PIN October/November 2005

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Analytical Instrumentation
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M i k e S h e rra tt, D i re c to r o f R e se a rc h a t S ta n h o p e -S e ta
Stanhope-Seta, London Street,
Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1932 564391
Fax: + 44 (0) 1932 568363
Email: mjs@[Link]
Website: [Link]
Flash Point Testing
T h e D e fi n i ti ve Te st M e th o d
Wh a t i s fla sh p o i n t?
The flash point of a fuel is essentially the lowest temperature at which vapours froma test portion
combine with air to give a flammable mixture and flash when an ignition source is applied.
Specifications quote flash point values for quality control purposes as well as for controlling the
flammability risk. The lower the flash point temperature the greater the risk. A change in flash point may
indicate the presence of potentially dangerous volatile contaminants or the adulteration of one product
by another.
The measurement of flash point is defined in test methods that are maintained by standardization
bodies such as the Energy Institute in the UK, ASTM in the USA, CEN in Europe and ISO internationally.
Over the last few years the focal point for flash point test methods has become the CEN/ISO J oint
Working Group on Flash Point.
Wh i c h fla sh p o i n t te st?
In general flash point is measured by apparatus named open cup or
closed cup. 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 tests are more usually specified as the test results are less
affected by laboratory conditions and give a
more precise and lower (safer) result.
There are 4 major closed cup flash point
tests which are specified nationally and
internationally for testing fuels and other
materials: Pensky-Martens, Small Scale (rapid
equilibrium), Abel and Tag.
The Small Scale Closed Cup test is
specifically identified by the following test
methods: ASTM D3278, ASTM D3828, IP303,
IP523, IP524, EPA 1020 A and B, ISO 3679 and
ISO 3680.
Wh y i s th e S m a ll S c a le a c c e p te d u n i ve rsa lly?
The Small Scale test method and the uniquely approved
Setaflash Tester have been in use for over 30 years,
primarily for a one minute test with 2 ml of sample to
carry out a flash no-flash test, and more recently for
automatic flash point determinations.
During these 30 years, comparative tests and
collaboration with bodies such as the Institute of
Petroleum, ASTM D01 and D02, British Railways,
Commission of the European Communities, National
Research Council Canada, BSI, UK Ministry of Defence,
Transport and Road Research Laboratory, Paint
Research Association and the major international oil
refiners, may be summarized by the following well
recorded statements;
ASTM evaluation studies of the Setaflash Tester demonstrate the excellent correlation between the
Setaflash and the Tag Closed and Pensky-Martens Testers. In addition the repeatability and
reproducibility of the Setaflash are definitely better than values found using Pensky-Martens and the
precision of the Setaflash is equivalent or slightly better than the Tag Closed Tester.
Note: Initially the Small Scale test method had the name Setaflash in the title.
This performance and proven equivalence for specific materials has resulted in the adoption of the Small
Scale test method in a wide range of product specifications and regulations. Today Setaflash Testers are
in daily worldwide use by thousands of laboratories to test
hundreds of different liquids.
T h e sm a ll sc a le te st fa m i ly
The original small scale tester has evolved into a modern
family of manual and automated instruments incorporating
automatic temperature control and flash detection. A
version with an electric ignitor has also been announced. In
addition an open cup tester is available for mandated
combustibility testing.
I s th e S m a ll S c a le te st th e re fe re e ?
International transport regulations allow the
use of a number of so called non-equilibrium closed cup
tests such as the Pensky-Martens, Tag or Abel to assess flammability criteria. However, if a result is
within 2C of a defined limit, the use of an equilibriumtest is mandated. In this instance the Small Scale
test or another equilibriumtest is the referee. Under these circumstances the Small Scale test is usually
selected because its one minute test is preferable to the 2 hours taken by other equilibriumtests. In
product specifications it will be made clear which test method is the referee.
Choosing which flash point method can be difficult, however a new CEN/ISO document, Petroleum
products and other liquids Guide to flash point testing, gives advice and will be available in 2005.
B e n e fi ts o f th e S m a ll S c a le te st
The concept of the Small Scale test eliminates the possibility of heating the test sample above the test
temperature, avoids the loss of volatile constituents, is the fastest test available, has excellent available
precision and an in depth history of comparative tests and equivalent results. Fromthese facts it is clear
that the Small Scale test is The Definitive Test.
To view a small scale test online please visit [Link]/[Link]
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 the UN, IATA, EPA, EU, and Health and Safety executives.
The fundamental reason for measuring flash point is to assess the safety hazard of a liquid with regard to its flammability and then classify
the liquid into a recognized hazard group. This classification is used to warn of a risk and to enable the correct precautions to be taken when
manufacturing, storing, transporting or using the liquid. Flash point requirements are listed in regulations and product specifications.
The table below gives some examples where the Small Scale test is specified or mandated.
M a te ri a l to b e te ste d Te st m e th o d Wh o sa ys so
Aviation turbine fuel Abel, Tag, Small Scale ASTM D1655 and Def
Stan 91-91
Gas turbine fuel Pensky-Martens, Small Scale ASTM 2880
Diesel fuel Pensky-Martens, Small Scale ASTM D975
Kerosines Tag, Small Scale ASTM D3699
Biodiesel (100%FAME) Small Scale EN14213 and EN14214
Transport regulations Small scale, Other closed cups UN, IATA, regulatory bodies
General ignitability Small Scale EPA 1020 A and B
Fuel oil Pensky-Martens A and B, ASTM D396
Small Scale
Naphthas Tag, Small Scale ASTM D3734 and D3735
Raw Tung Oil Small Scale ASTM D12
Water borne paints Small Scale ISO 3679, ISO 3680
Waste products Small Scale European Waste Directive
C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N :
Caroline Morrison, Marketing Manager
Address: Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 564391 Fax: +44 (0) 1932 568363 Email: marketing@[Link]
A b o u t th e a u th o r
Mike Sherratt is the Director of Research at Stanhope-Seta,
and Chair of the J oint CEN/ISO Working Group on Flash Point
Setaflash Series 3
Closed Cup Tester
Digitial display
Small sample
Multiflash Small Scale Module