1. Definition
The fire point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid or volatile substance produces enough flammable vapors to sustain combustion (continuous burning) after ignition.
2. Key Characteristics
Higher than flash point (typically 5–10°C above).
Measured using open-cup methods (e.g. Cleveland Open Cup, Pensky-Martens).
Critical for assessing fire hazards in industrial and chemical processes.
Fire Point vs. Flash Point
| Parameter | Flash Point | Fire Point |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Temp. where vapors ignite briefly | Temp. where vapors burn continuously |
| Measurement | Closed-cup (e.g. Pensky-Martens) | Open-cup (e.g. Cleveland) |
| Typical Use | Safety storage/transport | Firefighting strategies |
| Example (Diesel) | ~52–96°C | ~60–110°C |
Why is Fire Point Important?
Fire Risk Assessment
Helps classify fuels (e.g. gasoline vs. lubricating oil).
Industrial Safety
Guides storage temperatures for flammable liquids.
Firefighting
Determines extinguishing methods (e.g. foam for liquids above fire point).
Examples of Fire Points
| Substance | Fire Point (°C) | Flash Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | ~-20°C | ~-43°C |
| Ethanol | ~21°C | ~13°C |
| Diesel | ~60–110°C | ~52–96°C |
| Motor Oil | ~200–250°C | ~150–220°C |
Key Takeaways
✔ Fire point indicates sustained burning, while flash point indicates momentary ignition.
✔ Used in OSHA/NFPA regulations for hazardous material handling.
✔ Critical for designing fire suppression systems in refineries, labs and warehouses.
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