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DOT regulations stipulate that all chemicals transported must have their flash point determined, with those with lower flash points taking extra caution during transport. There are various techniques to test a liquid’s flash point; two common approaches include closed-cup testing and open-cup testing.
Flash Point Tester
Flammability testing is an integral component of various processes, from manufacturing lubricants to shipping petroleum-based chemicals. Testing can identify potentially flammable materials so that appropriate safety procedures can be put in place to minimise fires and explosions, fulfilling government regulations as well as Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements.
A flash point test measures the lowest temperature at which liquid can produce enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source, providing useful insight into whether it is flammable, ignitable or non-flammable and thus helping determine compliance with regulations for handling and storage requirements.
An automatic Pensky-Martens closed cup tester is an ideal way to accurately determine the flash point of oils, lubricants, chemicals, petroleum-based materials and other liquids. The device includes a heated bath with radiation shield cup and cover as well as burner, thermometer ferrule and stirrer for convenient testing both open and closed cup testing.
The Eralytics Series 8 Close Cup Flashpoint Tester features several high-performance features, such as its digital display and touchscreen icons to guide users through the testing process. Users can program this instrument to perform quality control samples automatically; results may then be stored or transferred using USB for record keeping purposes. It operates off of either electric or gas power and uses an innovative combustion method which eliminates external oxygen supply requirements.
The K14600 Tag Closed Cup Flash Tester is an effective device for rapidly determining the flash point of petroleum, paints, coatings and hazardous waste within one minute using just two milliliters. The device conforms to ASTM D56 and D93 methods.
Thermocouple Tester
Thermocouples use thermometer readings from two points on their sensor to produce a proportional voltage that can be measured and used to regulate different voltage-driven circuits. When used properly, thermocouples can deliver very accurate results when calibrated and verified using a portable thermocouple tester – these units allow users to test for short and open circuits in thermocouple systems without having to remove probes from installation sites and test for proper wiring connections in systems.
Temperature-control thermocouples generally produce a small voltage output for every degree Celsius that the hot end exceeds the cold end, depending on their type. The exact amount produced will depend on which thermocouple type is being utilized. The three most frequently encountered thermocouple types are Type K, R and N thermocouples, each featuring unique qualities suitable for specific applications. Type K thermocouples are particularly well suited to industrial use due to being cheap yet robust enough for harsh environments. Type R can handle higher temperatures and offers excellent resistance to oxidation, making it extremely durable. Type N excels when operating in an oxidizing atmosphere as its output stability can withstand an array of thermal shock.
If a thermocouple is performing as expected, its continuity should first be tested using a multimeter by selecting the resistance or ohms option and placing one of its test leads on its side connected to the gas valve; its other end should then be connected to its test port on the multimeter; a low resistance reading should appear; any reading of 40 Ohms or greater indicates poor connection and should be addressed immediately with replacement of this thermocouple.
Troubleshooting features of Thermocouple Testers include the ability to step temperature increases or decreases by 10% increments and display their temperature while it changes. This provides a quick way of validating that thermocouples can indeed measure temperatures within their intended range, without falling out of calibration.
Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
The Pensky-Martens closed cup flash point tester is an effective means of testing the flammability of petroleum products within a tightly sealed container. The test relies on the concept that liquid will not spontaneously ignite below its flash point (i.e. temperature at which vaporized sample mixes with air to form ignition source), according to ASTM D93-20 standards and may be carried out either manually or automatically.
This non-equilibrium test involves heating samples at an adjustable rate while an ignition source periodically illuminates their surfaces. Heating rates are determined by the manufacturer and can be tailored to meet user specifications for test material.
ISL’s automated Pensky Martens Closed Cup Tester FP93 5G2 features an easily navigated LCD touchscreen display, dual electric and gas ignition sources, automatic temperature control with glass or metal temperature probes for ASTM D93-IP 34 Methods A & B testing protocols and an adjustable test stirrer (for ASTM D93 – IP 34 Methods A & B testing protocols), plus data transfer features such as USB port for data transfer, remote control software integration with LIMS connectivity as well as quick cooling vents for quick cooling down between tests.
Built to make testing fast, simple and accurate, the instrument features an intelligent design that lets you select from pre-programmed test conditions. Simply choose one that most closely applies to your sample before pressing Test; real-time results are displayed on screen before being stored locally or sent directly to LIMS for storage or exportation. And as soon as one test finishes up, cooling immediately kicks in so that cooling processes continue without any gaps between tests being run.
The instrument comes equipped with UKAS certified Reference Standards to facilitate calibration in accordance with ASTM D93 Procedure A, applicable for distillate fuels such as diesel and biodiesel blends, kerosene, heating oil, turbine fuels and lubricating oils. The test standards come packaged in three 80mL bottles that can be used regularly as equipment performance checks.
Cleveland Open Cup Tester
Cleveland Open Cup Testers are manual or automated apparatus used to measure the flash and fire point of petroleum products. Testing involves dripping product into a brass test cup before heating at an adjustable rate until its flash point has been reached, as measured by when visible vapour can form on its surface – known as its flash point temperature. Furthermore, testing also determines its fire point although this measurement is typically not reported upon.
An accurate flash or fire point measurement depends on a range of factors, including time it takes to achieve equilibrium between liquid and its vapours, cup size required and conditions under which testing occurs. Setaflash’s small scale method of testing solves these issues by using 2 or 4 milliliter samples which quickly reach equilibrium in just minutes.
The Cleveland Open Cup Tester, designed and manufactured according to ISO 2592 and ASTM D92 standards, is an accurate device for determining the flash or fire point of petroleum products. Capable of testing crude oil, fuel oils, bitumen and pitch (other than fuel oils) having an open cup flash point above 79 degC (175 degF), it includes an adjustable heating plate as well as hinged thermometer support which raises to facilitate placement or removal of test cup while its barometric pressure sensor automatically corrects test results according to atmospheric conditions.
The Cleveland Open Cup Tester LB-20CFP uses microcontroller technology to manage its operation and display results on a high speed thermal printer. It is powered by a 1250W-10 amp nickel-chromium heater equipped with variable control of rate of temperature increase. Encased in stainless steel housing with cooling vents for safety and maintenance convenience, an insulated cover protects it. For even greater precision results and to prevent condensation altogether, an integrated Dual Fan System cools both test cup and surroundings simultaneously, thus guaranteeing accurate results and precise results every time!
