At what percentage of methane by volume does maximum explosion violence occur?

The maximum explosion violence in the presence of methane occurs at approximately 9% by volume in air. This percentage represents the optimal concentration for methane to mix with air, allowing for the most efficient combustion and release of energy during an explosion. When methane concentrations are above or below this level, the likelihood of an explosion diminishes. Specifically, below approximately 5% methane, there are insufficient fuel particles for ignition, while above approximately 15%, the mixture becomes too rich in fuel, which also reduces the explosive potential. Therefore, understanding this critical concentration is essential for assessing and mitigating explosion risks in mining operations or other environments where methane may accumulate.