2 criteria, based on the maximum pressure produced and the time to reach that pressure.
Required Amount of Material: 15.0-grams
Test Series 1&2(c)(ii) Internal Ignition Test
The test is used to determine the tendency of a substance to undergo transition from deflagration to detonation.
The substance is loaded in a steel pipe and ignited by an igniter inserted into the center of the pipe. Both ends of the pipe are capped with a “3000-lb” forged steel pipe cap.
Required Amount of Material: 1.0-L, (typically 1 to 1.5 kg)