Lower Explosion Point (LEP)

Definition:

 The lower point of explosion is the temperature of a combustible liquid where the concentration of saturated steam in air is equal to the lower explosion limit.

Testing Method:

according to BG Chemie R 003 6/2000

Safety-relevant meaning:

The lower point of explosion permits a more exact definition of the explosion limits than the flash point. Due to the complex determination however it is only rarely  measured in a direct manner.

Usually an estimation is made by the flash point. If the maximum processing temperature lies over the lower explosion point of  the liquid, then explosive steam /air mixtures can develop. If liquids are distributed in droplets the possibility of combustible atmospheres has to taken into account at temperatures below the LEP.

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