F&EI Calculation Workbook

Explanation of the Dow Fire and Explosion Index.
The Fire and Explosion Index (F&E!) calculation is a tool to help determine the areas of great
also enables one to predict the physical damage that would occur in the event of an incident.
Explanation of the Dow Fire and Explosion Index.
The Fire and Explosion Index (F&E!) calculation is a tool to help determine the areas of great
also enables one to predict the physical damage that would occur in the event of an incident.
The first step in making the F&EI calculation requires using an efficient and logical procedu
be studied. A process unit is defined as any major item of process equipment. The follow
typical plant.
 Unloading facility
 Storage tank
 Reactor
 Distillation Column
 Quench Vessel
 Storage Vessel
 Loading facility
A designation of the Process Unit must be entered in the appropriate space on the
designation must also be entered on the F&EI form. A Manufacturing Unit is th
chemical processes, mechanical processes, warehouse, packaging lines, etc.
It is quite clear that most manufacturing units have many process units. To calculate the
process units that could have an impact from a loss prevention standpoint should be evaluat
Units.
Important factors for selecting Pertinent Process Units include:

a. Chemical energy potential (Material Factor)
b. Quantity of hazardous material in the Process Unit
c. Process pressure and process temperature
d. Units critical to plant operation, e.g. Reactor
Important Considerations
A. The Fire and Explosion Index system assumes that a process unit handles a minimum o
reactive material. If less material is involved, generally the risk will be overstated.
meaningful results for pilot plants if they handle at least 500 kg) of combustible or reacti
B. Careful consideration is needed when equipment is arranged in series and the items are
An example would be a reaction train without an intermediate pump. In such situation
several vessels or just a single vessel should be considered as the Process Unit.
It should rarely be necessary to calculate the F&EI for more than three or four Pro
C. It is also important to give careful consideration to the state or point in time of the oper
as startup, steady-state operation, shutdown, filling, emptying, adding catalyst, etc.,
C. It is also important to give careful consideration to the state or point in time of the oper
as startup, steady-state operation, shutdown, filling, emptying, adding catalyst, etc.,
o help determine the areas of greatest loss potential in a particular process. It
occur in the event of an incident.
o help determine the areas of greatest loss potential in a particular process. It
occur in the event of an incident.
g an efficient and logical procedure to determine which process units should

of process equipment. The following process units could be identified in a
n the appropriate space on the F&EI form. The Manufacturing Unit

. A Manufacturing Unit is the entire production facility including
packaging lines, etc.
process units. To calculate the Fire and Explosion Index, however, only
ntion standpoint should be evaluated. These are known as Pertinent Process
de:
process unit handles a minimum of 2,500 kg of a flammable, combustible or

ally the risk will be overstated. However, F&EI calculations can provide
st 500 kg) of combustible or reactive material.
rranged in series and the items are not effectively isolated from each other.
rmediate pump. In such situations, the type of process determines whether
ered as the Process Unit.
for more than three or four Process Units in a single process area of a
e state or point in time of the operation. By their nature, such normal stages
emptying, adding catalyst, etc., often create unique conditions having an
e state or point in time of the operation. By their nature, such normal stages
emptying, adding catalyst, etc., often create unique conditions having an
PLANT NAME
Sheet i.d. Unit Description

