"Manuscripts don't burn!" – wrote the famous Russian prose writer and playwright M. Bulgakov. In fact, the legendary quote has nothing to do with real facts. Fire easily turns fibrous material into ash, and the ignition temperature of paper depends on its type, air humidity, oxygen level in the atmosphere and the power of the heat source.
The essence of the process
From a scientific point of view, combustion is chemical reaction oxidation, which produces heat, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and other gaseous substances. We observe combustion products in the form of smoke with a pungent, specific odor. Typically, paper will ignite in the presence of an oxidizer and an ignition source, but spontaneous combustion is also possible. Oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent; it must be at least 14% in the air.
Dry paper sheets or rolls can be ignited by an open flame, an electrical or mechanical spark, or a heated object. The absorption of paper by fire begins with an exothermic reaction; if nothing is done in time, the process initiated by ignition does not die out and soon turns into a stable combustion.
Characteristics
As you know, for the industrial production of paper, wood, cotton, flax fibers, hay or recyclable materials (waste paper) are used. At the initial stage of processing in boiled wood pulp, which is destined to become material for writing, drawing and other human needs, contains up to 95% water. After drying, the paper becomes dense, smooth and sensitive to fire.
Various ways Printers have their own requirements for sheets in terms of density, texture, color, so the ignition temperature of paper differs slightly depending on its type. So, for the photo to light up, the degrees Celsius must exceed 365 °C. To obtain a glossy material, resin is added to the composition, which helps accelerate the thermochemical reaction.
If the housewife in the kitchen is dealing with a material made from fatty cellulose, which does not need to be pre-oiled, then the ignition temperature of the baking paper will be 170 °C. But, as a rule, the heat resistance coefficient of “professional” baking films with silicone impregnation is much higher (up to 250-300 ° C). Special fire-resistant paper almost does not support combustion, has good mechanical strength, heat-resistant fiber can withstand temperatures above 1,000 ° C.
Ignition temperature of paper in Celsius
In Russia and a number of other countries, including European ones, degrees Celsius are used to measure temperature, which are also used in the International System of Units (SI) along with kelvin. Anders Celsius defined 0 °C as the melting point of ice, and at 100 °C water boils. As for the ignition temperature of paper, remember the famous epigraph to the novel by Ray Bradbury?
"451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper ignites and burns."
After the publication of the book "451 degrees Fahrenheit" it turned out that there was a mistake in the title: fire on the surface of paper pages occurs at a temperature of 451 degrees Celsius, and not on the Fahrenheit scale. Later author bestseller admitted that after consulting with a firefighter friend, he simply confused the temperature equivalents.
Fire point of paper in Fahrenheit
Residents of England and the United States are more accustomed to using the Fahrenheit scale, which is named after the physicist Gabriel Fahrenheit, where zero degrees Celsius is 32 °F. For a long time, the scale of the German scientist was used in all English-speaking countries, but in the late 70s of the last century it was almost completely replaced by the Celsius scale. The freezing point of water in Fahrenheit is + 32°, and the boiling point is + 212°. By simple calculations, you can determine that the combustion process of paper or cardboard starts if the dry material is heated to 843 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combustion or Ignition: What's the Difference?
Ignition is considered to be the beginning of paper combustion under the influence of an ignition source. In essence, this is the starting mechanism after which the chain reaction begins. If you manage to react in time, you can extinguish the fire without outside help.
Ignition is always accompanied by a stable flame, and the light and heat necessary to maintain the fire are released. The greatest danger is from loose paper: it is sufficiently saturated with oxygen to be ignited by a spark or local heat. Several degrees can be added or subtracted to the average combustion temperature of paper, depending on the quality of the fiber and combustion conditions.
High temperature measurement method
Flame temperature measurement has its own specific features and difficulties. To determine the ignition temperature of paper or any other flammable material, you need a pyrometer. It is also called an infrared thermometer or temperature detector. There are optical, radiation and spectral pyrometers. An electronic device is indispensable in cases where you cannot get close to the fire.
