Ultrasonic Cleaners w/ Heating Element and Everclear

[Amirite]

Wikipedia says the flash point for grain alcohol (Everclear) is 40% - 26 °C (79 °F). An ultrasonic cleaner I bought heats the liquid up to 180°F.

Now while I would never apply a spark to the everclear when it has reached temperature, is there a chance the alcohol could go into combustion from the heat or should it just evaporate?

 

[mostlyclassics]

I've used 91% isopropyl alcohol in ultrasonic cleaners for many years and never had a problem. Isopropyl alcohol has an even lower flash point than ethanol.

But then I've never chucked a lit match into the ultrasonic cleaner, either.

"Flash point" is not the same as "autoignition point." The flash point temperature requires an ignition source; the autoignition point temperature doesn't. The autoignition point for ethanol is 363 degrees C; that for isopropyl is 399 degrees C. Both of those are comfortably above room temperature.

 

[Amirite]

I've used 91% isopropyl alcohol in ultrasonic cleaners for many years and never had a problem. Isopropyl alcohol has an even lower flash point than ethanol.

But then I've never chucked a lit match into the ultrasonic cleaner, either.

"Flash point" is not the same as "autoignition point." The flash point temperature requires an ignition source; the autoignition point temperature doesn't. The autoignition point for ethanol is 363 degrees C; that for isopropyl is 399 degrees C. Both of those are comfortably above room temperature.

This is re-assuring. Thanks Mostly!

 

[Unforeseen]

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