Methane is considered explosive at which concentration range?

Methane is classified as explosive in the concentration range of 5% to 15% by volume in air. This range is critical for understanding how methane can ignite and potentially cause significant hazards in mining and other industrial environments. When methane concentrations fall below 5%, the mixture is typically too lean to support combustion, meaning that there isn't enough methane to ignite. Conversely, concentrations above 15% are considered too rich to ignite, which means there is an excess of methane that cannot sustain combustion. It is this specific range of 5% to 15% that presents the highest risk of explosion, making it essential for mine safety practices to monitor and control methane levels within this threshold to ensure a safe working environment.