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No. of experiment: 3
Date: 18/4/2016
Objective:
determination of flash and fire point of an oil product using open
cup method (cleveland open cup apparatus).
Introduction:
FLASH POINT The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives
off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture
with air near the surface of the liquid within the vessel as specified
by appropriate test procedure.
FIRE POINT The lowest temperature of a liquid in an open
container at which vapors are evolved fast enough to support
continuous combustion. This shall be determined by ASTM D 92,
Cleveland Open Cup Test Method.
The flash and fire point are useful in determining lubricant
instability and fire resistance. The flash point can be used in
determining transportation and storage temperature requirements
for lubricants . lubricants producer can also use flash point to
detect potential product contamination. The flash point is often used as a
descriptive characteristic of liquid fuel, and it is also used to help characterize the
fire hazards of liquids. Flash point refers to both flammable liquids and
combustible. Flash and fire points are used to indicate.
Fire hazard of petroleum products and evaporation loses under high temperature
loses
It gives us the idea about the maximum temperature below which the oil can be
used
It is used as the means of identification of specific lubricating oil
For detection of contamination in the given lubricating oil
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.
Flash point, C
55
60
Fire point, C
64
67
Note:
The flash point is an empirical measurement rather than a fundamental physical
parameter. The measured value will vary with equipment and test protocol
variations, including temperature ramp rate (in automated testers), time allowed for
the sample to equilibrate, sample volume and whether the sample is stirred.
Discussion:
1.What are the factors affecting the flash point
and fire point?
Oxidant The