To Determine the Flash Point and Fire Point of a Given Sample
Flash Point:
Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a chemical can
vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. A lower flash point
indicates higher flammability. Measuring a flashpoint (open-cup or
close-cup) requires an ignition source. At the flashpoint, the vapor
may cease to burn when the ignition source is removed.
Fire Point:
Fire point refers to the temperature at or above which a flammable
liquid produces enough vapor to ignite by spark or flame and burn for at
least five seconds. The fire point is usually 10°C more than the flashpoint
of a liquid.
Significance:-
1) The fire point is used to assess the risk of the material’s ability to
support combustion.
2) These values can also affect how the fluid may be shipped, stored,
and discarded.
Apparatus:
Flashpoint apparatus
Sample:
Kerosene oil
Procedure:
1. The container of flash point apparatus is cleaned and
washed thoroughly.
2. The thermometer should be adjusted as such so it doesn’t touch
with the stirrer.
3. The container is placed in the apparatus and the apparatus
is switched on so that fuel starts heating.
4. Heating should be adjusted as such the temperature rise should be
2- 3 degrees per minute.
5. The burning source should be brought near the tip of the
container and fuel should be checked for flashes for 5 seconds.
6. The flashpoint should be checked for every two to three degrees
rise in the temperature.
7. The burning source to be brought near the tip of the
container and fuel is checked for continuous burning if the
burning source is removed.
8. If the fuel continued burning, the temperature is noted. This
will give the fire point of the fuel.
9. Repeat this analysis for fire point 2-3 times, so we can get an
average reading.
Readings and Observations
For kerosene oil:
Pressure,P=
1atm Flash Point
= 45 ०C Fire
Point = 62.5 ०C
Conclusion
In this experiment, it was found that kerosene oil has a significant
difference between its fire and flashpoint which leads us to
differentiate between the two and also access the safety as well
as practical explanations of the given fuel.
Precautions
1. Do not breathe close to the apparatus as the fumes are
injurious to health.
2. Turn the fans off so that the fumes can be accumulated
over