Key Difference Between FLASH POINT And FIRE POINT

Difference between FLASH POINT and FIRE POINT

We are going to consider two parameters in this article; FLASH POINT and FIRE POINT.

These two (2) parameters have been mixed up a times. This article will point out the significant difference between the two.

Firstly, What is a flash point:

This is the lowest temperature at which vapor of a volatile combustible substance can ignite in air in the presence of an ignitable source. At flash point, more vapor may not be produced rapidly enough to sustain combustion. Hence, the fire is mostly not sustained.

Flash point is used to measure how volatile a liquid is and the level of risk it could pose.

Flash points are measured by heating a liquid to specific temperatures under controlled conditions and then applying a flame.

This test is done using an:

Open cup test apparatus,
A close cup test apparatus or
Both

Read Also: How to use a fire blanket

Flash Point Of Some Substances

Automotive gasoline, −43 °C (−45 °F)
Ethyl alcohol, 13 °C (55 °F)
Automotive diesel fuel, 38 °C (100 °F)
Kerosene, 42–72 °C (108–162 °F)
Home heating oil, 52–96 °C (126–205 °F)
SAE 10W-30 motor oil, 216 °C (421 °F)

What Is A Fire Point

This is the lowest temperature at which a volatile combustible substance continues to burn in air after its vapors have been ignited and the ignition source removed.

It is always higher than the flash point.

From the definitions/explanation above, two major differences can be picked between the two parameters:

Key Difference Between FLASH POINT And FIRE POINT

Flash point explains the lowest temperature for ignition, but the ignition may not be sustained; whereas fire point explains the lowest temperature where ignition is achieved and the ignition sustained for some time.
The fire point is always slightly higher than the flash point.