Flash & Fire point, Thin Film oven Test

Object:
To determine the Flash and Fire Points of bitumen sample using Cleveland Open Cup Apparatus.

Theory:
The Flash Point test is used to determine the temperature to which asphalt materials may be safely heated without danger of instantaneous flash in the presence of open flame. Its the temperature at which the vapor pressure is high enough to give off sufficient hydrocarbon vapors to form an explosive mixture with air when contacted with an open flame. The Fire Point is the temperature at the material will burn. In British standards, the expected Flash Points are as follows: Type of Bitumen AC Cutbacks RC MC SC Expected Flash Point, C 175-235 < 40 40-110 > 110

For AC and SC Cutback, the sample is heated at a high rate of 14-17C. When we reach 56C below the expected Flash Point we reduce the rate to 5-6C and we start passing the flame at 28C below the expected Flash Point. For Rc and MC this is impossible, i.e. to heat it at a high rate, because the sample will burn within 2-3min, so we start at a low rate. This test is done on any type of bitumen. We will perform it on a Medium Curing Cutback and will pass the flame on the sample at 35C (see Procedure). The Cleveland Cup Flash Point tester is widely used. The material in the cup is directly heated by a Bunsen Burner with the temperature rising at a slow constant rate. A small test flame is passed across the cup at specified intervals. The lowest temperature at which application of the test flame causes vapors above the surface of the liquid to ignite is taken as Flash Point. If the Flash Point test is continued until the test flame causes the liquid to ignite and burn for at least 5sec then this temperature is taken as Fire Point.

Apparatus:
The apparatus shall consists of the following: 1- Cleveland Open Cup apparatus, this consists of a test cup, heating plate, test flame applicator, heater and supports 2- A shield to protect the apparatus from drafts 3- A thermometer with a range of 6 to +400C

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus in a draft free area and fill the cup to the filling mark with the sample. 2. Heat the sample at a rate of 5-6C 3. When temperature reaches 35C apply the test flame every 2C on the thermometer. Pass the test flame across the center of the cup in a smooth motion in one direction in approximately 1 sec. Pass the flame in the opposite direction in the next test application. 4. Keep on this procedure until you observe the flash. Record Flash Point. 5. Continue the passing until the flash becomes flame for at least 5sec. Record Fire Point.

Flash & Fire point, Thin Film oven Test

Conclusions:
1 If the flame last for 4sec then extinguished, then we are still in the Flash Point range. The Fire Point must last for 5sec at least. 2. The Atmospheric Pressure will effect the vaporizing rate and so the Flash Point, so we use a Corrected Flash\Fire Point Equation : Corrected Flash\Fire Point = C + 0.03 ( 760 P ) Where: C: Observed Fire\Flash Point P: Pressure in testing room 760: 760mm Hg, the atom. Pressure at sea level Note that this equation is used only with Celsius temperatures. 3 . The flash point has an inverse relation with penetration.

Data Sheet & Calculations:

Pressure in the lab = Observed Flash Point = Corrected Flash Point = the sample is : Observed Fire Point = Corrected Fire Point = y ,viscosity & kinematic viscosity

Flash & Fire point, Thin Film oven Test