UN Series Explosive Testing for DOT EX Number Approvals

Delta-V Energetics provides comprehensive UN Series explosive testing to support DOT EX Number approvals, ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), PHMSA, and UN Model Regulations. Our testing services help classify and approve explosive substances and articles for safe and legal transportation.

We conduct the full suite of UN Test Series 1 through 8, which includes:

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Determines whether a substance or article exhibits explosive properties. These tests assess shock sensitivity, thermal stability, and reaction to initiation to determine if a material should be classified as an explosive.

• Test 1 (a): UN Gap Test – Evaluates detonation propagation under confinement.
• Test 1 (b): Koenen Test – Determines response to thermal ignition under pressure.
• Test 1 (c)(i): Time/Pressure Test – Assesses ignition sensitivity under confinement.
• Test 1 (c)(ii): Internal Ignition Test – Evaluates ignition response in a closed system.

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Identifies the appropriate compatibility group (A through S) for safe storage and transport by evaluating the material’s chemical and reactive behavior with other substances.

• Test 2 (a): UN Gap Test – Shock sensitivity testing under less stringent conditions.
• Test 2 (b): Koenen Test – Heat sensitivity test for classification refinement.
• Test 2 (c)(i): Time/Pressure Test – Measures ignition behavior under moderate confinement.
• Test 2 (c)(ii): Internal Ignition Test – Evaluates deflagration or detonation risk.\

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Evaluates the explosive’s response to mechanical and thermal stimuli, crucial for handling and storage safety.

• Test 3 (a)(ii): BAM Fallhammer Test – Determines impact sensitivity.
• Test 3 (b)(i): BAM Friction Apparatus – Measures friction sensitivity.
• Test 3 (c)(i): Thermal Stability Test at 75°C – Assesses decomposition risk.
• Test 3 (d): Small-Scale Burning Test – Determines burn characteristics.

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Assesses how an explosive responds to friction, impact, and heating, ensuring it remains stable under normal transport and handling conditions.

• Test 4 (a): Thermal Stability Test for Packaged Articles – Evaluates heat response.
• Test 4 (b)(i): Steel Tube Drop Test for Liquids – Measures mechanical stability.
• Test 4 (b)(ii): 12-Meter Drop Test for Packaged Articles – Ensures robustness in transit.

Determines whether the explosive presents a mass detonation hazard (1.1) or is more likely to burn progressively (1.2, 1.3, etc.), critical for classification.

• Test 5 (a): Cap Sensitivity Test – Measures initiation sensitivity.
• Test 5 (b)(ii): USA DDT Test – Determines deflagration-to-detonation transition risk.
• Test 5 (c): External Fire Test – Evaluates large-scale explosive behavior in fire.

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Tests packaged explosives to determine their proper hazard division (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) by evaluating the potential for mass explosion, projection, or fire hazards.

• Test 6 (a): Single Package Test – Evaluates detonation risk within a single package.
• Test 6 (b): Stack Test – Assesses propagation risk between packages.
• Test 6 (c): External Fire (Bonfire) Test – Determines large-scale burning behavior.
• Test 6 (d): Unconfined Package Test – Examines hazards outside the package.

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Determines whether an article containing an explosive is extremely insensitive (EIS) and can be classified as Division 1.6.

• Test 7 (a): EIS Cap Test – Evaluates sensitivity to initiation.
• Test 7 (b): EIS Gap Test – Measures detonation resistance.
• Test 7 (c)(ii): Friability Test – Assesses mechanical durability.
• Test 7 (d)(i): Bullet Impact Test – Tests reaction to projectile penetration.
• Test 7 (e): External Fire Test – Examines fire response under confinement.
• Test 7 (f): Slow Cook-Off Test – Measures thermal decomposition risks.

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Specifically designed for AN-based explosives, assessing their thermal stability, detonation properties, and decomposition risks to ensure safe handling and transport.

• Test 8 (a): Thermal Stability Test for ANE – Evaluates heat sensitivity.
• Test 8 (b): ANE Gap Test – Measures detonation susceptibility.
• Test 8 (c): Koenen Test – Assesses confinement reaction.
• Test 8 (d): Vented Pipe Tests – Determines suitability for tank storage.
• Test 8 (e): Minimum Burning Pressure (MBP) Test – Analyzes ignition pressure thresholds.