What is the flash point of oil?
3 Answers
The flash point range of gasoline: -50 to -20°C, while diesel has a flash point above 55°C. The flash point is a safety indicator for the storage, transportation, and use of flammable liquids, as well as a measure of their volatility. Flammable liquids with lower flash points are more volatile, easier to ignite, and have poorer safety. Reasons for a strong gasoline smell during cold car starts: 1. At very low external temperatures, when the water temperature and exhaust pipe temperature are low, combined with the extremely cold external conditions during winter driving, the air-fuel mixture becomes richer. As a result, some of the mixture does not burn completely and is directly expelled through the exhaust pipe, leading to a noticeable gasoline smell. 2. Another possible cause could be issues with the carbon canister or carbon canister solenoid valve, resulting in an overly rich mixture during startup. 3. If the local temperature is very low and there is excessive carbon buildup inside the engine, leading to poor atomization of the air-fuel mixture, this phenomenon can also occur.
The flash point of oil refers to the lowest temperature at which the oil can be ignited by a flame. The specific value depends on the type of oil. Gasoline has an extremely low flash point, approximately -40 degrees Celsius, meaning it can be ignited even in very cold conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to stay away from fire sources at gas stations or during car repairs, and smoking is even more dangerous. Diesel has a higher flash point, around 38 degrees Celsius, making it easier to ignite at slightly higher temperatures, which is related to the difficulty of starting diesel vehicles in winter. Engine oil or motor oil has an even higher flash point, exceeding 200 degrees Celsius, because the engine operates at very high temperatures, and this design helps prevent fires. When I worked in a garage, I once saw someone accidentally spill oil on a hot engine, but fortunately, they had chosen a high-flash-point motor oil, so nothing happened. In car maintenance, the flash point is an important indicator. When selecting lubricants, it's essential to consider this to ensure high-temperature resistance and safety.
The flash point is the critical temperature at which oil vapor can be ignited by a spark, and it varies for each type of oil. Gasoline has a flash point of approximately -40 degrees Celsius, making it extremely hazardous—even a tiny spark can cause an accident. Diesel fuel has a flash point around 38 degrees, which is safer than gasoline but still requires caution. Engine oil typically has a much higher flash point, ranging between 200 and 230 degrees, as it needs to withstand the high temperatures inside an engine. This is crucial for drivers, especially when changing or refueling oil—checking the oil specifications is essential, as a higher flash point indicates greater reliability. When selecting engine oil, I always prioritize models with a higher flash point to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and extend engine life. Additionally, flash points impact storage safety; avoid placing oil containers near heat sources in garages.
