| The most commonly known flammable liquid is gasoline. It
has a flash point of about -50° F (-65° C). The ignition temperature is
about 495° E (232° C), a comparatively low figure. Burning gasoline
has a temperature above 1500° E (945° C). Therefore, it can heat objects
in the fire area above its ignition temperature. To prevent reignition
after extinguishment, the agent should be applied for sufficient time to
allow hot objects in the fire area to cool below the ignition
temperature of the gasoline.
The flammable range of gasoline is only 1.3% to 6%. Gasoline vapors
are heavier than air. They tend to flow downhill and downwind from
liquid gasoline, making it possible for explosive mixtures to collect -
in low points such as pipe trenches or
terrain depressions.
If the amount of oxygen in a given atmosphere is reduced from its
normal 21 per cent to 14 per cent, by diluting with carbon dioxide, most
petroleum products cannot burn. As a result, a gasoline fire can be
"suffocated" by diluting the atmosphere with an inert gas.
It is dangerous to use water in a solid stream on a gasoline fire
because it may spatter the fuel or raise its level in a container so it
overflows. |
