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Flash point tester: avoid the potential dangerous.

Mar 27, 2024 | Company News, News

Automatic flash point tester is an important instrument in testing petroleum products. It can test when heated to the lowest temperature when their vapor comes into contact with flame and an instantaneous flash fire occurs under specified conditions.

Before we know products in detail, there have some proper noun to understand. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the test flame causes the sample vapor to ignite and spread the flame to the liquid surface under specified test conditions. We need to know that the lower the flash point, the greater the risk of fire. It can be seen that it is necessary to know the flash point of our materials to make sure the safe of worker. The ignition point is to continue heating based on the flash point until the sample ignites and can burn continuously for no less than 5 seconds. This temperature is the ignition point of the sample.

open cup flash point tester

To know more about the flash point tester.

According to the type of flash point tester used, flash point can be divided into two types: closed flash point and open flash point. There have some different parts between these two testers. Generally, Petroleum products with high evaporation always be tested by the closed flash point. Because if we use the open flash point tester, the vapor formed after the oil is heated continues to diffuse into the surrounding air will leading the measured flash point higher. To other oils which have low evaporation, such as lubricating oil and heavy oil, it always uses the open cup flash point to measure. Compare with open cup flash point tester, the close cup flash point tester needs flash point tester closed cup in addition.

The principle of the open cup flash point tester.

The principle of open flash point measurement is to put the sample into the test cup to the specified score line. First increase the temperature of the sample, then slowly increase the temperature, and when it is close to the flash point, increase the temperature at a constant rate. At specified temperature intervals, a small test flame is passed horizontally through the test cup, and the lowest temperature at which the test flame ignites the vapor on the liquid surface is used as the measurement result of the opening flash point.

How to use the open cup flash point tester?

1.ample preparation:

We need to make sure that the sample is well-mixed, and it can represent the material being tested. And then we should pour a sufficient quantity of the liquid sample into the open cup of the tester. To be serious, we must follow the manufacturer’s instructions or relevant testing standards to complete this step.

2.Temperature control:

Adjust the heating rate and temperature range according to the expected flash point of the sample and the requirements of the testing method or standard being followed.

3.Heating and stirring:

Begin heating the sample in the open cup using the built-in heating mechanism. This device usually is an electric heater or a gas burner.

Continuously stir the sample during heating to ensure uniform temperature distribution and prevent localized overheating.

4.Ignition source application:

As the sample is heated, periodically introduce an ignition source, such as a small flame or electric spark, over the surface of the liquid at specified intervals or temperature increments.

The ignition source should be applied in a prescribed manner, following the testing method’s guidelines.

5.Flash point detection:

Observe the surface of the liquid sample carefully for any momentary flash or flame that may occur when the ignition source encounters flammable vapors.

Note the temperature at which the first distinct flash is observed.

6.Confirmation and recording:

Repeat the application of the ignition source at slightly higher temperatures to confirm the flash point observation.

Record the temperature at which the persistent flash is observed as the flash point of the sample.

7.Safety precautions:

Follow all safety guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with flammable liquids and open flames.

Ensure proper ventilation and have a fire extinguisher readily available in case of emergencies.

It’s important to strictly follow the testing method’s guidelines, otherwise the open cup flash point tester will not give the accurate results.