Flash point
Flash point
(OP)
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) lists the materials "Flash Point". I know there are different methods to arrive at this information (closed cup, open cup). But what is the information telling us. Say for instance a fluid has a flash point of 115 F (46.1C). Ok now what?
Thank You
pennpoint
Thank You
pennpoint





RE: Flash point
It means what you have is volatile and needs to be stored and handled accordingly. Storage should be in a closed, pressurized tank or floating roof tank with adequate vents and/or pressure relief to a flare. Normally, atmospheric storage is limited to flash points above 140 F.
RE: Flash point
ASTM has half a dozen procedures to determine flash points, see E502-84(2000). Flash point is a measure of the temperature to which the fluid (generally a fuel) must be heated to produce an ignitable vapour-air mixture above the liquid when exposed to an open flame.
A fluid with too low a flash point could be a fire hazard, subject to flashing, and possible continued ignition and explosion. Furthermore, a low-flash point in a heating or power generating fuel may indicate the presence of more volatile and explosive components such as gasoline.
Insurance companies, government agencies, and private users set mandatory limits on flash points because of fire hazard considerations, which must be taken into consideration when establishing fluid (especially heating and power generation fuel) specifications.
Flash point by closed testers are normally employed for fuel distillate hydrocarbons such as kerosine, gas oils, etc., and for residual fuels, because these procedures more normally approach the conditions of storage of fuel in tanks.
As a PS let's say that flash points and self-ignition points are not generally related.
RE: Flash point
We use D-Limonene as a heat transfer fluid (good properties @ -65 to 200F) however we have a customer who is jittery about this fluid's flashpoint. I am just trying to calm them down.
Again "Thanks" for your input
pennpoint
RE: Flash point
If you have a pressurized system, it is better to know the open cup flash point value (to take care incase of leakage).
Regards,
RE: Flash point
Iam trying to determine flash point of dilute Ethanol solution say around 10 to 4 % V / V.
Thanks / Alpha Beta
RE: Flash point
http://srsmicrodivision.com/Page.html
RE: Flash point
RE: Flash point
http://www.lyondell.com/html/products/products/arcopure...
http://www.efoa.net/fr/what_mtbe/oxygen.htm
RE: Flash point
It's flash point is 140 F. While in it's closed piping in a perfect world, it would be okay. In the real world, a simple leak or spray (sometimes under pressure especially for long distances), can become atomized and very easily ignited by an open flame or spark.
There are lots of other suitible HT fluids with much higher FP and even non-flammble; just Google-search-it.
Flash Point is for the temperature when the fluid itself gives off enough vapor in the right percentages to ignite with a small spark. When you atomize it or have an open flame, the FP is meaningless. Flash Point of an atomized/vapor/gas has be treated as if it were below zero FP.
The difference routinely between close and open cup and the different styles is usually insignificant to the real world application for fire AND explosion prevention. The FP should only be considered like a nominal number - like a nominal 2x4 wood piece is really as much as 1/2 inch thinner.
RE: Flash point
For more information on this chemical one could visit
http://www.floridachemical.com/datasheets/d-limonene.ht...
http://www.d-limonene.com/d-limoneneheattransferfluidd....
RE: Flash point
There's no problem in letting the flash point drop below the operating temperature as long as you realise that the system is then a flammable one and so all potential leak points must be assessed and equipment in the affected zone must be of a suitable standard. In the EC, this is known as Area Classification, and I guess there's a similar system in the USA.
You DO need to worry if the auto ignition temperature falls to below the highest operating temperature, as any leak would then self-ignite! So you need to test samples of the fluid for both parameters as a matter of routine.
As stated above, sprays forming mists are particularly dangerous as they can catch fire very easily, and they can travel some distance, making classified zones quite large. A thorough study of the system is mandatory if you think you are going to get the flash point below the operating temperature.
More info on my web site if you are interested - www.process-notes.co.uk
Regards,
Stuart
RE: Flash point
I´m working with an oxygen enriched zone. However I´m unable to find AIT (and flash point) for fuel in these environments. All data I have founded so far concerning AIT and flash point are restricted for air.
I use Jet Fuel: AIT = 210C (410F) and Flash Point = 162C (110F).
Thanks in advance,
Edmacs
RE: Flash point
The closed cup approximates the conditions found in an atmospheric storage tank like an API 650 tank. That is a closed tank with a small vent to atmosphere or a breather valve.
HAZOP at www.curryhydrocarbons.ca
RE: Flash point
However, I no longer have those references. You might want to check http://web.umr.edu/~nenat/subs/cdgeo.html and see if you can get some sort of interlibrary loan depending what you have available.
RE: Flash point
RE: Flash point
Thanks for your support. However I was unable to find data about fuel jet auto ignition in environments with enriched oxygen concentrations.
I don't think I'll be able to get some sort of interlibrary loan because I'm in Brazil. Maybe I may find something in Fire Protection Handbooks in the library. I 'll have to check!
Thanks,
Edmar
RE: Flash point
HAZOP at www.curryhydrocarbons.ca