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Safety characteristics are used to keep processes, including flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dusts, safe. In the standards for the determination of safety characteristics of gases and vapors, the induction spark is commonly used. However, classic transformers are hard to obtain, and replacement with new electronic transformers is not explicitly allowed in the standards. This article presents the investigation of five gases that are normally used to calibrate devices for the determination of safety characteristics, the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG), with an electronic transformer, and the values are compared to the ones that are obtained with the standard transformer. Additionally, calorimetric measurements on the net energy of both ignition sources were performed as well as open-circuit voltage measurements. It is concluded that the classic type of transformer can be replaced by the new type obtaining the same results for the MESG and introducing the same amount of energy into the system.
Laboratory test results are of vital importance for correctly classifying and labelling chemicals as “hazardous” as defined in the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) / EC CLP Regulation or as “dangerous goods” as defined in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Interlaboratory tests play a decisive role in assessing the reliability of laboratory test results. Interlaboratory tests performed over the last 10 years have examined different laboratory test methods. After analysing the results of these interlaboratory tests, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. There is a need for improvement and validation for all laboratory test methods examined.
2. To avoid any discrepancy concerning the classification and labelling of chemicals, the use of validated laboratory test methods should be state of the art, with the results accompanied by the measurement uncertainty and (if applicable) the probability of incorrect classification.
This paper addresses the probability of correct/incorrect classification (for example, as dangerous goods) on the basis of the measurement deviation obtained from interlaboratory tests performed by the Centre for quality assurance for testing of dangerous goods and hazardous substances (CEQAT-DGHS) to validate laboratory test methods. This paper outlines typical results (e.g. so-called “Shark profiles” – the probability of incorrect classification as a function of the true value estimated from interlaboratory test data) as well as general conclusions and steps to be taken to guarantee that laboratory test results are fit for purpose and of high quality.