Koya University

Faculty of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Dep.

PetroleumGas Proprites

By:
MUHAMMAD SAHIB
Name of Exp.:Flash and Fire Point
Date of Exp.: 2.1.2017
Date of submission: 9.1.2017

Table of Content:
Aim
of
the
experiment
.

Theory

..
Importance
of
Flash
..

Point

Tools
and
apparatus
....................................................................
Description
of
apparatus
....
Procedure

..
Discussion

.
References

The Aim of this experiment:

To determine flash and fire point of diesel using
closed cup method (Penesky Martens apparatus).
Theory:
Fire point can vary for a sample based on factors including
pressure, the quantity of the chemical, and the location of
the ignition source in relation to the sample. The flash point
for a particular sample is, therefore, somewhat unreliable
and should be used as a general guideline, rather than an
absolute value.
There are two basic ways in which the fire point for a
particular chemical can be determined: open cup or closed
cup experiments.
As the temperature of the liquid increases, the amount of
these vapors also increases. This means that at a certain
temperature, the vapor concentration is high enough that it
becomes ignitable.

Samples with a fairly low flash point are referred to as

flammable, while chemicals with higher flash points are
usually referred to as combustible.
An open cup experiment involves a quantity of a particular
sample placed in a container that is open.
The sample is slowly heated and an ignition source, such as
a small flame (spark), is introduced above the sample at
various intervals.

This process continues until a temperature is reached

at which the vapors from the sample ignite, which
establishes the flash point for that sample.
Once ignition occurs, the ignition source is removed
and the vapors should then stop burning; if they
continue to burn without the source, however, then
the fire point for a sample has been reached.
In a closed cup experiment, the container for the sample is
lidded and the ignition source is introduced through the lid.
A closed cup experiment allows for the fire point of a
particular sample to be determined when that sample is
under increased pressure due to a closed system.

Tools and apparatus:

1. Closed Penesky-Martens (as described below)
2. diesel sample
3. Goggles
4. Lab coats
5. Heating source
6. Timer
7. Description of apparatus:
1. Cup of sample

2. Cover
3. Shutter (to lock
the fire from the
sample)
4. Stirring device
5. Heating source
6. Ignition source
7. Air bath
8. Thermometer

The 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.

5.Heat apparatus in a rate of 5 0C/min until 30 0C is reached

as stirrer is continuously rotated. (the rate of increasing
temp. can be reached by adjusting the flame source).
6.Now, At every 2 0C rise of temp. Introduce test flame into
the oil vapor. (Stop stirring during this step)
7. When test flame causes a distinct flash in the interior of
the test cup, note temp. which represent the flash point.
8.Further heat the sample at lower rate (1 or 2 oC) and
continue applying the test flame as before.
9. The temperature at which the vapors of the oil give a clear
and distinct blue flash for five seconds is recorded as the fire
point of the oil.

Discussion:
1. Discuss the reasons of any error happened
during the Exp.And how can be corrected?
ANS:The error happens if we do not clean the cup
compeletly or dry it and we must shak it continua to
distribution the temp in all cup
We must check temp constantly after 3c
And clean it well
7

2. What is the advantage of flash & fire

points?
ANS: It indicates fire hazard of petroleum
products and evaporation loses under high
temperature.
It gives us the idea about the maximum
temperature below which the oil can be used
(this is very important for storage and
transportation)
Detection of contamination in the given oil
product
It classifies the petroleum (light or heavy)
Also to safety and know the properties of sample
3. Why the cup must be cleaned & dried
before starting the exp.?
ANS:
To be accurate because for example the cup contain
water or any other liquid it will mix with diesel and
gives error result
References:
1. The official website
debate.uvm.edu

of

Debate

Central

2.

The official website

www.tfa.edu

of

art

academy