John:

I agree with what you posted. My problem is that if the document is to supply information, such as the minimum ignition energy for a specific gas can change based on the fuel/air ratio, then the information need to be complete. Is it not important to be complete in the information? All we are talking about is a simple sentence. It can be as simple as, “The value shown is not a consistent value. The value can change if there is a difference in the fuel/air mixture. It can even change if all the perimeters of the test remain the same.” This is not a comprehensive scientific or engineering explanation. It is simply telling the reader not to rely on this as a hard and fast value. It is giving the reader all the information needed without going into a complete explanation as to why if all the perimeters are the same why would not the value stay the same.

Why is the document using the term in minimum ignition energy over a dozen times and not defining what the term means? I do not understand the resistance in adding the following as the definition.

The minimum energy that can ignite a mixture of a specified flammable material with air or oxygen, measured by a standard procedure.

What is being suggested on this topic is basic knowledge a person needs if they are going to use this document. Why make them have to research other documents to learn this information.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group