Pyrophoricity test

What is pyrophoricity?

The pyrophoricity of a liquid or solid sample corresponds to its ability to ignite in air at room temperature. The auto-ignition temperature of these samples is thus lower than the ambient temperature.

Therefore, a pyrophoric material is able, even in small quantities, to ignite in less than 5 minutes in air. For example, Uranium is pyrophoric. It is used in particular for the manufacture of incendiary weapons.

How is a pyrophoricity test performed?

The pyrophoricity test consists of a measurement of the auto-ignition temperature (or self-ignition) carried out at room temperature. The pyrophoricity test consists of a measurement of the auto-ignition temperature (or auto-ignition) carried out at room temperature. Self-ignition is then detected by a virtual rise in temperature and pressure in the reactor. Several tests are carried out to frame the lowest temperature at which self-ignition is observed.