In this paper the thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was investigated in real scale packages of different sizes and in 500 mL Dewar vessels. Packages containing 5 kg, 20 kg and 50 kg of AIBN have been investigated according to the UN test H.1 method and the 500 mL Dewar experiments were performed according to the UN test H.4 method. The self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) was determined for the different masses and for the 500 mL Dewar vessel. Additionally, DSC curves have been recorded in closed crucibles. All these experimental data are the basis of a series of forthcoming papers dealing with the simulation of the SADT for different masses using reliable kinetic data. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.