The flash point is the lowest temperature at which so many flammable vapors are formed from a liquid that they ignite on contact with an ignition source. This is not the temperature at which the substance burns permanently, but merely the point at which brief ignition is possible.
Relevance in the industry
In the lubricant and chemical industry, the flash point is a key safety and quality indicator. A high flash point indicates a lower risk of ignition during storage and use – particularly important for industrial oils, hydraulic fluids or lubricating greases. When selecting high-performance lubricants or plastic compounds, the flash point has a significant influence on safety during operation, especially in areas with high temperatures or flying sparks.
What is the difference between flash point and fire point?
The flash point describes the temperature at which a substance can ignite but does not yet burn permanently. The flash point, on the other hand, is the temperature at which the substance continues to burn after ignition without the need for an ignition source.
Why is the flash point important for lubricants?
A higher flash point means that a lubricant is not easily flammable at normal operating temperatures. This increases safety in machines that operate at high temperatures, e.g. in hydraulic systems or industrial gearboxes.
How is the flash point measured?
There are two common measurement methods: the open crucible (Cleveland method) and the closed crucible (Pensky-Martens method). In practice, the closed method is usually used as it provides more realistic values.
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