Flash point is when the temperature of a substance's vapor pressure is high enough that the layer of air over the substance is hot enough to catch on fire. There is no special formula to calculate the flash point of a substance, but there is a test you can do. However, this test must be conducted very carefully. There will be an actual flash of fire when the flash point is reached, so safety precautions need to be taken. It is important for those working often with chemicals to be aware of when they may flash.
- Thermometer
- Open tag tester
- Test flame torch
- Heat source (consider a Bunsen burner)
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Instructions
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1
Pour the substance you want to test into the cup of the open tag tester.
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2
Place the cup over a constant heat source.
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3
Pass the flame from the torch over the cup without touching the cup. When you get a flash, immediately insert the thermometer into the cup and record the temperature. This is the flash point.