Last edit: 03/03/2023
This part of ISO/IEC 80079 describes the test methods for the identification of combustible dust and combustible dust layers to permit classification of areas where such materials exist for the purpose of the proper selection and installation of electrical and mechanical equipment for use in the presence of combustible dust.
It describes the methodology to be followed by a laboratory to assess if a dust sample is combustible and the main characteristics of a dust sample, like the Minimum Ignition Energy.
Hereafter some definitions from the standard.
3.1 combustible dust: finely divided solid particles, 500 m or less in nominal size, which may form explosive mixtures with air at standard atmospheric pressure and temperatures.
3.6 minimum ignition energy (of a combustible dust/air mixture): lowest electrical energy stored in a capacitor which upon discharge is sufficient to effect ignition of the most sensitive dust/air mixture under specified test conditions