The spoon consists of a long metal handle with a small, shallow bowl or cavity at one end. This bowl is where the substance to be tested is placed. The handle is typically made of a non-combustible material like metal, while the bowl can be made of various materials depending on the specific application and the nature of the substances being tested.
During a deflagration test, a small amount of the substance under investigation is placed in the bowl of the deflagrating spoon. The spoon is then heated over a flame or other heat source. If the substance is combustible or explosive, it will ignite or react in the spoon’s bowl, allowing the observer to assess its properties.
Deflagrating spoons are important tools for safety testing and classification of hazardous materials in laboratory settings. They allow researchers to determine the potential risks associated with certain substances and ensure safe handling and storage practices.