The application of flash point testers in airport safety assessments centers on preventing and controlling the risks of fires and explosions involving flammable liquids, making them an indispensable component of airport safety management systems.

Core Application Scenarios

Quality and Safety Control of Aviation Fuel (Jet A, Jet A-1):

Incoming Inspection:Flash point tests are conducted on aviation fuel delivered to airport fuel depots to ensure compliance with international standards. Aviation fuel typically requires a higher flash point to prevent the formation of flammable vapors at ambient temperatures.

Storage Monitoring:Conduct regular spot checks on fuel oil in storage tanks to monitor whether the flash point has changed due to contamination or degradation, ensuring the safety of the entire fuel supply chain.

Safety Management of Fuels for Ground Vehicles and Equipment:

Diesel, gasoline, and other fuels:Conduct random inspections of fuel used in various ground service vehicles at the airport (fuel trucks, baggage tugs, service vehicles) to prevent misfueling or the introduction of non-compliant fuel.

Cleaning agents, solvents:Airport maintenance hangars and workshops use large quantities of cleaning agents and solvents. These chemicals often have low flash points and are classified as hazardous materials. Flash point testing enables their classification, safe storage, and usage assessment, preventing vapor accumulation in enclosed spaces.

Cargo Transportation Safety (Hazardous Materials Identification)：

For air cargo or baggage suspected of containing flammable liquids, security personnel may use portable flash point testers for rapid screening. If a low flash point (typically below 60°C) is detected, the item is highly likely to be a flammable dangerous good requiring strict inspection, packaging, labeling, and declaration in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. This constitutes a critical measure for preventing in-flight fires.

Airport Facility Maintenance and Construction Safety:Prior to conducting hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) within airport premises, a risk assessment must be performed for potential flammable liquid vapors in the work area. A flash point tester can be used to determine the flash point of nearby residual liquids (such as paint, thinners, adhesives) to establish the safety level and protective measures for hot work operations.

Accident Investigation and Emergency Response:

In the event of a leak or fire incident, a flash point tester can be used to quickly identify the flammability of the leaked liquid. This provides critical safety handling information for emergency responders (such as fire departments), helping them select appropriate personal protective equipment and fire extinguishing agents.

Quantifying Fire Risk:Flash point is a clear, measurable physical parameter that translates the abstract concept of "flammability risk" into concrete data, enabling scientific quantitative risk assessment.

Compliant with regulatory requirements:ICAO, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, among other agencies, have stringent regulations governing the storage, transportation, and use of flammable liquids. Regular flash point testing serves as critical evidence of compliance.

Prevention First:Through proactive monitoring, potential hazards—such as substandard fuel or mislabeled chemicals—are identified and eliminated before fire incidents occur, embodying aviation safety's paramount principle of "prevention first."

Ensuring operational safety:Ensuring aviation fuel has a high flash point is fundamental to aircraft safety. Fuel safety for ground vehicles also directly impacts security in critical areas such as terminal buildings and runway perimeters.

Summary

In the airport environment, where safety requirements are exceptionally stringent, the flash point tester serves as a fundamental yet powerful safety tool. It is integral to multiple critical stages—from fuel delivery to aircraft loading, from routine storage to emergency response. By providing objective, quantifiable flammability data, it helps airport authorities, aviation fuel suppliers, ground service operators, and security inspection departments establish a robust proactive fire prevention barrier. It stands as one of the vital technical measures safeguarding both ground operations and flight safety at airports.