Flash Point Apparatus

Theory

 In this practical, we use relatively simple theory to

get the flash point temperature. That is after
applying the fuel in to the apparatus, we increase the
temperature of the fuel and get the flash point
temperature as described in the procedure in heating
and cooling. Then get the average as the flash point
of the fuel.
 The Aim of this experiment

 To determine fire point of an oil product using closed

cup method (Penesky Marten’s apparatus).
 Importance of flash and fire points

 It indicates fire hazard of petroleum products and

evaporation loses under high temperature.
 It gives us the idea about the maximum temperature
below which the oil can be used (this is very
important for storage and transportation)
 Detection of contamination in the given oil product
 It classifies the petroleum (light or heavy)
 Closed Penesky-Martens Test

 Closed cup flash point test to determine the flash

point for products with flash point above 40 0 C to
3600 C.
 Tools and apparatus

 1. Closed Penesky-Martens (as described below)

 2. Kerosene sample
 3. Goggles
 4. Lab coats
 5. Heating source
 6. Timer
 Description of apparatus

 1. Cup of sample
 2. Cover
 3. Shutter (to lock the fire from the sample)
 4. Stirring device
 5. Heating source
 6. Ignition source
 7. Air bath
 8. Thermometer
 The procedure

 1. Clean and dry all parts of the apparatus with the help
of suitable solvent e.g.) ether, or benzene and dry it to
remove any traces of solvent.
 2.Fill the oil cup with kerosene up to the mark.
 3.Fix the lids on the top through which are inserted a
thermometer and a stirrer. Ensure that the flame
exposure device is fixed on the top.
 4.Light the flame and adjust it to about 4 mm in diameter
and start stirring the sample.
 5.Heat apparatus in a rate of 5 0C/min until 30 0C is
reached as stirrer is continuously rotated. (the rate of
increasing temp. can be reached by adjusting the flame
source).
 cont

 6.Now, At every 2 0C rise of temp. Introduce test

flame into the oil vapor. (Stop stirring during this
step)
 7. When test flame causes a distinct flash in the
interior of the test cup, note temp. which represent
the flash point.
 8.Further heat the sample at lower rate (1 or 2 oC)
and continue applying the test flame as before.
 9. The temperature at which the vapors of the oil give
a clear and distinct blue flash for five seconds is
recorded as the fire point of the oil.