Flash Point is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a volatile combustible substance can ignite in the air in the presence of an ignitable source. At the flash point, more vapor may not be produced rapidly enough to sustain combustion. Hence, the fire is mostly not sustained. At some temperature above the flash point, the liquid will produce enough vapor to support combustion. (This temperature is known as the fire point).
It is used to measure how volatile a liquid is and the level of risk it could pose. They 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 closed cup test apparatus or
- Both
How It Is Measured
There are two basic types of flash point measurement: Open cup and Closed cup.
Open cup measurement:
In open cup devices, the sample is contained in an open cup which is heated, and, at intervals, a flame is brought over the surface. The measured flash point will vary with the height of the flame above the liquid surface, and, at sufficient height, the measured flash point temperature will coincide with the fire point. The best-known example is the Cleveland Open Cup (COC).
Closed cup measurement:
There are two types of closed cup testers: Non-equilibrial, such as Pensky-Martens, where the vapors above the liquid are not in temperature equilibrium with the liquid, and equilibrial, such as Small Scale (commonly known as Setaflash), where the vapors are deemed to be in temperature equilibrium with the liquid. In both these types, the cups are sealed with a lid through which the ignition source can be introduced. Closed cup testers normally give lower values for the flash point than an open cup (typically 5–10 °C or 9–18 °F lower) and are a better approximation to the temperature at which the vapor pressure reaches the lower flammable limit.
Generally, a flash point is an empirical measurement rather than a fundamental physical parameter. The measured value will vary with equipment and test protocol variations, including temperature ramp rate (in automated testers), the time allowed for the sample to equilibrate, sample volume, and whether the sample is stirred.
Read Also: How to use a fire blanket
History
The use of the flashpoint as a measure of a liquid’s hazardousness dates from the 19th century. Before gasoline became important, kerosene was the main petroleum product (used mainly as fuel for lamps and stoves), and there was a tendency on the part of petroleum distillers to leave as much as possible of the commercially worthless gasoline in the kerosene to sell more product. This adulteration of kerosene with highly volatile gasoline caused numerous fires and explosions in storage tanks and oil lamps. Legal measures were instituted to curb the danger, test methods were prescribed, and minimum flash points were set.
Why Flash Point is Important
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Fire Hazard Identification: Helps classify liquids as flammable or combustible.
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Safety Regulations: Used in labeling, storage, and transportation of chemicals.
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Risk Assessment: A Key factor in understanding how easily a substance can ignite in various environments.
Flash Point Categories
| Classification | Flash Point Range |
|---|---|
| Extremely Flammable | Below 0°C (32°F) |
| Highly Flammable | 0°C to 21°C (32°F to 70°F) |
| Flammable | 21°C to 60°C (70°F to 140°F) |
| Combustible | Above 60°C (140°F) |
Example Flash Points of Common Substances
| Substance | Flash Point |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | -43°C (-45°F) |
| Acetone | -20°C (-4°F) |
| Kerosene | 38-72°C (100-162°F) |
| Diesel Fuel | 52-96°C (126-205°F) |
| Ethanol | 13°C (55°F) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the flashpoint of a substance is essential for safe handling and storage, especially when dealing with a flammable liquid. It indicates the temperature at which a liquid can emit vapors that ignite in air, making it a critical factor in fire prevention and risk assessment. Flash point testing is commonly used to determine this property and is typically documented in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of chemical products. Proper knowledge and awareness of flashpoints help ensure workplace safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.
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