Final answer:
To estimate the parts per million (ppm) of acetone gas using a combustible gas meter reading of 20% LEL, multiply the LEL percentage by the conversion factor for the gas. Since acetone has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 2.6%, the estimated ppm for acetone would be 260 ppm.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate the parts per million (ppm) of acetone gas using a combustible gas meter reading of 20% LEL, we can use the conversion factor provided by the manufacturer or a standard conversion factor.
Typically, the combustible gas meter is calibrated using methane, so the conversion factor for methane is usually provided by the manufacturer. Let's assume the conversion factor for methane is 1% LEL = 500 ppm (parts per million).
Since acetone has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 2.6% (given that acetone is the gas present), we can use the conversion factor to estimate the ppm:
20% LEL = (20/100) * 2.6 = 0.52% acetone concentration
0.52% * 500 ppm = 260 ppm