Dear experts, may I ask whether a fire involving toluene counts as a hydrocarbon fire?
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Experts, I am currently designing a workshop (factory building) that will handle toluene-containing materials. The cost of applying hydrocarbon-resistant fireproof coatings to the exterior walls is quite high. Hydrocarbons are substances that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms; toluene belongs to the category of aromatic hydrocarbons. Toluene is classified as a hazardous substance of Category A B, not Category A A, so I’m not sure whether a fire in such an environment would be considered a hydrocarbon fire. I would be extremely grateful if the experts could provide their responses. Those who give correct answers will receive a **score; please indicate the source and the reasoning behind it.
Hydrocarbon compounds are a general term for compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms; they mainly include alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Toluene belongs to aromatic hydrocarbons; it is, of course, a hydrocarbon. As for what you said – that toluene belongs to hazard category A B and not A A, so it’s unclear whether a fire involving it would be considered a hydrocarbon fire – those are merely categories used to define the risk level of fires. It has nothing to do with whether toluene is a hydrocarbon or not
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In GB50160, the fire hazard classification for toluene is Class A B, not that of liquefied hydrocarbons, which are classified as Class A A. But toluene is a hydrocarbon, not a liquefied hydrocarbon.
The concept of hydrocarbon-resistant fireproof coatings is problematic in itself. Fireproof coatings are designed to prevent fires, and their performance is regulated by standards; whereas resistance to hydrocarbons is not governed by any standards – it’s a technical issue. Toluene contains a benzene ring and belongs to the category of aromatic hydrocarbons, which is correct. It’s also accurate to say that toluene falls under Category A B. However, in my understanding, there is no such thing as a “hydrocarbon fire” – this term is too vague to be defined by standards. What exists are classifications like liquefied hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons in general. If the concept of hydrocarbon-resistant coatings were changed to “solvent-resistant coatings,” it would be more precise. Some hydrocarbons can have an impact on fireproof coatings themselves, but it’s mainly these solvent-type hydrocarbons that affect them. That’s why the term “hydrocarbon-resistant” exists; however, “solvent-resistant” is a clearer concept. This is a technical issue, not a safety issue. The need for such coatings arises mainly due to the risk of toluene eroding and dissolving fireproof coatings, especially in situations involving frequent handling, potential leaks, or pouring of liquids.