Unit 1 Butadiene Unloading
Unit 2 Finishing tower
Unit 3 0
Unit 4 0
Unit 5 0
Unit 6 0
Unit 7 0
Unit 8 Xylene storage
Unit 9 LPG Store
Unit 10 Solids pesticides warehouse
Material F&EI
Butadiene 98.31
Ethylene Oxide 144.43
0 0.00
0 0.00
0 0.00
0 0.00
0 0.00
P Xylene 56.37
0 108.99
0 41.78
Material factors for unlisted materials can
be estimated by table at the bottom of this
screen Hc Hc
BTU/LB Kcal/Kg Nh
MATERIAL MF x 103 x 103 Health
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 4 3.1 1.7 2
1,1-Ethylidene Dichloride 16 4.5 2.5 2
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 10 4.3 2.4 3
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 4 6.2 3.4 2
1,2-Dichloroethylene 24 6.9 3.8 2
1,2-Dinitrobenzene 40 7.2 4.0 3
1,3-Butadiene 24 19.2 10.7 2
1,3-Dichloropropene 16 6.0 3.3 3
1,3-Propanediamine 16 13.6 7.6 2
1,4-Dioxane 16 10.5 5.8 2
1-Butanol (Butyl alcohol) 16 14.3 7.9 1
1-Butene 21 19.5 10.8 1
1-Chloro 1-Nitroethane 29 3.5 2.0 3
2,2-Dimethyl-1-Propanol 16 14.8 8.2 2
2,3-Butylene Oxide 24 14.3 7.9 2
2,3-Dichloropropene 16 5.9 3.3 2
2,4-Dinitro Phenol 40 6.1 3.4 3
2-Chloropropane 21 10.1 5.6 2
2-Ethylhezanal 14 16.2 9.0 2
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate 24 8.9 4.9 2
2-Methylpropenal 24 15.4 8.6 3
2-Picoline 10 15.0 8.3 2
3,5-Dichloro Salicylic Acid 24 5.3 2.9 0
4-Vinyl Cyclohexene 24 19.0 10.6 0
Acetaldehyde 24 10.5 5.8 3
Acetic Acid 14 5.6 3.1 3
Acetic Anhydride 14 7.1 3.9 3
Acetone 16 12.3 6.8 1
Acetone Cyanohydrin 24 11.2 6.2 4
Acetonitrile 16 12.6 7.0 3
Acetyl Chloride 24 2.5 1.4 3
Acetyl Ethanolamine 14 9.4 5.2 1
Acetyl Peroxide 40 6.4 3.6 1
Acetyl Salicylic Acid [7] 16 8.9 4.9 1
Acetylene 29 20.7 11.5 0
Acrolein 29 11.8 6.6 4
Acrylamide 24 9.5 5.3 3
Acrylic Acid 24 7.6 4.2 3
Acrylonitrile 24 13.7 7.6 4
Allyl Alcohol 16 13.7 7.6 4
Allyl Bromide 16 5.9 3.3 3
Allyl Chloride 16 9.7 5.4 3
Allyl Ether 24 16.0 8.9 3
Allylamine 16 15.4 8.6 4
Aluminum Chloride 24 [2] #VALUE! 3
Ammonia 4 8.0 4.4 3
Ammonium Nitrate 29 12.4 6.9 0
Amyl Acetate 16 14.6 8.1 1
Amyl Nitrate 10 11.5 6.4 2
Aniline 10 15.0 8.3 3
Barium Chlorate 14 [2] #VALUE! 2
Barium Stearate 4 8.9 4.9 0
Benzaldehyde 10 13.7 7.6 2
Benzene 16 17.3 9.6 2
Benzoic Acid 14 11.0 6.1 2
Benzyl Acetate 4 12.3 6.8 1
Benzyl Alcohol 4 13.8 7.7 2
Benzyl Chloride 14 12.6 7.0 2
Benzyl Peroxide 40 12.0 6.7 1
Bisphenol A 14 14.1 7.8 2
Bromine 1 0.0 0.0 3
Bromobenzene 10 8.1 4.5 2
Butane 21 19.7 10.9 1
Butyl Acetate 16 12.2 6.8 1
Butyl Acrylate 24 14.2 7.9 2
Butyl Bromide 16 7.6 4.2 2
Butyl Chloride 16 11.4 6.3 2
Butyl Ether 16 16.3 9.1 2
Butyl Nitrate 29 11.1 6.2 1
Calcium Carbide 24 9.1 5.1 3
Calcium Stearate [6] 4 — #VALUE! 0
Carbon Disulfide 21 6.1 3.4 3
Carbon Monoxide 21 4.3 2.4 3
Chlorine 1 0.0 0.0 4
Chlorine Dioxide 40 0.7 0.4 3
Chloro Methyl Ethyl Ether 14 5.7 3.2 2
Chloroacetyl Chloride 14 2.5 1.4 3
Chlorobenzene 16 10.9 6.1 2
Chloroform 1 1.5 0.8 2
Chloropicrin 29 5.8 3.2 4
Chlorostyrene 24 12.5 6.9 2
Coumarin 24 12.0 6.7 2
Cumene 16 18.0 10.0 2
Cumene Hydroperoxide 40 13.7 7.6 1
Cyanamide 29 7.0 3.9 4
Cyclobutane 21 19.1 10.6 1
Cyclohexane 16 18.7 10.4 1
Cyclohexanol 10 15.0 8.3 1
Cyclopropane 21 21.3 11.8 1
DER* 331 14 13.7 7.6 1
Di-tert-butyl Peroxide 40 14.5 8.1 3
Dichlorobenzene 10 8.1 4.5 2
Dichlorostyrene 24 9.3 5.2 2
Dicumyl Peroxide 29 15.4 8.6 0
Dicyclopentadiene 16 17.9 9.9 1
Diesel Fuel 10 18.7 10.4 0
Diethanolamine 4 10.0 5.6 1
Diethyl Carbonate 16 9.1 5.1 2
Diethyl Ether 21 14.5 8.1 2
Diethyl Peroxide 40 12.2 6.8 —
Diethylamine 16 16.5 9.2 3
Diethylene Glycol 4 8.7 4.8 1
Diisobutylene 16 19.0 10.6 1
Diisopropyl Benzene 10 17.9 9.9 0
Dimethylamine 21 15.2 8.4 3
