Flash Point Testing

Classifying the flammability of fuels and other materials by their flash point value has been an established practice
for more than 100 years. Today mandatory international and national regulations are set by bodies such as the UN,
IATA, EPA, EU and Health and Safety executives.

What is flash point?

Flash point is defined as the lowest temperature of
a liquid at which its vapours will form a combustible
mixture with air. It is a convenient and reliable
classification of the flammability of many substances,
there are three main categories;
QC
• Extremely flammable: Flash point below 0° C Transport & Storage
• Highly flammable: Flash point below 21 °C Quality Control
Regulations
• Flammable: Flash point below 55 °C
A sample of specified volume is introduced to the test
cup which is maintained at the test temperature. After a
specified time, a test flame is applied and the presence
or absence of a flash observed.

Waste Disposal
CLP Regulations
Regulations

Transport and storage regulations - hazard

classification

Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations

to define flammable and combustible materials and
classify their hazard potential which has significant cost
implications when transporting or storing products.

Many industries use solvents in their products (paints,

varnishes) which is used to classify the flash point for
Why measure flash point? the finished product. Some solvents are not highly
flammable so establishing the exact flash point can help
Quality control
save money.
Petroleum and chemical industries often use flash point
Users would be advised to use the Setaflash test
testing to check for contamination or adulteration of a
method in these circumstances as it quickly provides an
product. Multiple storage tanks may contain different
accurate flash point value to correctly classify the true
product which can range in purity. These tanks may
hazard nature of a product.
use common pipeline systems. The pipeline will be
cleaned between product batch but there is a risk of
contamination if they are not cleaned thoroughly. Flash Waste disposal regulations
point is used to determine whether contamination of a
product has occured. EU guidelines and Hazardous Waste Regulations now
require rapid hazard classification of a sample (liquids,
Changes in flash point indicate that a sample may used oils and solids) before it can be disposed of.
have been contaminated or adulterated, for example
petroleum spirit in engine oil will lower the flash point. Portable Setaflash small scale flash point testers are
Contamination of fuel oil, lubrication oil and hydraulic widely used in these circumstances for spot checks in
oil by lighter hydrocarbons can lead to problems with the laboratory, on a production line or outdoors. They
the operation of expensive equipment - for example on reduce problems with waste handling and disposal
ships, at power plants and in construction and mining owing to the fact a test requires no more than 4 ml of
machinery. sample.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

 Flash Point Testing
Flash point is measured using either an open cup or closed cup flash point tester. Open cup tests are required in
some specifications and regulations, and are intended to mimic conditions in open spaces, whereas closed cup
tests are closer to most situations, where space is restricted.

Closed Cup (CC) Test methodology

Pensky-Martens, Tag, Setaflash (CC) Non-equilibrium - Pensky-Martens, Tag, Cleveland

Closed cup tests aim to simulate the situation of a liquid The term non-equilibrium means the vapour is not
spill in a closed environment. If the liquid is at, or above, in equilibrium with the liquid. Non-equilibrium flash
its flash point then a fire or explosion is a possibility point tests are when the liquid is heated at a steady rate
when exposed to a potential ignition. of temperature increase while the ignition source is
applied at regular intervals.
In closed cup tests the sample is placed inside a sealed
(closed) test cup and the ignition source is introduced Advantages: It is well suited to automation,
to measure the temperature at which the sample ignites instrumentation is universally available and standardised
(‘flashes’), known as its flash point. for a wide range of products.

Disadvantages: Each time the flame is dipped, some

of the valuable components may escape which can
give artificially high flash points or spoil precision. The
temperature of the liquid and vapour can significantly
vary in the cup. Non-equilibrium tests require a large
sample size of 50 to 80 ml per test.

