Question about the flash point of ethylene glycol aqueous solution
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I am facing a problem in assessing the fire hazard associated with 50% ethylene glycol aqueous solutions at work; I cannot find any data on the flash point of this solution online. I would be extremely grateful if anyone could offer some guidance.
The flash point of pure ethylene glycol is 111.1°C; however, since ethylene glycol is miscible with water, the flash point of ethylene glycol solutions must be determined based on their content or concentration.
In fact, it is not possible to find the flash point of ethylene glycol aqueous solutions online. Water and ethylene glycol do not form an azeotrope; the boiling point of pure ethylene glycol at atmospheric pressure is 197.8°C. To determine this flash point, dehydration must take place first, so that only water vapor remains. Only after all the water has evaporated can the flash point be measured – and it is the flash point of ethylene glycol itself, not that of its aqueous solution.
So what should be done? Should we use the flash point of ethylene glycol, which is 111°C? If so, would it then be classified as a Class C liquid?
Can a 50% ethylene glycol solution burn? If it is flame-retardant, then it belongs to Class D?
This requires a **designated institution to conduct a physical inspection; not long ago, the Work Safety Administration issued a list of such institutions**.
Does the original poster have an answer? Could they share the result?
It can burn; I remember that the ethylene glycol solution we used, with a freezing point of -12 degrees, burned during the welding process.
Does that count as Class D or Class C?