Diphenyl Oxide 4 14.9 8.3 1
Dipropylene Glycol 4 10.8 6.0 0
Divinyl Acetylene 29 18.2 10.1 —
Divinyl Ether 24 14.5 8.1 2
Divinylbenzene 24 17.4 9.7 1
DOWANOL* DM 10 10.0 5.6 2
DOWANOL* EB 10 12.9 7.2 1
DOWANOL* PM 16 11.1 6.2 1
DOWANOL* PnB 10 — #VALUE! 1
DOWFROST* 4 9.1 5.1 1
DOWFROST* HD 1 — #VALUE! 0
DOWFROTH* 250 1 — #VALUE! 0
DOWICIL* 200 24 9.3 5.2 2
DOWICIL* 200 24 9.3 5.2 1
DOWICIL* 75 24 7.0 3.9 1
DOWTHERM* 4000 4 7.0 3.9 1
DOWTHERM* A 4 15.5 8.6 2
DOWTHERM* G 4 15.5 8.6 1
DOWTHERM* HT 4 — #VALUE! 1
DOWTHERM* J 10 17.8 9.9 1
DOWTHERM* LF 4 16.0 8.9 1
DOWTHERM* Q 4 17.3 9.6 1
DOWTHERM* SR-1 4 7.0 3.9 1
DURSBAN* 14 19.8 11.0 1
Epichlorohydrin 24 7.2 4.0 3
Ethane 21 20.4 11.3 1
Ethanolamine 10 9.5 5.3 2
Ethyl Acetate 16 10.1 5.6 1
Ethyl Acrylate 24 11.0 6.1 2
Ethyl Alcohol 16 11.5 6.4 0
Ethyl Benzene 16 17.6 9.8 2
Ethyl Benzoate 4 12.2 6.8 1
Ethyl Bromide 4 5.6 3.1 2
Ethyl Butylcarbonate 14 10.6 5.9 2
Ethyl Butyrate 16 12.2 6.8 0
Ethyl Chloride 21 8.2 4.6 1
Ethyl Chloroformate 16 5.2 2.9 3
Ethyl Ether 21 14.4 8.0 1
Ethyl Formate 16 8.7 4.8 2
Ethyl Mercaptan 21 12.7 7.1 2
Ethyl Nitrate 40 6.4 3.6 2
Ethyl Propyl Ether 16 15.2 8.4 1
Ethylamine 21 16.3 9.1 3
Ethylbutylamine 16 17.0 9.4 3
Ethylene 24 20.8 11.6 1
Ethylene Carbonate 14 5.3 2.9 2
Ethylene Dichloride 16 4.6 2.6 2
Ethylene Glycol 4 7.3 4.1 1
Ethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether 10 11.6 6.4 2
Ethylene Glycol Monoacetate 4 8.0 4.4 0
Ethylene Oxide 29 11.7 6.5 3
Ethylenediamine 10 12.4 6.9 3
Ethylenimine 29 13.0 7.2 4
Fluorine 40 — #VALUE! 4
Fluorobenzene 16 13.4 7.4 3
Formaldehyde (Anhydrous Gas) 21 8.0 4.4 3
Formaldehyde (solutions 37-56%) 10 — #VALUE! 3
Formic Acid 10 3.0 1.7 3
Fuel Oil #1 10 18.7 10.4 0
Fuel Oil #2 10 18.7 10.4 0
Fuel Oil #3 10 18.7 10.4 0
Fuel Oil #4 10 18.7 10.4 0
Furan 21 12.6 7.0 1
Gasoline 16 18.8 10.4 1
Glycerine 4 6.9 3.8 1
Glycolonitrile 14 7.6 4.2 1
Heptane 16 19.2 10.7 1
Hexachloro Diphenyl Oxide 14 5.5 3.1 2
Hexachlorobutadiene 14 2.0 1.1 2
Hexanal 16 15.5 8.6 2
Hexane 16 19.2 10.7 1
Hydrazine (anhydrous) 29 7.7 4.3 3
Hydrogen 21 51.6 28.7 0
Hydrogen Cyanide 24 10.3 5.7 4
Hydrogen Peroxide (40 to 60%) 14 [2] #VALUE! 2
Hydrogen Sulfide 21 6.5 3.6 4
Hydroxylamine 29 3.2 1.8 2
Hydroxypropyl Acrylate 24 10.4 5.8 3
Isobutane 21 19.4 10.8 1
Isobutyl Alcohol 16 14.2 7.9 1
Isobutylamine 16 16.2 9.0 2
Isobutylchloride 16 11.4 6.3 2
Isopentane 21 21.0 11.7 1
Isoprene 24 18.9 10.5 2
Isopropanol 16 13.1 7.3 1
Isopropenyl Acetylene 24 — #VALUE! 2
Isopropyl Acetate 16 11.2 6.2 1
Isopropyl Chloride 21 10.0 5.6 2
Isopropyl Ether 16 15.6 8.7 2
Isopropylamine 21 15.5 8.6 3
Jet Fuel A & A-1 10 21.7 12.1 0
Jet Fuel B 16 21.7 12.1 1
Kerosene 10 18.7 10.4 0
Lauryl Bromide 4 12.9 7.2 1
Lauryl Mercaptan 4 16.8 9.3 2
Lauryl Peroxide 40 15.0 8.3 0
LORSBAN* 4E 14 3.0 1.7 1
Lube Oil (mineral) 4 19.0 10.6 0
m-Diethyl Benzene 10 18.0 10.0 2
Magnesuim 14 10.6 5.9 0
Maleic Anhydride 14 5.9 3.3 3
Methacrylic Acid 24 9.3 5.2 3
Methane 21 21.5 11.9 1
Methyl Acetate 16 8.5 4.7 1
Methyl Acrylate 24 18.7 10.4 3
Methyl Alcohol 16 8.6 4.8 1
Methyl Amyl Ketone 10 15.4 8.6 1
Methyl Borate 16 — #VALUE! 2
Methyl Carbonate 16 6.2 3.4 2
Methylcellulose (bag storage) 4 6.5 3.6 0
Methylcellulose Dust [7] 16 6.5 3.6 0
Methyl Chloride 21 5.5 3.1 1
Methyl Chloroacetate 14 5.1 2.8 2
Methyl Cyclopentadiene 14 17.4 9.7 1
Methyl Ether 21 12.4 6.9 2
Methyl Ethyl Ketone 16 13.5 7.5 1
Methyl Formate 21 6.4 3.6 2
Methyl Hydrazine 24 10.9 6.1 4
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 16 16.6 9.2 2
Methyl Mercaptan 21 10.0 5.6 4
Methyl Methacrylate 24 11.9 6.6 2
Methyl Vinyl Ketone 24 13.4 7.4 4
Methylacetylene 24 20.0 11.1 2