> PM-93 Closed Cup test area > Cleveland Open Cup test area
> Setaflash Series 3 Small Scale

Equilibrium - Setaflash
Open Cup (OC) Traditional equilibrium flash point tests which use
Cleveland, Setaflash (OC) any cup in a water bath, ensure that the liquid and a
vapour of the sample are in temperature equilibrium by
Open cup tests simulate the potential ignition of a liquid adopting a complex procedure and a very slow heating
spillage in uncontained conditions, for example a pool rate.
of liquid spilt on the floor. Fire point, combustibility and
sustained burning tests all use open cup instruments. The Setaflash Small Scale method overcomes the
Fire point may be considered as the lowest temperature laborious processes associated with the other methods
of the liquid at which vapour combustion and burning by utilising a 2 ml or 4 ml sample which achieves ‘rapid
commences when an ignition source is applied and equilibrium’ between the vapour and the liquid in a cup
continues to burn after the removal of the ignition and gives a reliable flash point result in just one or two
source. Combustibility and sustained burning tests are minutes.
usually carried out at a fixed temperature and test for Advantages: Improved precision compared to non-
continuous burning of the test specimen. equilibrium methods. The Setaflash instrument range
An open cup instrument will always give a higher flash offers low cost, fast measurement for a flash/no flash
point than a closed cup as the open cup allows free loss result which is widely used by many industries.
of vapours to the atmosphere above the instrument. Disadvantages: Traditional testers can involve a
Closed cup test are usually specified due to improved laborious process especially when larger amounts of
precision. sample are needed to produce a representative sample.
This type of instrumentation is not universally available.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

 Flash Point Testing
The appropriate method for your sample is usually cited in a product specification or regulation, and in certain
circumstances a referee test method may be stated, this method should be the first choice. If a number of
alternative test methods are specified then the choice will be influenced by other factors such as sample size
requirements, speed of testing or precision.

When specifically testing for contaminants, certain test methods and procedures are more appropriate than
others. In general an equilibrium test method is recommended for testing samples that may contain traces of
volatile contaminants.

Setaflash Small Scale Tag

ASTM D3278; ASTM D3828; ASTM D4206; ASTM ASTM D56; ASTM D3934; ASTM D3941; ASTM E502;
D7236; ASTM D8174; ASTM E502; CLP Regulations; IP 491; IP 492; ISO 1516; ISO 1523
DEF STAN 91-91; EPA 1020 A & B; IP 523; IP 524;
IP 534; IP 602; ISO 3679; ISO 3680; ISO 9038; These test methods cover
EPA 1020 B; CLP Regulations the determination of the
flash point by tag manual and
automated closed testers, of
liquids with a viscosity below
5.5 mm2/s (cSt) at 40 °C, or
below 9.5 mm2/s (cSt) at
25 °C, and a flash point below
93 °C.

> Setaflash Series 3 > Setaflash Series 8 Cleveland

These methods cover petroleum products and ASTM D92; ASTM D8254; IP 36; IP 403 (obs); ISO 2592;
biodiesel liquid fuels across the range of -30 to 300 °C DIN 51 376; NF T60-118; JIS K 2265-4; AASHTO T48
using a small scale closed cup tester. These test methods
The procedures may be used to determine whether a describe the determination
product will or will not flash at a specified temperature of the flash point and fire
(flash/no flash method A), or the flash point of a point of petroleum products
sample (method B). When used in conjunction with an by an automated open cup
electronic thermal flash detector, these methods are apparatus. It is applicable to
also suitable for flash point tests on biodiesel such as all petroleum products and
FAME. determines flash point and
fire point at temperatures
Small scale testers are also used for shipping and up to 400 °C.
safety regulations such as CLP to define flammable
and combustible materials and classify them. The instrument incorporates a heater, a removable test
cup, interchangeable gas and electric hot-wire ignitors
mounted on an automatic sweep arm, a platinum
Pensky-Martens Closed Cup (PMCC) resistance thermometer (PRT) to measure the sample
temperature, an ionisation ring to detect a flash/fire, a
ASTM D93; IP 34; ISO 2719 snuffer and a fire extinguisher. A draught screen around
These test methods cover the test area ensures accurate results.
the determination of the flash C-92 Statistical Quality Control (SQC) software provides
point of petroleum products detailed analysis of test results, calculated mean,
in the temperature range from standard deviation, standard error, repeatability and plot
5 to 400 °C by a manual or of results in accordance with ASTM D6299 Statistical
automated PMCC apparatus. Standard.
They are also used to determine
the flash point of biodiesel in
the temperature range of 60
to 190 °C by automated PMCC
apparatus.

