| The lowest concentration (air-fuel mixture) at which a gas can ignite is called its Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Concentrations below this limit are too lean to burn. The highest concentration that can be ignited is its Upper Explosive Limit (UEL). Above that concentration, the mixture is too rich to burn. A gas is only combustible between its LEL and UEL, but any concentration of combustible gas should be a concern. Lean mixtures can collect in an area and reach a combustible level, or rich mixtures can be diluted with air to become combustible. |
