Flash Point Testing

Classifying the flammability of fuels and other materials by their flash point value has been an established practice
for more than 100 years. Today mandatory international and national regulations are set by bodies such as the UN,
IATA, EPA, EU and Health and Safety executives.

What is flash point?

QC
Flash point is defined as the lowest temperature of
a liquid at which its vapours will form a combustible
mixture with air. It is a convenient and reliable
classification of the flammability of many substances,
there are three main categories;

• Extremely flammable: Flash point below 0° C Transport & Storage

• Highly flammable: Flash point below 21 °C Quality Control
Regulations
• Flammable: Flash point below 55 °C
A sample of specified volume is introduced to the test
cup which is maintained at the test temperature. After a
specified time, a test flame is applied and the presence
or absence of a flash observed.

Waste Disposal
CLP Regulations
Regulations

Transport and storage regulations - hazard

classification

Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations

to define flammable and combustible materials and
classify their hazard potential which has significant cost
implications when transporting or storing products.

Many industries use solvents in their products (paints,

varnishes) which is used to classify the flash point for
Why measure flash point? the finished product. Some solvents are not highly
Quality control flammable so establishing the exact flash point can help
save money.
Petroleum and chemical industries often use flash point
testing to check for contamination or adulteration of a Users would be advised to use the Setaflash test
product. Multiple storage tanks may contain different method in these circumstances as it quickly provides an
product which can range in purity. These tanks may accurate flash point value to correctly classify the true
use common pipeline systems. The pipeline will be hazard nature of a product.
cleaned between product batch but there is a risk of
contamination if they are not cleaned thoroughly. Flash Waste disposal regulations
point is used to determine whether contamination of a
product has occured. EU guidelines and Hazardous Waste Regulations now
require rapid hazard classification of a sample (liquids,
Changes in flash point indicate that a sample may used oils and solids) before it can be disposed of.
have been contaminated or adulterated, for example
petroleum spirit in engine oil will lower the flash point. Portable Setaflash small scale flash point testers are
Contamination of fuel oil, lubrication oil and hydraulic widely used in these circumstances for spot checks in
oil by lighter hydrocarbons can lead to problems with the laboratory, on a production line or outdoors. They
the operation of expensive equipment - for example on reduce problems with waste handling and disposal
ships, at power plants and in construction and mining owing to the fact a test requires no more than 4 ml of
machinery. sample.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@[Link] | [Link]

 Flash Point Testing
Flash point is measured using either an open cup or closed cup flash point tester. Open cup tests are required in
some specifications and regulations, and are intended to mimic conditions in open spaces, whereas closed cup tests
are closer to most situations, where space is restricted.

Closed Cup (CC) Test methodology

Abel, Abel-Pensky, Pensky-Martens, Tag, Setaflash (CC) Non-equilibrium - Abel, Pensky-Martens, Tag,
Cleveland
Closed cup tests aim to simulate the situation of a liquid
spill in a closed environment. If the liquid is at, or above, The term non-equilibrium means the vapour is not
its flash point then a fire or explosion is a possibility in equilibrium with the liquid. Non-equilibrium flash
when exposed to a potential ignition. point tests are when the liquid is heated at a steady rate
of temperature increase while the ignition source is
In closed cup tests the sample is placed inside a sealed applied at regular intervals.
(closed) test cup and the ignition source is introduced
to measure the temperature at which the sample ignites Advantages: It is well suited to automation,
(‘flashes’), known as its flash point. instrumentation is universally available and standardised
for a wide range of products.

Disadvantages: Each time the flame is dipped, some

of the valuable components may escape which can
give artificially high flash points or spoil precision. The
temperature of the liquid and vapour can significantly
vary in the cup. Non-equilibrium tests require a large
sample size of 50 to 80 ml per test.

