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Hydraulic fluids for the most part are considered to be much less flammable than middle distillate fuels. Petroleum-based hydraulic fluids have high flash points, while water-based hydraulic fluids (because of their high water content) are definitely nonflammable. The major problem with water-based hydraulic fluids is corrosion. Petroleum-based fluids are much less corrosive and thus equipment lifetime is considerably increased. However, some petroleum-based hydraulic fluids have been observed to be a fire safety hazard in situations where high-pressure leaks can result in aerosol formation. These fire hazards cannot be adequately explained based solely on flash point considerations of the hydraulic fluids alone.

The flammability characteristics of jet fuel aerosols are significant parameters for the development of fire safe fuels. In our laboratory's efforts to evaluate the success of specific chemical additives designed to reduce the ignition of jet fuel aerosols, we have developed a unique, completely automated atomizer for producing aerosols and measuring their mist flammability properties.