Thermal Stability Testing

Avoiding thermal hazards with our testing services

Crucial to safe material handling is a thorough understanding of safe processing and storage temperatures to avoid uncontrolled exothermic activity caused by oxidation/combustion or molecular decomposition.

Choosing the correct test method to determine maximum safe handling temperatures is critical. Often, companies blindly use Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) methods to establish thermal stability limits. However, these sealed test methods are inadequate to detect oxidation processes and massively overestimate safe processing temperatures. Alternative test methods that are specific to powders or that take into consideration scale and air exposure are available and provide sound, conservative testing data for all processing conditions.

The thermal stability tests we offer cover two distinct categories: those for materials which do not require oxygen for decomposition (chemical decomposition) and those for materials which do require oxygen (thermal oxidation):

Chemical Decomposition

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Differential Thermal Analysis (Carius Tube)
• Adiabatic calorimetry (using the Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) or ADC II Calorimeter system)
• CLP and UN test methods for classification of self-reactive substances (UN Class 4, Division 4.1) including test methods H.2 (Adiabatic Storage Test) and H.4 (Heat Accumulation Storage Test)

Thermal Oxidation

• Bulk Powder (Diffusion Cell) for examining decomposition in Bulk dryers (spray, tray, flash dryers)
• Basket test series used to extrapolate thermal limits for very large-scale storage facilities
• Aerated Cell Test for examining powders in aerated environments such as fluid bed dryers or rotating drum dryers
• Air Over Layer test for dryers where thin layers or deposits are found or to examine the thermal stability of powder layers in ductwork

Customer Benefits

• Expert advice on appropriate test selection.
• Competent risk assessment.
• High safety standards for people and materials.
• Reliable thermal analysis.

Why DEKRA?

• Experience: We have many years of experience in evaluating thermal instability properties in a wide range of materials.
• Expert advice: Our experts will provide you with competent, independent advice on the selection of the most suitable test.
• Testing expertise: We carry out the right test for your materials to determine maximum safe handling temperatures and detect oxidation processes.