The Safety Standard in Flash Point Testing for Liquids and Samples

MINIFLASH is an exclusively engineered flash point series of instruments for the automatic determination of the flash point of solid samples and liquids consistent with ASTM D6450 and the advanced ASTM D7094 standard. This method describes the “Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Modified Continuously Closed Cup (MCCCFP),” which provides the maximum reproducibility and repeatability.

It also offers an exceptional correlation to the D93 Pensky-Martens technique: “There is no statistically significant bias observed between ASTM D7094 and ASTM D93 Procedure A” as determined during the latest Round Robin. ASTM D7094 has been approved by the ASTM committee for the Diesel Fuel and Kerosene specifications ASTM D975, D2880, D396, and D3699.

Additionally, test results correspond to other established standards such as TAG and Abel, and because of its unique design, the MINIFLASH can be employed for more challenging applications such as flash point testing of contaminated samples such as gasoline in diesel fuel or diesel fuel in lube oil, and for biodiesel testing.

Its continuously closed cup design and small sample volume of just 1–2 mL provides utmost safety, avoids aggressive fumes in the testing area, and minimizes sample waste. The rapid thermoelectric cooling after completion of test and the rapid and easy control of the instrument save expensive labor time.

Due to the rugged housing and true portability, the MINIFLASH is also an ideal solution for military applications and mobile labs.

The New Technology

The MINIFLASH series of instruments is using the Grabner flash detection technique of measuring the direct pressure increase within the continuously closed chamber because of a high energy electric arc. The rapid thermoelectric cooling after each test readies the instrument for the subsequent test in a short span of time. Heating the test chamber from above helps to avoid condensation of high volatile compounds, thus considerably enhancing the test results.

Peltier Protection Technology™

For a rapid sample turnaround and prolonged instrument lifetime, Grabner Instruments formulated rapid thermoelectric regulation of cooling and heating. This technology allows the measuring temperature to extend well over 400 °C and enhances Peltier performance and service time.

Ignition Protection Technology™

The Ignition Protection Technology™ is intrinsic to the design of MINIFLASH. Just 1–2 mL of sample is needed for testing the flash point — minus an open flame! The continuously closed cup design, automatic explosion probing and a regulated air feed guard against fire and offensive fumes offer unparalleled safety in flash point testing!

Wide Range of Applications

The flashpoint is established across a broad temperature range, replicating all regular closed cup techniques as well as GO/NOGO tests. During the last few years, the exceptional performance of MINIFLASH has proven successful for product specifications, transport regulations/classifications, and used oil analysis (programmable fuel dilution curve to avoid expensive engine issues) in laboratories worldwide.

Flash Point of FAME (Biodiesel) and ASTM Method D6751–03

Mixing of biodiesel (B100) with diesel fuels has become more and more important in order to lower the amount of carbon dioxide emission in the air. In the chemical reaction process to make biodiesel, a short chain alcohol is added to dissolve the catalyst and to help in the conversion of fat or oil into a fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel). The surplus alcohol is later removed. Measuring the flash point of each phase, with the MINIFLASH 100% automatic flash point tester, offers a quick indication of the presence of any residual flammable alcohol.

Other Applications for MINIFLASH Include

Petrochemistry

Flash point testing of tar, residuals, bitumen, sludge, asphalt, etc.

Rapid screening of diesel fuel and jet fuel to check for subsequent presence of low flash contaminants

Advantage: High-temperature range and highly safe operating process

Pharmacy

Flash point testing of products comprising of solvents such as IPA, ethanol, glycerol, etc.

Advantage: Sample volume is small

Transport

Flash point testing of flammable goods to confirm compliance with transport safety protocols

Advantage: Easy control

Flavors and Fragrances

Flash point testing of aroma products comprising of alcohol-based solvents

Advantage: Small sample volume decreases testing costs considerably in case of costly base products

Paints and Varnishes

Flash point testing of solvent-based paints, enamels, and varnishes to establish the safest means of storage

Advantage: Small sample volume and cleaning is easy

Waste Disposal

Testing of industrial waste such as solids (filter slurry) and unidentified mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons

Advantage: Small sample volume, rapid thermoelectric cooling in case of samples with a flash point much below the ambient temperature

Fuel Protection for Railway, Ships, and Heavy Duty Machinery (Construction, Mining)

Fuel dilution in lube oils alters its viscosity and thus the oil’s lubricating properties, causing increased wear of mechanical parts because of higher friction which can ultimately lead to critical damage and engine drop-out. Fuel dilution lowers the flash point.

Military

Approved by NATO, NAVY, etc.

MINIFLASH FLA/H with Eight-Position Autosampler

With the flashpoint samplers MINIFLASH FLA and FLAH, the operation time for eight different samples is below 2 minutes. After filling the cups, the totally automatic process is underway. The samples are measured uninterruptedly with the corresponding test programs.

The Safety Standard in Flash Point Testing for Liquids and Samples

The New TechnologyPeltier Protection Technology™Ignition Protection Technology™