This portion of the gasoline greatly affects fuel economy on short trips. If the end-point temperature exceeds the ASTM maximum requirement, it is usually because of the presence of a distillate fuel such as No. 2 diesel. This contamination can be directly attributable to the delivery of diesel prior to the delivery of the gasoline. This problem is avoided if care is taken in handling the product. Flash Point Flash point is defined as the temperature to which a fuel must be heated to produce an ignitable vapor-air mixture above the liquid fuel when exposed to an open flame.
Flash point is important primarily from a fuel-handling standpoint.
Too low a flash point will cause fuel to be a fire hazard, subject to flashing, and possible continued ignition and explosion. In addition, a low-flash point may indicate contamination by more volatile and explosive fuels, such as gasoline. A very important reason to maintain the flash point as high as possible is due to the electrostatic hazards in pumping distillate fuels. Never dispense kerosene or diesel fuel into a tank or container that previously contained gasoline or other flammable material. Sulfur Sulfur is an element that is normally found in varying amounts in all petroleum products.