What is the Difference Between Flash Point and Fire Point?

The flash point and fire point are two different temperatures related to the ignition of flammable liquids. Here are the key differences between them:

• Flash Point: The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid hydrocarbon can form a flammable vapor in the air. It is the temperature at which a substance vaporizes into a gas, which can be ignited with the introduction of an external source of fire. The flash point can be determined using open cup or closed cup methods, with the closed cup method generally providing a lower, safer value.
• Fire Point: The fire point is the higher temperature at which a hydrocarbon liquid's vapors will continue to burn when ignited. It is the temperature at which the fluid will sustain a fire if ignited by an outside ignition source. The fire point is typically higher than the flash point.

In summary, the flash point is the temperature at which a substance can form an ignitable mixture in air and be ignited with an external source, while the fire point is the temperature at which a substance's vapors will continue to burn when ignited.

Comparative Table: Flash Point vs Fire Point

The flash point and fire point are important characteristics related to flammable liquids, used to determine the fire risk associated with a particular material. Here are the key differences between flash point and fire point:

Understanding the differences between flash point and fire point is vital for anyone dealing with flammable substances, as it informs safe handling and storage practices, as well as the selection of appropriate materials for equipment and structures that may come into contact with these substances.