põlemispunktid

Põlemispunktid, also known as flash points, refer to the lowest temperature at which a volatile liquid in an open container will give off enough flammable vapor to ignite momentarily when an open flame is brought near it. This is a critical safety property for flammable liquids, indicating their ease of ignition.

The flash point is not the same as the autoignition temperature, which is the temperature at which a substance will ignite spontaneously without an external ignition source. A lower flash point indicates a higher degree of flammability. For example, gasoline has a much lower flash point than diesel fuel, making it more dangerous in terms of fire risk under normal conditions.

Flash points are determined experimentally using standardized methods, such as those outlined by the ASTM International. These tests involve heating a sample of the liquid in a controlled environment and periodically introducing a small flame to detect ignition. The precise temperature at which ignition occurs is recorded as the flash point.

Understanding and knowing the flash point of a substance is crucial for its safe handling, storage, and transportation. Regulations often classify liquids based on their flash points to ensure appropriate safety precautions are taken, such as ventilation requirements, prohibition of open flames, and the use of explosion-proof equipment. It is a key parameter in material safety data sheets (MSDS) or safety data sheets (SDS).