Betaine

Flammability

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

flammable solids

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

Start date of experimental work: 16 SEPT 2009. Completion date of experimental work: 23 SEPT 2009

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

test procedure in accordance with national standard methods

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: BS EN 50281-2-1: 1999 Part 2-1 Methods A and B

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Sample screening tests for flammability characterization were carried out by a spatula test and an ignition tube test. A small amount of sample was placed on the spatula or in the glass ignition tube and then heated over a Bunsen burner. Observations were made regarding decomposition of the sample and the flammability of any vapours given off.

Ignition sensitivity and thermal stability were investigated by performing the Minimun (dust cloud) ignition test as well as the Air over layer ignition test.
- The Minimun (dust cloud) ignition test was conducted to determine the minimum temperature of a hot surface that will result in ignition of a dust cloud (under the specified test conditions). The test was conducted according to method BS EN 50281-2-1: 1999 Part 2-1: Test methods of determining minimum ignition temperatures; Method B (Dust cloud in a furnace at a constant temperature).
- The Layer (5mm) Ignition test was conducted to determine the minimum temperature of a hot surface that will results in decomposition and/or ignition of a dust layer of 5mm thickness (under the specified test conditions). The test was conducted according to method BS EN 50281-2-1: 1999 Part 2-1: Test methods of determining minimum ignition temperatures; Method A (Dust layer on a heated surface at a constant temperature).

GLP compliance:

yes

Test procedure:

burning time (test type not further specified)

Remarks on result:

other: No ignition of substance layer (5 mm) was observed after subjected to heating on a hot plate for 5 minutes or longer.

Flammability characterization screening tests conducted demonstrated, that when heated over a Bunsen burner, the sample discoloured to black and glowed red before igniting with an orange, self-sustaining flame. A black residue remained and the final volume was equal to the initial volume of sample.

Ignition sensitivity and thermal stability was also tested. The Minimum (dust cloud) Ignition Temperature (MIT) was determined to be 300°C. Additionally, the Layer (5mm) Ignition Temperature was determined to be >400°C (no ignition and no self-heating of the sample was observed up to 400°C).

Conclusions:

The substance is non flammable. The majority of organic materials are combustible. For solids, the physical form (e.g. particle size and shape, moisture content) can affect the flammability characteristics of dusts. A safety margin should be applied when applying data from small-scale testing to full plant scale for the purpose of assessing operational hazards which may arise in a plant. Due to the organic nature of the substance, the screening test showed that it is possible to ignite the substance when exposed to a flame. The Minimun Ignition Temperature for a dust cloud was measured at 300°C. No ignition was observed in the Layer (5mm) Ignition test. Additionally, no exothermic activity (self-heating) was observed up to and including 400°C.

Executive summary:

The substance is non flammable. The majority of organic materials are combustible. For solids, the physical form (e.g. particle size and shape, moisture content) can affect the flammability characteristics of dusts. A safety margin should be applied when applying data from small-scale testing to full plant scale for the purpose of assessing operational hazards which may arise in a plant. Due to the organic nature of the substance, the screening test showed that it is possible to ignite the substance when exposed to a flame. The Minimun Ignition Temperature for a dust cloud was measured at 300°C. No ignition was observed in the Layer (5mm) Ignition test. Additionally, no exothermic activity (self-heating) was observed up to and including 400°C.

Description of key information

Flammability characterization, ignition sensitivity and thermal stability studies were conducted by using methods BS EN 50281-2-1: 1999 Part 2-1: Test methods of determining minimum ignition temperatures; Method A (Dust layer on a heater surface at a constant temperature) and Method B (Dust cloud in a furnace at a constant temperature). The study was conducted in compliance with the principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

non flammable

Additional information

The substance is non-flammable. The majority of organic materials are combustible. For solids, the physical form (e.g. particle size and shape, moisture content) can affect the flammability characteristics of dusts. A safety margin should be applied when applying data from small-scale testing to full plant scale for the purpose of assessing operational hazards which may arise in a plant.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Due to the organic nature of the substance, the screening test showed that it is possible to ignite the substance when exposed to a flame. However, the Minimum Ignition Temperature for a dust cloud was measured at 300°C, and no ignition was observed in the Layer (5 mm) Ignition test while subjecting the sample to heating on a hot plate for 5 minutes or longer. Additionally, no exothermic activity (self-heating) was observed up to and including 400°C. Therefore, the test substance is not flammable and is not classified according to EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.