A pyrometer is a precision engineering device that is designed to measure the power of thermal radiation in a non-contact manner. The device serves as an excellent alternative to contact means; it can be used to remotely calculate the temperature of hot objects or be used as heat locators in various industrial fields. You can determine at what temperature paper ignites using a low-temperature pyrometer.
Is spontaneous combustion possible?
A sharp self-acceleration of exothermic reactions without the external influence of a flame or a hot body leads to self-ignition. The self-ignition temperature of paper is around 450 °C. When determining the indicator, the degree of moisture of the material, its composition, and the presence or absence of pigment dyes are taken into account. Simply put, a “fire” made from waste paper can ignite on its own when the temperature environment will reach a critical level.
A decrease in air humidity and an increase in oxygen concentration in the combustion zone affect the auto-ignition temperature, reducing it. Oiled sheets of paper are prone to thermal spontaneous combustion after drying, but tapes in rolls burn reluctantly. If heat and smoke are produced but there is no flame, the process is called smoldering.
By the way, illusionists often use self-igniting paper in their performances. For example, a sheet soaked in sodium peroxide will light up quickly and brightly upon contact with a small amount of water. The spectacle is very impressive, but quite dangerous, so it is not recommended to perform the “trick” at home without certain technical skills.
Don't joke with fire!
Paper poses a serious fire hazard; it ignites quickly, actively interacts with vapors and gaseous products contained in the air, and burns intensely. In residential apartments and houses, the source of ignition can be gas stove, overheated or faulty electrical appliance, unextinguished match, cigarette. The main cause of domestic fires is human negligence and failure to comply with basic safety rules.
Do not leave paper near heating appliances or overload the electrical network. You cannot place cardboard sheets under a TV, computer, or lighted candles. To prevent paper from becoming a source of fire, never smoke in bed, keep a fire extinguisher and thick fabric in the house - with their help, the flame will not have time to spread to neighboring objects. Workwear, as well as 100% cotton denim, do not ignite easily.
Even if the paper catches fire, act judiciously and do not panic. If possible, eliminate drafts - access fresh air increases the strength of the fire, cover your face from the acrid smoke with a damp handkerchief, unplug all electrical appliances and, taking important documents, leave the room. By knowing and strictly following the rules of safe behavior, you can prevent the spread of fire without risking your life.
Let's sum it up
It is almost impossible to imagine the daily life of humanity without books, magazines, notebooks, calendars and other printed materials. The paper that was so highly valued ancient world, played an exceptional role in the development of literature and painting, education. Its irrational use threatens not only the destruction of millions of trees, but will also inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in the future. Treat paper with care, be vigilant and careful with fire - this is how we will preserve the beauty of our planet and make the world a better place!
"Manuscripts don't burn!" - wrote the famous Russian prose writer and playwright M. Bulgakov. In fact, the legendary quote has nothing to do with real facts. Fire easily turns fibrous material into ash, and the ignition temperature of paper depends on its type, air humidity, oxygen level in the atmosphere and the power of the heat source.
The essence of the process
From a scientific point of view, combustion is a chemical oxidation reaction that produces heat, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and other gaseous substances. we observe it in the form of smoke with a pungent, specific odor. Typically, paper will ignite in the presence of an oxidizer and an ignition source, but spontaneous combustion is also possible. Oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent; it must be at least 14% in the air.
Dry paper sheets or rolls can be ignited by an open flame, an electrical or mechanical spark, or a heated object. The absorption of paper by fire begins with an exothermic reaction; if nothing is done in time, the process initiated by ignition does not die out and soon turns into a stable combustion.
Characteristics
As you know, for the industrial production of paper, wood, cotton, flax fibers, hay or recyclable materials (waste paper) are used. At the initial stage of processing, the boiled wood pulp, which is destined to become material for writing, drawing and other human needs, contains up to 95% water. After drying, the paper becomes dense, smooth and sensitive to fire.
