OPERATION MANUAL FOR ABEL-PENSKY’S FLASH POINT APPARATUS.
PRINCIPLE:
The Sample is placed in the cup of the apparatus with the cup top closed and heated at a slow uniform rate, A Small test flame is directed into cup at regular intervals and the flash point is taken as the lowest temperature at which application of the test flame causes the vapour above the sample to ignite with a distinct flash inside the cup.
APPARATUS:
The Apparatus consists of one cup with top bearing test flame and shutter and stirrer mechanism one water bath and heating arrangements either gas burner or electric heater with control system. For time measurement a stop watch required.
PROCEDURE:
Fill the cup to the level of the pointer with the oil to be tested avoiding splashing. The cover is carefully placed on the cup and pressed down in position. Insert the round bulb thermometer in the socket provided so that the scale faces the operator.
The water bath thermometer is inserted through the water bath socket; the water bath being filled with water.
If Oil is used for test flame moisten the cotton wool in the lamp and the wick with paraffin oil light the wick and adjust so that the flame is of the size of the bead fixed on the cover of the cup. If gas flame is used connect up with rubber tube to the gas supply through a cock and adjust the flame to the proper size.
The Water bath is heated and operating the shutter mechanism plus the stirrer (1 rev per sec) the flash point is found out noting the temperature at which a blue halo is observed. The application of flame should be at as interval of 1c when the expected flash point is approaching.