Methylamine 21 13.2 7.3 3
Methylcyclohexane 16 19.0 10.6 2
Methylene Chloride 4 2.3 1.3 2
Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate 14 12.6 7.0 2
Mineral Oil 4 17.0 9.4 0
Mineral Seal Oil 10 17.6 9.8 0
Monochlorobenzene 16 11.3 6.3 2
Monoethanolamine 10 9.6 5.3 2
n-Butylamine 16 16.3 9.1 3
n-Propyl Ether 16 15.7 8.7 1
n-Propyl Nitrate 29 7.4 4.1 2
N-SERV* 14 15.0 8.3 2
Naphtha, VM & P, Regular 16 18.0 10.0 1
Naphthalene 10 16.7 9.3 2
Nitrobenzene 14 10.4 5.8 3
Nitrobiphenyl 4 12.7 7.1 2
Nitrochlorobenzene 4 7.8 4.3 3
Nitroethane 29 7.7 4.3 1
Nitroglycerine 40 7.8 4.3 2
Nitromethane 40 5.0 2.8 1
Nitropropanes 24 9.7 5.4 1
o-Bromotoluene 10 8.5 4.7 2
o-Chlorophenol 10 9.2 5.1 3
Octane 16 20.5 11.4 0
Oleic Acid 4 16.8 9.3 0
p-Ethyl Toluene 10 17.7 9.8 3
p-Nitrotoluene 14 11.2 6.2 3
p-Xylene 16 17.6 9.8 2
Pentamethylene Oxide 16 13.7 7.6 2
Pentane 21 19.4 10.8 1
Peracetic Acid 40 4.8 2.7 3
Perchloric Acid 29 [2] #VALUE! 3
Petroleum - Crude 16 21.3 11.8 1
Phenol 10 13.4 7.4 4
Polyethylene 10 18.7 10.4 —
Polystyrene Foam 16 17.1 9.5 —
Polystyrene Pellets 10 — #VALUE! —
Potassium (metal) 24 — #VALUE! 3
Potassium Chlorate 14 [2] #VALUE! 1
Potassium Nitrate 29 [2] #VALUE! 1
Potassium Perchlorate 14 — #VALUE! 1
Potassium Peroxide 14 — #VALUE! 3
Propanal 16 12.5 6.9 2
Propane 21 19.9 11.1 1
Propargyl Alcohol 29 12.6 7.0 4
Propargyl Bromide 40 13.6 7.6 4
Proprionic Nitrile 16 15.0 8.3 4
Propyl Acetate 16 11.2 6.2 1
Propyl Alcohol 16 12.4 6.9 1
Propylamine 16 15.8 8.8 3
Propylbenzene 16 17.3 9.6 2
Propylchloride 16 10.0 5.6 2
Propylene 21 19.7 10.9 1
Propylene Dichloride 16 6.3 3.5 2
Propylene Glycol 4 9.3 5.2 0
Propylene Oxide 24 13.2 7.3 3
Pyridine 16 5.9 3.3 3
Sodium Chlorate 24 — #VALUE! 1
Sodium Dichromate 14 — #VALUE! 1
Sodium Hydride 24 — #VALUE! 3
Sodium Hydrosulfite 24 — #VALUE! 2
Sodium Perchlorate 14 — #VALUE! 2
Sodium Peroxide 14 — #VALUE! 3
Stearic Acid 4 15.9 8.8 1
Styrene 24 17.4 9.7 2
Sulfur Chloride 14 1.8 1.0 3
Sulfur Dioxide 1 0.0 0.0 3
SYLTHERM* 800 4 12.3 6.8 1
SYLTHERM* XLT 10 14.1 7.8 1
t-Butyl Hydroperoxide 40 11.9 6.6 1
t-Butyl Peracetate 40 10.6 5.9 2
t-Butyl Perbenzoate 40 12.2 6.8 1
t-Butyl Peroxide 29 14.5 8.1 1
t-Octyl Mercaptan 10 16.5 9.2 2
TELONE* C-17 16 2.7 1.5 3
TELONE* II 16 3.2 1.8 2
Toluene 16 17.4 9.7 2
Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate 24 10.6 5.9 3
Tributylamine 10 17.8 9.9 3
Trichloroethylene 10 2.7 1.5 2
Triethanolamine 14 10.1 5.6 2
Triethylaluminum 29 16.9 9.4 3
Triethylamine 16 17.8 9.9 3
Triethylene Glycol 4 9.3 5.2 1
Triisobutylaluminum 29 18.9 10.5 3
Triisopropylbenzene 4 18.1 10.1 0
Trimethylaluminum 29 16.5 9.2 —
Tripropylamine 10 17.8 9.9 2
Vinyl Acetate 24 9.7 5.4 2
Vinyl Acetylene 29 19.5 10.8 2
Vinyl Allyl Ether 24 15.5 8.6 2
Vinyl Butyl Ether 24 15.4 8.6 2
Vinyl Chloride 24 8.0 4.4 2
Vinyl Ethyl Ether 24 14.0 7.8 2
Vinyl Toluene 24 17.5 9.7 2
Vinylidene Chloride 24 4.2 2.3 2
Zinc Chlorate 14 [2] #VALUE! 1
Zinc Stearate [7] 4 10.1 5.6 0
Footnotes: The net Heat of Combustion (Hc) is the value obtained when the water formed in the combustion is considered to be in the vapor state. Whe
to BTU/lb by multiplying by 1800 and dividing by molecular weight.
[1] Vacuum distillation. [6] MF is packaged material.
[2] Material oxidized to higher level of oxidation. [7] Evaluate as a dust.
[3] Sublimes. [8] Decomposes.
[4] Explodes on heating. [9] After extended use > 600 °F, the fla
[5] Decomposes in water.
Seta = Setaflash Method (See NFPA 321) NA = Not Applicable
Other Flash Points determined by Tag Closed Cup Method (TCC).
Material factor for unlisted materials
MATERIAL FACTOR DETERMINATION GUIDE

