We also offer

Request a Quote
Why Work With Us
FAQ

Flammable Liquid: Flash Point and Fire Point

Flammable liquid refers to any liquid that can ignite when exposed to an ignition source at a certain temperature. The flash point is the lowest temperature—adjusted for standard atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa)—at which a flammable liquid produces enough vapor to ignite under specified test conditions. The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the flammable liquid sustains burning for at least five seconds after removing the ignition source.

Flash Point and Fire Point Testing

Testing Principle and Methodology

At Prime Process Safety Center, we determine the flash point and fire point of flammable liquids, including petroleum products, using the following methods:

Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Method

  • Pour the flammable liquid into the cup to the marked level and place it in the holder.

  • Secure the lid, which contains a thermometer and stirrer.

  • Heat at ~1°C per minute while stirring at 250 r/min.

  • Introduce a 3.2–4.8 mm flame for 0.5 seconds and observe for a flash.

  • If a flash occurs, cool the sample 18°C below that temperature and repeat the test for accuracy.

Cleveland Open Cup Method

  • Similar to the closed cup test but without a lid, resulting in a higher flash point measurement.

  • Also used to determine the fire point, ensuring the flammable liquid burns for at least five seconds after ignition removal.

Prime Process Safety Center - Get in Touch

Get in touch

Any questions or concerns? To learn more about our services, please call +1 (346) 462-3838 /+1 (346) 462-3816 or email info@primeprocesssafety.com.

Contact Us
Request a Quote

Applicable Standards

  • ASTM D93 – Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester

  • ISO 2719 – Determination of Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Method

  • ASTM D3828 – Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester

  • ASTM D92 – Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester

Data Interpretation

Examples of flash points for common flammable liquids:

Hydrocarbon Purity, mol% Flash Point (ᣞC) Tolerance
n-Decane 99+ 52.8 2.6
n-Undecane 99+ 68.7 3.4
n-tetradecane 99+ 109.3 5.4
n-hexadecane 99+ 133.9 6.7

Flash point provides critical insight into a liquid’s volatility and flammability, making it an essential factor in evaluating potential fire hazards during storage, transportation, and usage.

  • Low flash point = Highly flammable

  • High flash point = Less flammable

Flash point testing of flammable liquids provides critical insight into their volatility and fire risk, helping evaluate potential hazards during storage, handling, transportation, and use. It can also reveal the presence of highly volatile or flammable components in substances otherwise considered safe.

Why Choose Prime Process Safety Center

  • Expertise: Our team is highly experienced in performing accurate and reliable flash and fire point tests.

  • Advanced Equipment: We use state-of-the-art testing systems for precise and sensitive measurements.

  • Strict Protocols: Our procedures follow industry and regulatory standards with rigorous quality control.

  • Insightful Analysis: We interpret and analyze results to provide valuable recommendations for your specific application or research.

At Prime Process Safety Center, our goal is to deliver accurate, defensible data that meets your safety, compliance, and operational needs.

Prime Process Safety Center - Get a Free Quote

Get A Free Quote


FAQ

What is the Difference Between Flash Point and Fire Point?

Answer: Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a substance emits enough vapor to ignite momentarily with a flame when exposed to an ignition source. Fire point is the temperature at which sustained combustion of the substance occurs.

Why Are Flash Point and Fire Point Important?

Answer: Flash point and fire point provide critical information about a substance’s flammability and ignition characteristics, helping determine safe handling, storage, and transportation conditions to prevent fires or accidents.

How Are Flash Point and Fire Point Determined?

Answer: Flash point is typically determined using standardized methods like the Pensky-Martens closed cup or Cleveland open cup apparatus, heating the substance and applying an ignition source. Fire point is measured when sustained combustion occurs after the flash point.

What Factors Influence Flash Point and Fire Point?

Answer: Several factors affect these points, including the chemical composition of the substance, volatility, presence of impurities, atmospheric pressure, and the method used for testing.

What Are the Practical Applications of Flash Point and Fire Point?

Answer: Flash point and fire point data are essential for classifying substances, designing safe storage and handling protocols, selecting appropriate fire suppression systems, and ensuring workplace safety in industries handling flammable materials.

Related Blogs