Minimum Ignition Energy - MIE

An important risk factor in process environments where dust clouds may be present is the sensitivity of a flammable dust-air atmosphere to ignition. One measure of dust cloud ignition sensitivity is the energy of the weakest electric spark that can act as an ignition source.  The test standard ASTM E2019 Standard Test Method for Minimum Ignition Energy of a Dust Cloud in Air is used measure MIE. Measured quantities of dust are pneumatically thrown into suspension in a clear plastic tube and exposed to an electric spark of known energy. The energy content of the spark is progressively reduced until the dust will no longer ignite. The minimum ignition energy, MIE, is reported in mJ. 

Tests are conducted on fine dry dusts. Test standards recommend that the test be conducted on fine dusts, i.e., dust passing through a No. 200 sieve screen (or a No. 230 sieve screen when testing in accordance to EN requirements). If the moisture content is more than 5% then the sample is dried.

Sample size: 200 g.