> PM-93 Closed Cup test area > Cleveland open cup test area

> Setaflash Series 3 small scale

Open Cup (OC) Equilibrium - Setaflash

Cleveland, Setaflash (OC) Traditional equilibrium flash point tests which use
any cup in a water bath, ensure that the liquid and a
Open cup tests simulate the potential ignition of a liquid vapour of the sample are in temperature equilibrium by
spillage in uncontained conditions, for example a pool adopting a complex procedure and a very slow heating
of liquid spilt on the floor. Fire point, combustibility and rate.
sustained burning tests all use open cup instruments.
Fire point may be considered as the lowest temperature The Setaflash small scale method overcomes the
of the liquid at which vapour combustion and burning laborious processes associated with the other methods
commences when an ignition source is applied and by utilising a 2 ml or 4 ml sample which achieves ‘rapid
continues to burn after the removal of the ignition equilibrium’ between the vapour and the liquid in a cup
source. Combustibility and sustained burning tests are and gives a reliable flash point result in just one or two
usually carried out at a fixed temperature and test for minutes.
continuous burning of the test specimen.
Advantages: Improved precision compared to non-
An open cup instrument will always give a higher flash equilibrium methods. The Setaflash instrument range
point than a closed cup as the open cup allows free loss offers low cost, fast measurement for a flash/no flash
of vapours to the atmosphere above the instrument. result which is widely used by many industries.
Closed cup test are usually specified due to improved
precision. Disadvantages: Traditional testers can involve a
laborious process especially when larger amounts of
sample are needed to produce a representative sample.
This type of instrumentation is not universally available.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@[Link] | [Link]

 Flash Point Testing
The appropriate method for your sample is usually cited in a product specification or regulation, and in certain
circumstances a referee test method may be stated, this method should be the first choice. If a number of alternative
test methods are specified then the choice will be influenced by other factors such as sample size requirements,
speed of testing or precision.

When specifically testing for contaminants, certain test methods and procedures are more appropriate than others.
In general an equilibrium test method is recommended for testing samples that may contain traces of volatile
contaminants.

Setaflash Small Scale Tag

ASTM D1655; ASTM D3278; ASTM D3828; ASTM ASTM D56; ASTM D3934; ASTM D3941; ASTM E502;
D7236; ASTM D8174; ASTM E502; CLP Regulations; IP 491; IP 492; ISO 1516; ISO 1523
DEF STAN 91-91; EPA 1020 A & B; IP 523; IP 524;
IP 534; IP 602; ISO 3679; ISO 3680; ISO 9038; These test methods cover
UN Class 3 Non-Viscous Flammable Liquids the determination of the
flash point by tag manual and
automated closed testers, of
liquids with a viscosity below
5.5 mm2/s (cSt) at 40 °C, or
below 9.5 mm2/s (cSt) at
25 °C, and a flash point below
93 °C.

> Setaflash Series 3 > Setaflash Series 8 Cleveland

These methods cover petroleum products and biodiesel ASTM D92; AASHTO T48
liquid fuels across the range of -30 to 300 °C using a
small scale closed cup tester. These test methods
describe the determination
The procedures may be used to determine whether a of the flash point and fire
product will or will not flash at a specified temperature point of petroleum products
(flash/no flash method A), or the flash point of a by a manual Cleveland
sample (method B). When used in conjunction with an open cup apparatus or
electronic thermal flash detector, these methods are an automated Cleveland
also suitable for flash point tests on biodiesel such as open cup apparatus. It is
FAME. applicable to all petroleum
Small scale testers are also used for shipping and safety products with flash points above 79 °C and below
regulations such as CLP to define flammable and 400 °C except fuel oils.
combustible materials and classify them.

Pensky-Martens Closed Cup (PMCC)

Abel
ASTM D93; IP 34; ISO 2719
IP 170; IP 491; IP 492; ISO 5123; ISO 1376
These test methods cover
the determination of the flash These test methods describe
point of petroleum products the determination of the
in the temperature range from closed cup flash point of
40 to 360 °C by a manual or combustible liquids having
automated PMCC apparatus. flash points of between -30
They are also used to determine and 70 °C, inclusive. However,
the flash point of biodiesel in the precision given for this
the temperature range of 60 method is only valid for flash
to 190 °C by automated PMCC points in the range -5 and
apparatus. 66.5 °C.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@[Link] | [Link]

 Flash Point Testing
The test method chosen must follow the stated requirements, however if this requirement is flexible then choice
may be biased towards safety, cost, speed of test and even instrument availability. Below are important factors to
consider before making your choice.

