Assessing the flammability of liquid mixtures by predictive approach as a complement to experimental measurements

Abstract : Assessing the flammability of liquid mixtures by predictive approach as a complement to experimental measurementsThe flammability of organic mixtures can be dramatically changed upon concentrations and can reveal, in some cases, more flammable than its components taken as pure liquids. For this reason, estimating the flammability of mixtures represents a great challenge with high importance in industrial safety. In that context, efforts were engaged in the development and use of predictive methods to estimate the flash point of liquid mixtures for practical industrial applications as a complement to the classical experimental approach. Different predictive approaches are proposed according to the level of information available on the investigated mixture (in terms of properties of pure compounds) based on mixing rules and/or QSPR (Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship) models. Different case studies are proposed to illustrate how they can complement experimental tests. These case studies highlight the precautions to be considered for their accurate use (e.g. choice of the model), their limits notably for specific types of flammable mixtures (like halogenated substances) and their complementarity with the information provided by experimental measurements to improve industrial safety issues.