Flamm
ability
Rankin
g
Instability Ranking
Liquids & Gases Flammability or NFPA
Combustibility 325M 0 1 2
or 49
Non-combustible2 0 1 14 24
F.P. > 200 F (> 93.3 C) 1 4 14 24
F.P. > 100 F (> 37.8 C) 200 F ( 93.3 C) 2 10 14 24

F.P. 73 F ( 22.8 C) 3 16 16 24
< 100 °F (< 37.8 C) or
F.P. < 73 F (< 22.8 C) &
BP. 100 F ( 37.8 C)
F.P. < 73 F (< 22.8 C) & 4 21 21 24
B.P. < 100 F (< 37.8 C)
Combustible Dust or Mist
St-1 (KSt 200 bar m/sec) 16 16 24
St-2 (KSt = 201-300 bar m/sec) 21 21 24
St-3 (KSt > 300 bar m/sec) 24 24 24
Combustible Solids
Dense > 40 mm thick 1 4 14 24
Open < 40 mm thick 2 10 14 24
Foam, fiber, powder, etc. 3 16 16 24
F.P. = Flash Point, closed cup B.P. = Boiling Point at Standard Temperatures and Pressure (STP)
NFPA Rating
Nf Ni Flash Flash Boiling
Flammability Instability Point (°F) Point (°C) Point (°F)
1 0 None #VALUE! 165
3 0 2 -17 135 - 138
2 0 160 71 313
1 0 222 106 415
3 2 36 – 39 #VALUE! 140
1 4 302 150 606
4 2 -105 -76 24
3 0 95 35 219
3 0 124 51 276
3 1 54 12 214
3 0 84 29 243
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 21
2 3 133 56 344
3 0 98 37 237
3 2 5 -15 149
3 0 59 15 201
1 4 — #VALUE! —
4 0 -26 -32 95
2 1 112 44 325
1 2 214 101 410
3 2 35 2 154
2 0 102 39 262
1 2 — #VALUE! —
3 2 61 16 266
4 2 -36 -38 69
2 1 103 39 244
2 1 126 52 282
3 0 -4 -20 133
2 2 165 74 203
3 0 42 6 179
3 2 40 4 124
1 1 355 179 304 - 308
2 4 — #VALUE! [4]
1 0 — #VALUE! —
4 3 Gas #VALUE! -118
3 3 -15 -26 127
2 2 — #VALUE! 257[1]
2 2 124 51 286
3 2 32 0 171
3 1 72 22 207
3 1 28 -2 160
3 1 -20 -29 113
3 2 20 -7 203
3 1 -4 -20 128
0 2 — #VALUE! [3]
1 0 Gas #VALUE! -28
0 3 — #VALUE! 410
3 0 60 16 300
2 0 118 48 306 - 315
2 0 158 70 364
0 1 — #VALUE! —
1 0 — #VALUE! —
2 0 148 64 354
3 0 12 -11 176
1 1 250 121 482
1 0 195 91 417
1 0 200 93 403
2 1 162 72 387
3 4 — #VALUE! —
1 1 175 79 428
0 0 — #VALUE! 138
2 0 124 51 313
4 0 -76 -60 31
3 0 72 22 260
2 2 103 39 300
3 0 65 18 215
3 0 15 -9 170
3 1 92 33 288
3 3 97 36 277
3 2 — #VALUE! —
1 0 — #VALUE! —
4 0 -22 -30 115
0 0 Gas #VALUE! -29
1 4 Gas #VALUE! 50
1 1 — #VALUE! —
0 1 — #VALUE! 223
3 0 84 29 270
0 0 — #VALUE! 143
0 3 — #VALUE! 234
1 2 165 74 372
1 2 — #VALUE! 554
3 1 96 36 306
2 4 175 79 [4]
1 3 286 141 500
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 55
3 0 -4 -20 179
2 0 154 68 322
4 0 Gas #VALUE! -29
1 1 485 252 878
2 4 65 18 231
2 0 151 66 357
1 2 225 107 —
1 3 — #VALUE! —
3 1 90 32 342
2 0 100 – 130 #VALUE! 315
1 0 342 172 514
3 1 77 25 259
4 1 -49 -45 94
4 4 [4] #VALUE! [4]
3 0 -18 -28 132
1 0 255 124 472
3 0 23 -5 214
2 0 170 77 401
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 44
1 0 239 115 496
1 0 250 121 449
3 3 < -4 #VALUE! 183
3 2 < -22 #VALUE! 102
2 2 157 69 392
2 0 197 (Seta) #VALUE! 381
2 0 150 66 340
3 0 90 (Seta) #VALUE! 248
2 0 138 59 338
1 0 215 (TOC) #VALUE! 370
1 0 300 (Seta) #VALUE! 473
2 2 - #VALUE! -
2 2 — #VALUE! —
2 2 — #VALUE! —
1 0 252 (Seta) #VALUE! 330
1 0 236 (Seta) #VALUE! 495
1 0 266 (Seta) #VALUE! 551
1 0 322 (TOC) #VALUE! 650
2 0 136 (Seta) #VALUE! 358
1 0 240 116 550 – 558
1 0 249 (Seta) #VALUE! 513
1 0 232 111 325
2 1 81 – 110 #VALUE! —
3 2 88 31 241
2 0 185 85 339
3 0 24 -4 171
3 2 48 9 211
3 0 55 13 173
3 0 70 21 277
1 0 190 88 414
2 1 122 50 275
3 0 75 24 248
4 0 -58 -50 54
3 1 61 16 203
4 1 -49 -45 94
3 0 -4 -20 130
4 0 <0 #VALUE! 95
3 4 50 10 190
3 0 < -4 #VALUE! 147
4 0 <0 #VALUE! 62
3 0 64 18 232
1 1 290 143 351
3 0 56 13 181 – 183
1 0 232 111 387
2 0 29 -2 174
1 0 215 102 347
4 3 -4 -20 51
2 0 110 43 239
3 3 12 -11 135
3 0 5 -15 185
4 0 Gas #VALUE! -6
2 0 140 – 181 #VALUE! 206 – 212
2 0 122 50 213
2 0 100 – 162 #VALUE! 304 – 574
2 0 126 – 204 #VALUE! —
2 0 142 – 240 #VALUE! —
2 0 150 – 270 #VALUE! —
4 1 < 32 #VALUE! 88
3 0 -45 -43 100 – 400
1 0 390 199 340
1 1 — #VALUE! —
3 0 25 -4 209
1 1 — #VALUE! —
1 1 — #VALUE! —
3 1 90 32 268
3 0 -7 -22 156
3 3 100 38 236
4 2 0 -18 79
0 1 — #VALUE! 226 – 237
4 0 Gas #VALUE! -76
0 3 [4] #VALUE! 158
1 2 207 97 410
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 11
3 0 82 28 225
3 0 15 -9 150
3 0 < 70 #VALUE! 156
4 0 < -60 #VALUE! 82
4 2 -65 -54 93
3 0 53 12 181
4 2 < 19 #VALUE! 92
3 0 34 1 194
4 0 -26 -32 95
3 1 -18 -28 156
4 0 -15 -26 93
2 0 110 – 150 #VALUE! 400 – 550
3 0 -10 – 30 #VALUE! —
2 0 100 – 162 #VALUE! 304 – 574
1 0 291 144 356
1 0 262 128 289
1 4 — #VALUE! —
2 1 85 29 165
1 0 300 – 450 #VALUE! 680
2 0 133 56 358
1 1 — #VALUE! 2025
1 1 215 102 395
2 2 171 77 325
3 0 14 -10 140
3 2 27 -3 177
3 0 52 11 147
2 0 102 39 302
3 1 < 80 #VALUE! 156
3 1 66 19 192
1 0 — #VALUE! —
1 0 — #VALUE! —
4 0 -50 -46 -12
2 1 135 57 266
2 1 120 49 163
4 1 Gas #VALUE! -11
3 0 16 -9 176
4 0 -2 -19 89
3 2 21 -6 190
3 1 64 18 242
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 43
3 2 50 10 213
3 2 20 -7 179
4 2 Gas #VALUE! -10
4 0 Gas #VALUE! 21
3 0 25 -4 214
1 0 — #VALUE! 104
1 1 460 238 [9]
1 0 380 193 680
2 0 275 135 480 – 680
3 0 84 29 270
2 0 185 85 339
3 0 10 -12 171
3 0 70 21 194
3 3 68 20 230
2 1 102 39 300
3 0 28 -2 212 – 320
2 0 174 79 424
2 1 190 88 411
1 0 290 143 626
1 0 261 127 457 – 475
3 3 82 28 237
2 4 [4] #VALUE! [4]
3 4 95 35 213
3 2 75 – 93 #VALUE! 249 – 269
2 0 174 79 359
2 0 147 64 47
3 0 56 13 258
1 0 372 189 547
2 0 887 475 324
1 1 223 106 460
3 0 77 25 279
3 1 -4 -20 178
4 0 < -40 #VALUE! 97
2 4 105 41 221
0 3 — #VALUE! 66 [8]
3 0 20 – 90 #VALUE! —
2 0 175 79 358
— — NA #VALUE! NA
3 2 — #VALUE! 1410
0 1 — #VALUE! 752
0 3 — #VALUE! 752
0 1 — #VALUE! —
0 1 — #VALUE! [8]
3 1 -22 -30 120
4 0 Gas #VALUE! -44
3 3 97 36 237 – 239
3 4 50 10 192
3 1 36 2 207
3 0 55 13 215
3 0 74 23 207
3 0 -35 -37 120
3 0 86 30 319
3 0 <0 #VALUE! 115
4 1 -162 -108 -54
3 0 60 16 205
1 0 210 99 370
4 2 -35 -37 94
3 0 68 20 240
0 2 — #VALUE! [4]
0 1 — #VALUE! [4]
3 2 — #VALUE! [4]
1 2 — #VALUE! [4]
0 1 — #VALUE! [4]
0 1 — #VALUE! [4]
1 0 385 196 726
3 2 88 31 293
1 1 [5] 245 118 280
0 0 Gas #VALUE! 14
1 0 >320 [9] #VALUE! 398
2 0 108 42 345
4 4 < 80 or above #VALUE! [9]
3 4 < 80 #VALUE! [4]
3 4 > 190 #VALUE! [4]
3 3 64 18 176
2 0 115 46 318 – 329
3 1 79 26 200
3 0 83 28 220
3 0 40 4 232
1 2 270 132 484
2 0 145 63 417
1 1 354 179 650
4 3 — #VALUE! 365
3 0 16 -9 193
1 0 350 177 546
4 3 32 0 414
1 0 207 97 495
3 3 Ignites spontaneously in air#VALUE!
2 0 105 41 313
3 2 18 -8 163
4 3 Gas #VALUE! 41
3 2 < 68 #VALUE! 153
3 2 15 -9 202
4 2 -108 -78 7
4 2 < -50 #VALUE! 96
2 2 125 52 334
4 2 0 -18 89
0 1 — #VALUE! —
1 0 530 277 —
on is considered to be in the vapor state. When Hc is given in kcal/gm mole, it can be converted
[6] MF is packaged material.

