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Flash Point and Fire Point

This document describes how to use a Pensky-Martens apparatus to determine the flash point and fire point of petroleum samples like diesel and kerosene. The apparatus consists of a cup, lid with thermometer, and flame exposure device. The sample is heated while stirring until the minimum temperature where a momentary flash is observed upon flame application, which is the flash point. The fire point is where the vapors continuously burn. The procedure, results, and conclusion are provided.

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Hitesh N. Panchal
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100 views

Flash Point and Fire Point

This document describes how to use a Pensky-Martens apparatus to determine the flash point and fire point of petroleum samples like diesel and kerosene. The apparatus consists of a cup, lid with thermometer, and flame exposure device. The sample is heated while stirring until the minimum temperature where a momentary flash is observed upon flame application, which is the flash point. The fire point is where the vapors continuously burn. The procedure, results, and conclusion are provided.

Uploaded by

Hitesh N. Panchal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Aim: To determine the flash point and fire point of given petroleum sample using Pensky

Marten’s apparatus.

Apparatus:
 Pensky Marten’ s apparatus
 Thermometer

Chemicals:
 Kerosene, Diesel

Description of Pensky –Martens Apparatus:

 The Pensky-Martin apparatus is used for all petroleum products having a flash point
above120 oF.
 It consists of a cup with a circumscribed filling mark, fitted mm, with a lid which
carries the thermometer. The cup shall be of brass or other non-rusting metal of
equivalent heat conductivity.
 Cover Proper :– The cover shall be of brass and shall have a rim projecting downward
almost to the flange of the cup.
 Shutter : – The cover shall be equipped with a brass shutter approximately 3/32 in
(2.4 mm) thick, operating on the plane of the upper surface of the cover.
 Flame-exposure Device – The flame-exposure device shall have a tip with an
opening 0.027 to 0.031 in (0.69 to 0.79) in diameter.
 Stirring Device :– The cover shall be equipped with a stirring device mounted
in the
centre of the cover and carrying two/four bladed metal propellers.
 Heater: Heat shall be supplied to the cup by means of a properly designed
heater.
 Thermometers:
1. For tests in which the indicated reading falls within the limits 50° to 230° F (10° to
110° C), Thermometer having a range from 20° to 230° F ( -7° to + 110°C) .
2. For testes in which the indicated reading falls within the limits 140 to 284° F (60 to
140°C) ,Thermometer having a range of 50 to 392°F (10 to 200°C)
3. For the range 140 to 230° F (60 to 110°C) either low or medium range thermometers
may be used.
4. For tests in which the indicated reading falls within the limits 230° to 700° F (110° to
370°C), Thermometer having a range from 200° to 700°F (90° to 370°C).

Definition of Flash Point:


The minimum temperature at which vapor above the oil shows momentary flash on
application of flame for few seconds.

Definition of Fire Point:


The minimum temperature at which vapor above the oil burns continuously on
application of flame .
Significance and Use
 Flash point values may be used in shipping, storage, handling and safety regulations, as a
classification property to define “flammable” and “combustible” materials.
 A flash point value may indicate the presence of highly volatile material(s) in a relatively
non-volatile or nonflammable material.

 Flash point measures the tendency of the specimen to form a flammable mixture with air
under controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties that shall
be considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a material.

 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and
combustible materials.

 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials
in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.

Procedure:
 Fill the petroleum sample to be tested in test cup up to the level indicated by the
filling mark .
 Place the cup over the device and close it with the lid. Thermometer should dip into
the sample & tightly inserted to prevent escaping of vapors.
 Start heater and stir the sample for getting uniform temperature of the sample. Rate of
stirring should be 1 to 2 RPM . Stop stirring when the test flame is applied.
 Apply the test flame when temperature increase ten degree more than the room
temperature and check for momentary flash.
 If momentary flash is not observed, then for each two degree rise temperature apply
flame to check momentary flash.
 Note down the minimum temperature at which the momentary flash is observed as “
Flash Point.”
 Also note down the temperature at which vapors burn continuously as “ Fire Point”.
Normally Fire Point is thee-four degree more than Flash Pint.

Result:
1. The flash point of Diesel = ------º C
2. The fire point of Diesel = ------º C
3. The flash point of Kerosene = ------º C
4. The fire point of Kerosene = -------º C

Conclusion: Pensky – Marten Apparatus is used for the determination of medium range of
Flash point and Fire point of the sample.

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