Different printing methods place their own demands on sheets in terms of density, texture, and color, so the ignition temperature of paper differs slightly depending on its type. So, for the photo to light up, the degrees Celsius must exceed 365 °C. To obtain a glossy material, resin is added to the composition, which helps accelerate the thermochemical reaction.
If the housewife in the kitchen is dealing with a material made from fatty cellulose, which does not need to be pre-oiled, then the ignition temperature of the baking paper will be 170 °C. But, as a rule, the heat resistance coefficient of “professional” baking films with silicone impregnation is much higher (up to 250-300 ° C). Special fire-resistant paper almost does not support combustion, has good mechanical strength, heat-resistant fiber can withstand temperatures above 1,000 ° C.
Ignition temperature of paper in Celsius
In Russia and a number of other countries, including European ones, degrees Celsius are used to measure temperature, which are also used in the International System of Units (SI) along with kelvin. defined 0 °C as the melting point of ice, and at 100 °C water boils. As for the ignition temperature of paper, remember the famous epigraph to the novel by Ray Bradbury?
"451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper ignites and burns."
After the publication of the book "451 degrees Fahrenheit" it turned out that there was a mistake in the title: fire on the surface of paper pages occurs at a temperature of 451 degrees Celsius, and not on the Fahrenheit scale. The bestselling author later admitted that, after consulting with a firefighter friend, he simply confused the temperature equivalents.
Fire point of paper in Fahrenheit
Residents of England and the United States are more accustomed to using the Fahrenheit scale, which is named after the physicist Gabriel Fahrenheit, where zero degrees Celsius is 32 °F. For a long time, the scale of the German scientist was used in all English-speaking countries, but in the late 70s of the last century it was almost completely replaced by the Celsius scale. The freezing point of water in Fahrenheit is + 32°, and the boiling point is + 212°. By simple calculations, you can determine that the combustion process of paper or cardboard starts if the dry material is heated to 843 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combustion or Ignition: What's the Difference?
Ignition is considered to be the beginning of paper combustion under the influence of an ignition source. In essence, this is the starting mechanism after which the chain reaction begins. If you manage to react in time, you can extinguish the fire without outside help.
Ignition is always accompanied by a stable flame, and the light and heat necessary to maintain the fire are released. The greatest danger is from loose paper: it is sufficiently saturated with oxygen to be ignited by a spark or local heat. Several degrees can be added or subtracted to the average combustion temperature of paper, depending on the quality of the fiber and combustion conditions.
High temperature measurement method
Measurement has its own specific features and difficulties. To determine the ignition temperature of paper or any other flammable material, you need a pyrometer. It is also called an infrared thermometer or temperature detector. There are optical, radiation and spectral pyrometers. An electronic device is indispensable in cases where you cannot get close to the fire.
A pyrometer is a precision engineering device that is designed to measure the power of thermal radiation in a non-contact manner. The device serves as an excellent alternative to contact means; it can be used to remotely calculate the temperature of hot objects or be used as heat locators in various industrial fields. You can determine at what temperature paper ignites using a low-temperature pyrometer.
Is spontaneous combustion possible?
A sharp self-acceleration of exothermic reactions without the external influence of a flame or a hot body leads to self-ignition. The self-ignition temperature of paper is around 450 °C. When determining the indicator, the degree of moisture of the material, its composition, and the presence or absence of pigment dyes are taken into account. Simply put, a “fire” made from waste paper can ignite on its own when the ambient temperature reaches a critical level.
A decrease in air humidity and an increase in oxygen concentration in the combustion zone affect the auto-ignition temperature, reducing it. Oiled sheets of paper are prone to thermal spontaneous combustion after drying, but tapes in rolls burn reluctantly. If heat and smoke are produced but there is no flame, the process is called smoldering.
By the way, illusionists often use self-igniting paper in their performances. For example, a sheet soaked in sodium peroxide will light up quickly and brightly upon contact with a small amount of water. The spectacle is very impressive, but quite dangerous, so it is not recommended to perform the “trick” at home without certain technical skills.