Safety features Ease of use

The need to heat and ignite potentially flammable In today’s laboratory it is not unusual for technicians
liquids in a laboratory is naturally of concern and in to run several tests simultaneously and the concept of
many instances the use of a naked flame is prohibited. monitoring a test and making intervention at certain
ASTM D3828 Small Scale flash point tests reduce parts of the test procedure may not be practical or
the risk by using a small sample of just 2 or 4 ml, by desired, so simplicity of use and automation are often
comparison ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens methods use key features required by users.
75 ml.
This is especially important if a large number of samples
Most test methods now permit the use of an electric are to be tested and where test throughput is vital
ignition source as an alternative to the traditionally in supporting efficient laboratory operations, so in
used gas flame with some flash point testers providing addition to ease of use, speed of use becomes critical.
users with a choice of either. To satisfy laboratory safety As flash point tests operate by heating a sample, often
requirements it is becoming increasingly important to to relatively high temperatures of 250 °C+, cooling of
ensure electronic ignition is available with reliable and the test cup prior to the next test is a key operating
proven performance. feature.

Automated Pensky-Martens flash point testers have

Fire extinguishing systems been designed to provide rapid testing of samples
with minimal operator input. The Seta PM-93 allows
A fire extinguising system is unsupervised operation which heats the sample at
now mandatory for all ASTM the temperature rate prescribed in the test method
D93 Pensky-Martens flash point whilst also applying ignition and checking for flash
testing apparatus manufactured automatically.
after 2016. This is for safety
purposes to minimise risks Setaflash Small Scale point testers operate using gas
where the sample catches fire or electric ignition and are very easy and reliable to
in an automatic instrument use. The simple flash/no flash test requires minimum
due to sample mislabelling, analytical experience to achieve a reliable result. Small
operator error or during testing volumes allow rapid and very safe sample handling and
of an ‘unknown’ substance. Series 3 models weigh just 3 kg, can be powered by
In these instances a fire can battery and are easily carried to the sample.
cause consequential accidents,
peripheral damage as well as damage to the instrument
itself.

Latest designs of instrument such as the Seta PM-93

now provide automatic fire extinguisher systems which,
separately from temperature sensors used to monitor
the sample and control instrument performance, will
automatically and immediately activate an integral
extinguisher in the event of flame or fire being detected
around the test cup. Select test temperature Inject 2ml sample

Other safety features now recommended include

a first dip before sample heating and an automated
dip at every 10 °C, these additional safeguards check
for the presence of excess volatile components and

Press Dip the ignitor, flash

detection is automatic

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@[Link] | [Link]

 Flash Point Testing

Typical Flash Point test applications

Testing esters and ketones for certification. Flammability classification
Adhesives and sealants
for transport regulations
Aviation and aircraft Quality control of incoming fuels and oils. Specification conformance
Testing solvents used in production. Safety classification for transport
Chemicals
regulations
Flash point criteria are specified in most products. Flammability
Chemical products (polishes, cleaners etc)
classification for transport regulations
Formulated pesticides Research and flammability classification for transport regulations
Lubricants Quality control and research. Used oil analysis
Oil and gas rigs Quality of samples. Sump contamination of pumphead machinery
Quality control on base oils and checking contamination of used/
Oil treatment/recovery
recovered oils and fuels. Safety classification for transport regulations
These include research institutes, engine manufacturers and test
Other uses
laboratories
Research, quality control and safety. Flammability classification for
Paints and varnishes
transport regulations. Recommended for water-borne paints
Tests on solvent/water mixtures. Flammability classification for transport
Perfumes, flavours and fragrances
regulations and safety in use
Fully approved for Aviation Turbine Fuel (D1655/DEF STAN 91-091),
Petroleum and derivatives refining Diesel (D975), Fuel Oil (D396), Gas Turbine Fuel (D2880) and Kerosine
(D3699)
Pharmaceuticals Checks on manufacture stated flash points
Printing inks Flammability classification for transport regulations
Quality control of storage tanks and deliveries. Safety classification for
Road tanker terminals/shipping terminals
transport regulations
Tests on solvent-resin based base products. Quality and safety
Synthetic resins
classification for transport regulations
Used for research and testing of solvents in cosmetics, aftershaves etc.
Soap and synthetic detergents
Flammability classification for transport
Transport regulations Flammability classification for road, rail, air and sea
Vegetable and edible oils Some test to ensure low flammability classification
Waste disposal Tests used to classify waste prior to disposal

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@[Link] | [Link]