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

 Flash Point Testing
The test method chosen must follow the stated requirements, however if this requirement is flexible then choice
may be biased towards safety, cost, speed of test and even instrument availability. Below are important factors to
consider before making your choice.
Safety features Ease of use
The need to heat and ignite potentially flammable In today’s laboratory it is not unusual for technicians
liquids in a laboratory is naturally of concern and in to run several tests simultaneously and the concept of
many instances the use of a naked flame is prohibited. monitoring a test and making intervention at certain
ASTM D3828 Small Scale flash point tests reduce parts of the test procedure may not be practical or
the risk by using a small sample of just 2 or 4 ml, by desired, so simplicity of use and automation are often
comparison ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens methods use key features required by users.
75 ml.
This is especially important if a large number of samples
Most test methods now permit the use of an electric are to be tested and where test throughput is vital
ignition source as an alternative to the traditionally in supporting efficient laboratory operations, so in
used gas flame with some flash point testers providing addition to ease of use, speed of use becomes critical.
users with a choice of either. To satisfy laboratory safety As flash point tests operate by heating a sample, often
requirements it is becoming increasingly important to to relatively high temperatures of 250 °C+, cooling of
ensure electronic ignition is available with reliable and the test cup prior to the next test is a key operating
proven performance. feature.
Fire extinguishing systems Automated Pensky-Martens flash point testers have
A fire extinguising system is now been designed to provide rapid testing of samples
mandatory for all ASTM D93 Pensky- with minimal operator input. The Seta PM-93 allows
Martens flash point testing apparatus unsupervised operation which heats the sample at
manufactured after 2016. This is for the temperature rate prescribed in the test method
safety purposes to minimise risks whilst also applying ignition and checking for flash
where the sample catches fire in an automatically.
automatic instrument due to sample Setaflash Small Scale point testers operate using gas
mislabelling, operator error or during or electric ignition and are very easy and reliable to
testing of an ‘unknown’ substance. use. The simple flash/no flash test requires minimum
In these instances a fire can cause analytical experience to achieve a reliable result. Small
consequential accidents, peripheral damage as well as volumes allow rapid and very safe sample handling and
damage to the instrument itself. Series 3 models weigh just 3 kg, can be powered by
Latest designs of instruments such as the Seta PM-93 battery and are easily carried to the sample.
now provide automatic fire extinguisher systems which,
separately from temperature sensors used to monitor
the sample and control instrument performance, will
automatically and immediately activate an integral
extinguisher in the event of flame or fire being detected
around the test cup.

Other safety features now recommended include

a first dip before sample heating and an automated
dip at every 10 °C, these additional safeguards check
for the presence of excess volatile components and
are included in the latest ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens Select test temperature Inject 2ml sample
method.

The C-92 has been designed with superior safety in

mind with a number of safety devices and features,
including a snuffer plate which automatically deploys
at end of a test to extinguish the burning sample, or
can manually be deployed at any time. The optical fire
sensor provides another level of fire protection with
inert gas being deployed around cup and cup area if
persistent fire is detected. If the sensore detecs a fire at Press Dip the ignitor, flash
any other point, the built in fire extinguisher deploys. detection is automatic

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

 Flash Point Testing
Industry Application Temperature range Seta model
Testing esters and ketones for certification. Flammability classification for transport 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Adhesives and sealants Up to 150 °C
regulations 82100-2

30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,

Aviation and aircraft Quality control of incoming fuels and oils. Specification conformance 30 °C to 399 °C
82100-2

Flash point testing checks that chemicals such as methanol, used in the manufacturing 30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0,
Biodiesel 130 °C
process are below safe levels 82000-2, 82100-2

Used for shipping and safety regulations and to indicate the possible presence of more 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Bitumen and asphalt >200 °C
volatile or flammable compounds 82100-2

Chemicals Testing solvents used in production. Safety classification for transport regulations Below 200 °C 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2

Chemical products Flammability classification for transport regulations 30 °C to 150 °C 35000-0, 82000-2

Provides an indication about the volatility of crude oil and therefore how safely it may
Crude Below 0 °C 82100-2
be extracted, transported and stored, and the potential costs involved

These products are used at elevated temperatures hence flash point is checked to 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Edible oils and fats Up to 30 °C
ensure refining processes and safety limits are correctly maintained 82100-2

Turbine and transformer oils are routinely tested for flash point to confirm product 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Energy and power Up to 20 °C
integrity from contamination that may affect performance or safety 82100-2

Formulated pesticides Research and flammability classification for transport regulations Up to 150 °C 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2

Quality control and research. Used oil analysis to detect evaporation/contamination by

Lubricants 30 °C to 399 °C 30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0
volatiles under working conditions