[7] Evaluate as a dust.
[8] Decomposes.
[9] After extended use > 600 °F, the flash point can potentially drop to 95 °F.
NA = Not Applicable TOC = Tag Open Cup Method

* Trademark of the Dow Chemical Company
N GUIDE
ility Ranking
3 4
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
29 40
ure (STP)
Boiling
Point (°C)
74
57-59
156
213
60
319
-4
104
136
101
117
-6
173
114
65
94
#VALUE!
35
163
210
68
128
#VALUE!
130
21
118
139
56
95
82
51
151-153
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
-83
53
125[1]
141
77
97
71
45
95
53
[3]
-33
210
149
152 - 157
184
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
179
80
250
214
206
197
#VALUE!
220
59
156
-1
127
149
102
77
142
136
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
46
-192
-34
10
#VALUE!
106
132
62
112
189
290
152
#VALUE!
260
13
82
161
-34
470
111
181
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
172
157
268
126
34
#VALUE!
56
244
101
205
7
258
232
84
39
200
194
171
120
170
188
116
245
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
166
257
288
343
181
288 - 292
267
163
#VALUE!
116
-89
171
77
99
78
136
212
38
135
120
12
95
34
54
35
88
64
17
111
-104
177
83 - 84
197
79
175
11
115
57
-188
85
-21
97 - 100
101
151 - 301
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
31
38 - 204
171
#VALUE!
98
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
131
69
113
-253
26
108 - 114
-60
70
210
-12
107
66
69
28
34
83
33
90
35
69
34
204 - 288
#VALUE!
151 - 301
180
143
#VALUE!
74
360
181
1107
202
163
-161
60
81
64
150
69
89
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
-24
130
73
-24
80
32
88
117
6
101
82
-23
-6
101
40
#VALUE!
360
249 - 360
132
171
77
90
110
149
100 - 160
218
211
330
236 - 246
114
[-16]
101
121 - 132
182
8
126
286
162
238
137
81
36
105
19 [8]
#VALUE!
181
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
766
400
400
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
49
-42
114 - 115
89
97
102
97
49
159
46
-48
96
188
34
116
[4]
[4]
[4]
[4]
[4]
[4]
386
145
138
-10
203
174
[9]
[4]
[4]
80
159 - 165
93
104
111
251
214
87
343
185
89
286
212
257
-18
156
73
5
67
94
-14
36
168
32
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
DETERMINATION OF MATERIAL FACTO
The Material Factor (MF) is the basic starting value in the computation of
risk analysis values. The MF is a measure of the intrinsic rate of potential
fire or explosion produced by combustion or chemical reaction.
The MF is obtained from the flammability and instability rankings accor

