Flash point measurement

What is the flash point of a sample?

The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapors emitted by a compound form with air a mixture capable of igniting in the presence of a heat source (flame, spark, etc.).

The term “ignition point” or “Flash temperature” is also commonly used. It should not be confused with the ignition point, where the combustion obtained is then self-sustaining. This property makes it possible to characterize the flammability of a liquid, which is all the more flammable as its flash point is low.

The flash point measurement is one of the main measurements to be carried out to define and characterize the flammability of a product.

Florian Rodrigues, R&D Project Manager, Calnesis

Flash point measurement method

In general, the sample is placed in a reactor under stirring in the presence of a heat source (flame, heating resistor, etc.). During an increasing temperature ramp, the lowest temperature at which combustion of vapors is observed is the flash point. There are two ways to determine this parameter: open cup (COC) and closed cup (PMCC).