The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a substance can produce enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air. At this temperature, the substance can ignite briefly, or "flash," when exposed to an ignition source.
The fire point is the temperature at which a substance will continue to burn after being ignited. It is typically a few degrees higher than the flash point, as it indicates the temperature at which sustained combustion can occur.
Knowing the flash point and fire point of a substance is important in understanding its flammability and potential fire hazards. It can also guide the safe handling, storage, and transportation of the substance.
The self ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite without an external source of ignition. This temperature is typically higher than the flash point and fire point.
The flash point, fire point, and self ignition temperature are all indicators of a substance's flammability. The flash point indicates the lowest temperature at which a substance can ignite, the fire point indicates the temperature at which sustained combustion can occur, and the self ignition temperature indicates the minimum temperature at which spontaneous ignition can occur.