Generally, the flammability and instability rankings are for ambient te
recognized that the fire and reaction hazards of a material increase markedl
The fire hazard from a combustible liquid at a temperature above its flash p
that from a flammable liquid at ambient temperature. Reaction rates also inc
with temperature. If the temperature of the material on which the MF is base
°C), a certain adjustment may be required, as discussed below under
Adjustment of Material Factor.”
Appendix A provides a listing of MFs for a number of chemical compound

these values will be used in most cases. If Appendix A does not lis
flammability and instability rankings may possibly be found in NFPA 3
Unlisted Substances
If neither Appendix A, NFPA 49, nor NFPA 325M contains values
mixture or compound in question, these values will have to be de
flammability ranking or dust class (St) (see Table l). First, the paramete
column of the table will have to be determined. The flammability ran
gases is obtained from flash point data, and the St of dusts or mists is
explosion testing. The flammability ranking of combustible solids depe
the material as categorized in the left column.
The instability ranking can be obtained from a qualitative description
MATERIAL FACTOR DETERMINATION GU

Flammability
Ranking Instabili
Non-combustible2 0 1 14
F.P. > 200 °F (> 93.3 °C) 1 4 14
F.P. > 100 °F (> 37.8 °C) £200 °F (£ 2 10 14

93.3 °C)
F.P. ³ 73 °F (³ 22.8 °C) 3 16 16
< 100 °F (< 37.8 °C) or
Flammability
Ranking Instabili
Non-combustible2 0 1 14
F.P. > 200 °F (> 93.3 °C) 1 4 14
F.P. > 100 °F (> 37.8 °C) £ 200 °F (£ 2 10 14

93.3 °C)
F.P. ³ 73 °F (³ 22.8 °C) 3 16 16
< 100 °F (< 37.8 °C) or
F.P. < 73 °F (< 22.8 °C) &
BP. ³ 100 °F (³ 37.8 °C)
F.P. < 73 °F (< 22.8 °C) & 4 21 21
B.P. < 100 °F (< 37.8 °C)
Combustible Dust or Mist 3
St-1 (KSt £ 200 bar m/sec) 16 16
St-2 (KSt = 201-300 bar m/sec) 21 21
St-3 (KSt > 300 bar m/sec) 24 24
Combustible Solids
Notes:
1 Includes volatile solids.
2 Will not burn in air when exposed to a temperature of 816 °C for a period of
3 K values are for a 16 Litre or larger closed test vessel with strong ignition
St
68, Guide for Venting of Deflagrations.
4 Includes wood – 2 inches nominal thickness, magnesium ingots, tight stack
PROCESS UNIT HAZARDS FACTORS
After the appropriate Material Factor has been determined, the next step
Process Unit Hazards Factor (F3), which is the term that is multiplied by th
obtain the F&EI.
The numerical value of the Process Unit Hazards Factor is determined by f

General Process Hazards Factor and Special Process Hazards Factor listed
Each item which contributes to the Process Hazards Factors contributes to
escalation of an incident that could cause a fire or an explosion.
When calculating the penalties comprising the Process Unit Hazards Facto
specific instant in time during which the material under consideration is in
normal operation state associated with the Process Unit. Startup, contin
shutdown are among the operational states that may be considered.
This rather strict definition is intended to prevent double or triple counting o

The numerical value of the Process Unit Hazards Factor is determined by f
General Process Hazards Factor and Special Process Hazards Factor listed
Each item which contributes to the Process Hazards Factors contributes to
escalation of an incident that could cause a fire or an explosion.
When calculating the penalties comprising the Process Unit Hazards Facto
specific instant in time during which the material under consideration is in
normal operation state associated with the Process Unit. Startup, contin
shutdown are among the operational states that may be considered.
This rather strict definition is intended to prevent double or triple counting o

during the process. Since the MF is taken to be that of the most hazardous s
the Process Unit, it can be certain that the Fire and Explosion analysis will rea
“worst case” when focus is placed on the most hazardous operational point inv
this will be a realistic worst case — one that could actually occur.
In the F&EI system, only one hazard may be evaluated at a time. If the
flammable liquid present in the Process Unit, do not take penalties relating to
even though dust may be present at a different time. A reasonable approach m
the Process Unit once using the MF of the flammable liquid and a second tim
the dust. Only the calculation resulting in the highest F&EI and Actual M
Property Damage need to be reported.
One important exception is the hybrid, described previously under “Mix

mixture is selected as the most hazardous material present, it is penalized bot
flammable vapor in the Process Unit Hazards Factor sections of this manual.
Some items on the F&EI form have fixed penalty values. For those that do
appropriate penalty by consulting the text that follows. Remember – analyze
a time, relating the analysis to a specific, most hazardous time (e.g., startup,
shutdown). Keep the focus on the Process Unit and Material Factor selec
keep in mind that the results of the final calculation are only as valid as the ap
penalty assessments.
The entry of all the pertinent information to allow calculation of the Fire and E
the radius of exposure is made in the excel workbook F&EI Calculation w
N OF MATERIAL FACTOR
ting value in the computation of the F&EI and other

e of the intrinsic rate of potential energy release from
r chemical reaction.
ty and instability rankings according to NFPA 704.

ity rankings are for ambient temperatures. It is
ds of a material increase markedly with temperature.
at a temperature above its flash point is equivalent to
mperature. Reaction rates also increase very markedly
material on which the MF is based is over 140
red, as discussed below under C. “Temperature
a number of chemical compounds and materials, and

s. If Appendix A does not list the material, the
y possibly be found in NFPA 325M or NFPA 49
or NFPA 325M contains values for the substance,

hese values will have to be determined from the
(see Table l). First, the parameters shown in the left
etermined. The flammability ranking
a, and the St of dusts or mists is determined by dust
nking of combustible solids depends on the nature of
olumn.
ned from a qualitative description of the instability (or
R DETERMINATION GUIDE
ammability
Ranking Instability Ranking
0 1 14 24
1 4 14 24
2 10 14 24
3 16 16 24
ammability
Ranking Instability Ranking
0 1 14 24
1 4 14 24
2 10 14 24
3 16 16 24
4 21 21 24
16 16 24
21 21 24
24 24 24
perature of 816 °C for a period of five minutes.