Don't joke with fire!
Paper poses a serious fire hazard; it ignites quickly, actively interacts with vapors and gaseous products contained in the air, and burns intensely. In residential apartments and houses, the source of ignition can be a gas stove, an overheated or faulty electrical appliance, an unextinguished match, or a cigarette. The main cause of domestic fires is human negligence and failure to comply with basic safety rules.
Do not leave paper near heating appliances or overload the electrical network. You cannot place cardboard sheets under a TV, computer, or lighted candles. To prevent paper from becoming a source of fire, never smoke in bed, keep a fire extinguisher and thick fabric in the house - with their help, the flame will not have time to spread to neighboring objects. Workwear, as well as 100% cotton denim, do not ignite easily.
Even if the paper catches fire, act judiciously and do not panic. If possible, eliminate drafts - access to fresh air increases the strength of the fire, cover your face from the acrid smoke with a damp handkerchief, unplug all electrical appliances and, taking important documents, leave the room. By knowing and strictly following the rules of safe behavior, you can prevent the spread of fire without risking your life.
Let's sum it up
It is almost impossible to imagine the daily life of humanity without books, magazines, notebooks, calendars and other printed materials. Paper, which was so highly valued in the ancient world, played an exceptional role in the development of literature and painting, and education. Its irrational use threatens not only the destruction of millions of trees, but will also inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in the future. Treat paper with care, be vigilant and careful with fire - this is how we will preserve the beauty of our planet and make the world a better place!
Measurement
Due to the difficulties of directly measuring the auto-ignition temperature of gases and vapors, it is taken to be the minimum temperature of the reaction vessel wall at which auto-ignition is observed. This temperature depends on the conditions of heat and mass transfer both inside the reaction vessel and the vessel itself with the environment, the volume of the mixture, as well as the catalytic activity of the vessel wall and a number of other parameters.
The indicator is used to determine the permissible heating temperature of flammable substances, electrical and technological equipment, as well as to establish the group of an explosive mixture. ASTM E 659 method is used to measure the auto-ignition temperature of liquids.
Calculation
Autoignition temperature of some substances
According to GOST R 51330.19-99 Data on flammable gases and vapors related to the operation of electrical equipment
Auto-ignition temperature of paper: 451 °F, or 233 °C. It became famous among non-specialists thanks to the famous novel by Ray Bradbury “Fahrenheit 451”, the title of which contains this meaning. This is most likely an error; it is believed that the temperature scales were confused in consultation with firefighters; in fact, the paper ignites at 451 °C (~843 °F). Some types of paper have a different auto-ignition temperature (photographic paper - auto-ignition temperature 365 °C).
Notes
Literature
- GOST 12.1.044-89 (ISO 4589-84) “Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials. Nomenclature of indicators and methods for their determination.”