30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0,

Oil and gas rigs Quality of samples. Sump contamination of pumphead machinery 30 °C to 399 °C
82000-2

Quality control on base oils and checking contamination of used/recovered oils and 30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0,
Oil treatment/recovery 30 °C to 399 °C
fuels. Safety classification for transport regulations 82000-2

Research, quality control and safety. Flammability classification for transport 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Paints and varnishes Below 100 °C
regulations. Recommended for water-borne paints 82100-2

Perfumes, flavours and Tests on solvent/water mixtures. Flammability classification for transport regulations 30000-3, 33200-3, 35000-0,
Ambient to 110 °C
fragrances and safety in use 82000-2, 82100-2

Petroleum and derivatives Testing for QA/contamination where product is pumped through multi-product
30 °C to 399 °C 30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0
refining pipeline. Also used for H&S and transport regulations

30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,

Pharmaceuticals Checks on manufacture stated flash points <100 °C
82100-2

30000-3, 33200-3, 35000-0,

Printing inks Flammability classification for transport regulations Below 100 °C
82000-2, 82100-2

Road tanker terminals/shipping Quality control of storage tanks and deliveries. Safety classification for transport 30000-3, 35000-0, 35300-0,
30 °C to 399 °C
terminals regulations 82000-2

Tests on solvent-resin based base products. Quality and safety classification for 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Synthetic resins 15 °C to 150 °C
transport regulations 82100-2

Soap and synthetic detergents Used for research and testing. Flammability classification for transport Under 200 °C 30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2

Extremely flammable <0 °C

30000-3, 35000-0, 82000-2,
Transport regulations Flammability classification for road, rail, air and sea Highly flammable <21 °C
82100-2
Flammable <55 °C

Hexane <100 °C
Waste disposal Tests used to classify waste prior to disposal 30000-3, 82000-2, 82100-2
Pure oil >300 °C

Seta model Seta part number Temperature range Ramp rate Cup material Heating/cooling method Size (HxWxD)/Weight
30000-3 Series 3 Ambient to 300 °C up to 6 °C/min Aluminium Cartridge 195x295x140mm/3kg

31000-0 Series 3 Open Cup Ambient to 300 °C n/a Aluminium Cartridge 260x280x260mm/5kg

33200-3 Series 3 ActiveCool 10 to 135 °C 2 °C/min Aluminium Peltier cell 195x295x140mm/3kg

33220-0 Series 3e ActiveCool 10 to 135 °C 2 °C/min Aluminium Peltier cell 195x295x140mm/3kg

Series 3 ActiveCool Corrosion

33250-3 10 to 135 °C 2 °C/min Stainless steel insert Peltier cell 195x295x140mm/3kg
Resistant Cup

Series 3e ActiveCool Corrosion

33270-0 10 to 135 °C 2 °C/min Stainless steel insert Peltier cell 195x295x140mm/3kg
Resistant Cup

35000-0 PM-93 Pensky-Martens Ambient +5 to 400 °C 5.5 °C/min Aluminium Forced air 380.5x240x500mm/25kg

35300-0 C-92 Cleveland Ambient to 400 °C up to 17 °C/min Aluminium Forced air 260x370x450mm/20 kg

82000-2 Series 8 High Temperature Ambient to 300 °C 2 °C/min Aluminium Forced air 300x340x380mm/8 kg

Series 8 High Temperature Gas

82050-0 5 to 300 °C n/a Aluminium Forced air 300x340x380mm/8 kg
Ignitor

82100-2 Series 8 ActiveCool -30 to 135 °C up to 10 °C/min Aluminium Peltier cell 300x340x380mm/8 kg

82110-2 Series 8 ActiveCool Gas Ignitor -30 to 135 °C up to 10 °C/min Aluminium Peltier cell 300x340x380mm/8 kg

Series 8 ActiveCool Corrosion

82150-2 -30 to 135 °C up to 10 °C/min Stainless steel insert Peltier cell 300x340x380mm/8 kg
Resistant Cup

Series 8 ActiveCool Corrosion

82160-2 -30 to 135 °C up to 10 °C/min Stainless steel insert Peltier cell 300x340x380mm/8 kg
Resistant and Gas Ignitor

Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK

t: +44 (0) 1932 564391 | e: sales@stanhope-seta.co.uk | www.stanhope-seta.co.uk