ed test vessel with strong ignition source. See NFPA
ess, magnesium ingots, tight stacks of solids and tight
T HAZARDS FACTORS
been determined, the next step is to calculate the

the term that is multiplied by the Material Factor to
Hazards Factor is determined by first determining the

ial Process Hazards Factor listed on the F&EI form.
s Hazards Factors contributes to the development or
fire or an explosion.
g the Process Unit Hazards Factor, F

material under consideration is in the most hazardous
he Process Unit. Startup, continuous operation and
hat may be considered.
revent double or triple counting of hazards occurring

Hazards Factor is determined by first determining the
ial Process Hazards Factor listed on the F&EI form.
s Hazards Factors contributes to the development or
fire or an explosion.
g the Process Unit Hazards Factor, F

material under consideration is in the most hazardous
he Process Unit. Startup, continuous operation and
hat may be considered.
revent double or triple counting of hazards occurring

to be that of the most hazardous substance present in
ire and Explosion analysis will really be based upon a
ost hazardous operational point involving the MF, and
t could actually occur.
y be evaluated at a time. If the MF is based on a

t, do not take penalties relating to combustible dusts
ent time. A reasonable approach might be to evaluate
flammable liquid and a second time using the MF of
n the highest F&EI and Actual Maximum Probable
described previously under “Mixtures.” If a hybrid

material present, it is penalized both as a dust and as a
ds Factor sections of this manual.
penalty values. For those that do not, determine the

hat follows. Remember – analyze only one hazard at
most hazardous time (e.g., startup, normal operation or
s Unit and Material Factor selected for analysis and
culation are only as valid as the appropriateness of the
allow calculation of the Fire and Explosion Index and

cel workbook F&EI Calculation workbook S2S June
Butadiene Unloading
Fire and Explosion Index 98.31
Material Factor (see Material Data tab) 24.00
NFPA Health rating (Nh) 2
NFPA Flammability rating (Nf) 4
NFPA Instability rating (Ni) 2
General Process Hazards

Base 1
1A Exothermic Reaction (range of input 0.3 - 1.25) 0.00
1B Endothermic Reaction (input range 0.2 - 0.4) 0.00
1C Material Handling and Transfer (input range 0.25 - 0.8) 0.50
Enclosed or Indoor Process or storage Units handling
1D Flammable materials 0.00
1E Ease of Access for Emergency Responders 0.20
1F Drainage and Spill Control 0.10
General Process Hazards Factor 1.80
Base 1
2A Toxicity of the material handled. 0.40
Process or Storage operates at vacuum (<500mmHg) -penalty
2B 0.5 0.00
2C Operation in or near the flammable range (input range 0.0 - 0.8) 0.30
2D Dust Explosion (input range 0.0 - 2.0) 0.00
2E Pressure Penalty 0.00
2F Low Temperature Operation 0.00
2G1 Combustible and Flammable materials in Process 0.00
2G2 Liquids or gases in Storage 0.48
2G3 Solids in Storage or Process 0.00
2H Corrosion and Erosion (input range 0.0 -0.75) 0.00
2I Leakage, Joints, packing, flexible joints 0.10
2J Use of Fired Equipment (fig 6) 0.00
2K Hot Oil Heat Exchange Equipment (table 5) 0.00
2L Rotating Equipment 0.00
Special Process Hazards Factor 2.28
Level 2 Risk Analysis is not triggered
Finishing tower

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
Level 2 Risk Analysis is triggered
0

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
Operation in or near the flammable range (input range 0.0 -
2C 0.8) 0.00
0

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
0

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
0

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
0

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
Xylene storage

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
LPG Store

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00
Solids pesticides warehouse

Base 1
Base 1
2B 0.5 0.00

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Explanation of the Dow Fire and Explosion Index.

Important factors for selecting Pertinent Process Units include:

g an efficient and logical procedure to determine which process units should

n the appropriate space on the F&EI form. The Manufacturing Unit

process unit handles a minimum of 2,500 kg of a flammable, combustible or

Sheet i.d. Unit Description

Material factor for unlisted materials

MATERIAL FACTOR DETERMINATION GUIDE

F.P. > 200 F (> 93.3 C) 1 4 14 24

F.P. > 100 F (> 37.8 C) 200 F ( 93.3 C) 2 10 14 24

[6] MF is packaged material.

NA = Not Applicable TOC = Tag Open Cup Method

The MF is obtained from the flammability and instability rankings accor

Appendix A provides a listing of MFs for a number of chemical compound

The instability ranking can be obtained from a qualitative description

MATERIAL FACTOR DETERMINATION GU

F.P. > 200 °F (> 93.3 °C) 1 4 14

F.P. > 100 °F (> 37.8 °C) £200 °F (£ 2 10 14

F.P. > 200 °F (> 93.3 °C) 1 4 14

F.P. > 100 °F (> 37.8 °C) £ 200 °F (£ 2 10 14

PROCESS UNIT HAZARDS FACTORS

The numerical value of the Process Unit Hazards Factor is determined by f

This rather strict definition is intended to prevent double or triple counting o

This rather strict definition is intended to prevent double or triple counting o

One important exception is the hybrid, described previously under “Mix

ting value in the computation of the F&EI and other

ty and instability rankings according to NFPA 704.

a number of chemical compounds and materials, and

or NFPA 325M contains values for the substance,

ned from a qualitative description of the instability (or

perature of 816 °C for a period of five minutes.

ess, magnesium ingots, tight stacks of solids and tight

been determined, the next step is to calculate the

Hazards Factor is determined by first determining the

g the Process Unit Hazards Factor, F

revent double or triple counting of hazards occurring

g the Process Unit Hazards Factor, F

revent double or triple counting of hazards occurring

y be evaluated at a time. If the MF is based on a

described previously under “Mixtures.” If a hybrid

penalty values. For those that do not, determine the

allow calculation of the Fire and Explosion Index and

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

General Process Hazards

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