- Korolchenko A. Ya., Korolchenko D. A. Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials and means of extinguishing them. Directory: in 2 parts - 2nd ed., revised. and additional - M.: Ass. "Pozhnauka", 2004. - Part I. - 713 p. - ISBN 5-901283-02-3, UDC (658.345.44+658.345.43)66
see also
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
See what “autoignition temperature” is in other dictionaries:
Auto-ignition temperature- (paint and varnish material) – the minimum ambient temperature at which, under special test conditions, self-ignition of the paint and varnish material is observed. [GOST R 52362 2005] Auto-ignition temperature is the lowest... ... Encyclopedia of terms, definitions and explanations of building materials
The lowest temperature of a combustible substance at which a sharp increase in the rate of exothermic reactions occurs, ending in the occurrence of flaming combustion. EdwART. Dictionary of terms of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 2010 ... Dictionary of emergency situations
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE- the lowest temperature of a flammable substance at which a sharp increase in the rate of an exothermic reaction with air occurs, ending in ignition. Determined under special test conditions characterized by identity... ... Russian encyclopedia of labor protection
auto-ignition temperature- The lowest ambient temperature at which spontaneous ignition of a substance is observed under special test conditions. [GOST 12.1.044 89] Topics: fire safety... Technical Translator's Guide
auto-ignition temperature- 2.1 auto-ignition temperature: The lowest temperature at which auto-ignition occurs, determined in accordance with the method described in this standard. Source: GOST R 51330.5 99: Explosion-proof electrical equipment. Part… … Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation
Auto-ignition temperature- 7.3.9. The self-ignition temperature is the lowest temperature of a combustible substance, at which a sharp increase in the rate of exothermic reactions occurs, ending in the occurrence of flaming combustion... Source: Design rules... ... Official terminology
auto-ignition temperature- savaiminio užsiliepsnojimo temperatūra statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Nesiliečiančio su liepsna naftos produkto spontaniško užsidegimo temperatūra, nustatyta standartinėmis sąlygomis. atitikmenys: engl. autogenous... ... Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas
auto-ignition temperature- savaiminio užsiliepsnojimo temperatūra statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: engl. autogenous ignition temperature; spontaneous ignition temperature vok. Entzüdungstemperatur, f; Zündpunkt, m; Zündtemperatur, f rus. auto-ignition temperature … Fizikos terminų žodynas
auto-ignition temperature- rus temperature (g) of spontaneous ignition, temperature (g) of spontaneous combustion eng spontaneous ignition temperature, auto ignition temperature, self ignition temperature fra température (f) d allumage spontané, point (m) d inflammation spontanée,... ... Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE- The lowest ambient temperature at which spontaneous ignition of a substance is observed under special test conditions. GOST 12.1.044 89 ... Comprehensive provision of security and anti-terrorist protection of buildings and structures
Books
- Characteristics of hydrocarbons. Analysis of numerical data and their recommended values. Reference publication, Yu. A. Lebedev, A. N. Kizin, T. S. Papina, I. Sh. Saifullin, Yu. E. Moshkin. This book presents the most important numerical characteristics of a number of hydrocarbons, among which the following physicochemical constants are considered: molecular weight, temperature...
Consumers completely needlessly ignore such parameters as ignition temperature(ignition), spontaneous combustion (spontaneous combustion) and smoldering of modern materials during construction and renovation of premises. Ignoring them can result in great disaster: accidents and loss of property. After all, most of us only carefully study the wear resistance, strength, and specific heat capacity of building materials.
In this article we will try to fill this gap and present the auto-ignition temperatures - or more precisely, “the minimum temperatures required for the ignition of paper, gasoline, many materials, as well as gas or steam in air without the presence of a spark or flame” (all in degrees Celsius) according to foreign sources, part in the table - the rest in the text:
The lowest auto-ignition temperatures are for white phosphorus - 34 and transparent -49 (but for amorphous - 260 degrees), carbon disulfide - 90, diethyl ether - 160, acetaldehyde - 175 degrees (in degrees Celsius). Next comes a group of materials that require higher, but not prohibitive, temperatures to ignite.
