The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid produces enough flammable vapor to sustain combustion. It’s important for safety testing, and related terms include fire point and self-ignition point. Companies test potentially flammable fluids for safety considerations, and the focus point is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the flash point. A separate test can confirm the fire point for prolonged burning at high temperatures.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid will produce enough flammable vapor to create sustained combustion, burning for at least five seconds, if the vapor is exposed to a flame or spark. It is an important parameter for safety testing, as a burning fluid can create a fire hazard if the flames strike objects in the surrounding area or ignite other fluids. Safety tests for liquids known to be potentially flammable may include a test to determine the fire point.
Several related terms refer to the flammability of fluid components and it is important to be aware of the differences between them. As temperatures rise, fluids produce flammable vapors through the process of evaporation. At the flash point, exposure to an ignition point such as an open flame will produce a brief flash of flame, but the temperature is not hot enough to perpetuate evaporation and maintain the flames. The firing point, slightly higher, ensures prolonged ignition. At the point of self-ignition, temperatures rise high enough for the vapor to spontaneously ignite, a considerable safety risk.
In a system where potentially flammable fluids are in use, ranging from lubricants to fuels, the flash point is an important safety consideration. Operators must consider the potential maximum temperature of the system when selecting the fluids in which they will use it, as they do not want to create a safety risk. If a lubricant will burst into flames when exposed to a spark at normal operating temperature, for example, it wouldn’t be a good fit.
Companies developing potentially flammable fluids can test materials to learn more about their properties. This may include controlled tests to find flash, fire and self-ignition points for the purpose of publishing safety information. The company will also check for toxins that could pose a threat to human health, corrosiveness, and other properties known to be potential problems.
Focus point information is not always available. As a general rule, it falls about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) above the flash point. If there are specific concerns about prolonged burning at high temperatures, a separate test should be performed to confirm the fire point and determine if a flammable fluid is suitable for use. This can be done by a materials testing company, where a controlled testing environment is available for reliable and highly accurate results.
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