5% of methane in air corresponds to what percentage of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?

To determine what percentage of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) corresponds to 5% of methane in air, it’s essential to understand the concept of LEL. The LEL for methane is the minimum concentration of methane in air that can ignite and cause an explosion. For methane, the LEL is typically around 5% by volume in air.

If 5% of methane in the air precisely equals the LEL, then at this concentration, it represents 100% of the LEL. This means that at a concentration of 5%, you have reached the threshold where methane can start to combust when exposed to an ignition source.

Consequently, the correct answer indicates that 5% of methane not only meets but fully satisfies the criteria for the LEL. Understanding this relationship is crucial for safety in environments where flammable gases like methane are present, as it helps determine safe operational limits and increase awareness of potential hazards.