Acetylene will ignite at 305, acetone and propanone at 465, bituminous coal and anthracite will glow at 464 and 600 degrees, respectively, benzene will spontaneously ignite at 560, gasoline will spontaneously ignite at 260-280 degrees (kerosene is lower at 210 o C), butadiene - 420 , butane - 405 (or 420 degrees), bitumen coal at 300, butyl acetate - 421, butyl alcohol - 345, butyl methyl ketone - 423, hydrogen -500, heptane - 204, hexane - 223, hexadecane, cetane -202, hydrogen - 500 , gas oil - 336, glycerin - 370, diesel fuel (foreign brand Jet A-1) ignites at 210 degrees, charcoal and coke coal - 349 and 700, respectively, dichloromethane - 600, diethylamine - 312, diisobutyl ketone - 396, diisopropyl ether - 443, dimethyl sulfoxide monoxide-215, dodecane and dihexyl-203, isobutane-462, isobutene-465, isobutyl alcohol-426, isooctane-447, isopentane-420, isoprene-395, isopropyl alcohol-399, isophorone-460, isohexane-264, isononane-227, isopropyl alcohol-399, light hydrocarbons-650, lignite glows at 526 degrees, carbon spontaneously ignites-609, coal oil-580, kerosene-295, fuel oils (depending on the brand) have a self-ignition temperature of 210-262 degrees, magnesium - 473, methane - 580, methanol, methyl alcohol - 470 (there is a brand with t = 375), nitroglycerin will flare up at 254 degrees, nylons at 289-377, sulfur - 243, styrene - 490, propylene, propene - 458, polyethylene will ignite depending on the chlorine content at temperatures - 415-420 degrees, polystyrene - 226, polyvinyl alcohol - 405, propane - 455, industrial gas - 750, carbon - 700, carbon monoxide - 609, semi-anthracite coal - 400, cotton fabric - 267 , cyclohexane - 245, ethylcellulose - 188 degrees Celsius.
Jet fuel A1 ignites at a temperature of 210 degrees Celsius. Popular materials now are products made of polycarbonate and polypropylene. Polycarbonate ignites at a fairly high temperature - 478, but polypropylene will ignite before paper at a temperature of 201 degrees Celsius.
People often forget to mention the ignition temperatures of rubber and rubber products. Rubber, butadiene will ignite at a low temperature of 155, and rubber, butyl at 185 degrees. The self-ignition temperature of low-purity natural rubber is 191, and high-purity rubber is 331, vulcanized rubber is 412, with the addition of styrene butadiene, depending on the additives, 182 degrees (with 24% additive filling) and 280 degrees (with 85% additive).
Like most of its products, oil ignites at a fairly low temperature - 225 degrees Celsius; for obvious reasons, the combustion or ignition temperatures of paper are very close - 218-246 degrees, peat - 227, but dry oak wood is much higher - 482 degrees and pine forest - 427, just wood - 300 degrees, semi-anthracite coal - 400. Strictly speaking, the standardized value of the ignition (ignition) temperature of paper is 233 ° C or 451 ° F ", and this must be taken into account, since the combustion of paper is common cause fires caused by cigarette butts or unextinguished matches.
Severe hydrocarbons are self-flammable at- 750, Toluol- 535, cotton- 221, cycloglixan-245, cyclohexanol-300, cycloglopsanon-420, cyclopropopan-498, acetic acid- 427, carbon-700, furfurol-316, epihlorgidrin- 416, ethan- ethane- 515, ethylene, ethene-450, ethyl acetate-430, ethanol, ethanol - 365, ethylene oxide - 570 gr. Celsius.
As a result, consumers can often become unwitting victims of an accident: fire, poisoning by combustion products and smoldering materials, or, as they say, get burns out of the blue.
The following are the temperatures of ignition (ignition), spontaneous combustion (spontaneous combustion) and smoldering of some commonly used, as well as “exotic” materials that were not included in the reference material above according to domestic sources.
Note: the spontaneous combustion temperatures in the table are given for the substance in the molten state.
You also need to know about seemingly harmless spilled sugar, or rather about its dust. Any place that contains sugar dust and a lot of oxygen, such as a sugar silo, can quickly become a hazardous environment. According to fire protection studies, a room covered with at least 5 percent of its surface area in a thin layer of sugar dust (0.8 mm) poses an explosion hazard. Tiny sugar particles burn almost instantly due to the high surface area to volume ratio. Table sugar or sucrose is highly flammable when the right conditions, just like wood. True, at the beginning, when sugar is heated, it turns brown and caramelizes, losing moisture in it, turning almost into charcoal, and the sugar molecules line up in long chains. As the temperature rises, a flash occurs that blinds and an explosion occurs. These properties of sugar are considered by some to be a biofuel option, and more.
In conclusion, we should provide material that can be no less useful in practice: what kind of energy, as well as about the alternative to oil and gas in terms of high energy.
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