Wilhelm  Jost  Institut Förderverein e.V.

Flash Point

Definition:

The flash point is the lowest temperature, at which a liquid  delivers an inflammable gas or steam under prescribed test conditions in appropriate quantity that  a flame develops immediately at a contact of the vapor phase with an ignition source.

 

Testing Method:

For the determination of the flash point  a whole set of standard methods are applicable. The table gives an overview of the most common methods. Substantial distinguishing features are open or closed crucible, application of a stirrer and the different temperature ranges.
 

Method Name

Norm

Application range

Temperature range

Abel-Pensky

DIN 51 755

Mineral oils and other combustible liquids

-30 °C till 5 °C

5 °C till 65 °C

DIN 53 213-1

Coating materials, lacquers, adhesives, viscous liquids

5 °C till 65 °C

Pensky-Martens

DIN EN 22 719

Mineral oils and other combustible liquids

10 °C till 370 °C

Cleveland

DIN ISO 2592

Mineral oils and other combustible liquids

> 79 °C

Schnellverfahren

DIN EN 456

Combustible liquids

0 °C till 110 °C

 

Safety-relevant meaning:

 

The flash point is a central characteristic for the evaluation of the fire and danger of explosion of liquids. Furthermore it is needed for the new material registration. It is a substantial size for the danger-good-legal classification of combustible liquids. According to the explosion prevention rules (EX-RL) as well as DIN VDE 0165 and 0166 the flash point permits the evaluation of the danger of explosion (lower point of explosion).

 

Classification of liquid substances and preparing after guideline 67/ 548/ EWG

Flash Point

Additional Condition

Classification

FP < 0 °C

boiling point not exceeding 35 °C

high inflammable

FP < 21 °C

 

easily inflammable

21 °C < FP ≤ 55 °C

independent, persisting burn-up or heating over the Flash Point

inflammable

 

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Flash Point

Additional Condition

Classification

FP < 21 °C

At 15 °C not in each relation with water mixable

A I

21 °C < FP ≤ 55 °C

A II

55 °C < FP ≤ 100 °C

A III

FP < 21 °C

At 15 °C not in each relation with water mixable

B