What is the explosive range of methane in air?

What is the explosive range of methane in air?

• A. 0% to 5%
• B. 5% to 15%
• C. 15% to 25%
• D. 25% to 35%

Answer: (B)

Explosive range is the concentration window in air where methane can ignite and sustain a flame if an ignition source is present. Methane’s flammability limits are about 5% to 15% by volume in air. Below about 5%, the mixture is too lean to burn; above about 15%, it’s too rich to support combustion because there isn’t enough oxygen. In mining safety, this means monitoring around those thresholds to prevent reaching a combustible mixture. So, the explosive range is 5% to 15% methane in air.

Explosive range is the concentration window in air where methane can ignite and sustain a flame if an ignition source is present. Methane’s flammability limits are about 5% to 15% by volume in air. Below about 5%, the mixture is too lean to burn; above about 15%, it’s too rich to support combustion because there isn’t enough oxygen. In mining safety, this means monitoring around those thresholds to prevent reaching a combustible mixture. So, the explosive range is 5% to 15% methane in air.