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3 GENERAL INFORMATION
The flash point of a sample is a measure of the tendency to form a flammable mixture with air.
Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and combustible materials. Flash points can
also show the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials in a relatively non-volatile and non-
flammable liquid (fuel dilution of engine oil).
Definition of the flash point according to ASTM:
Flash point - The lowest temperature corrected to a pressure of 101.3 kPa (760 mm Hg) at which application of
an ignition source causes the vapors of a specimen of the sample to ignite under specified conditions
of the test.
Our definition of the flash point:
The flash point of a substance can be defined as the lowest temperature, at which the substance produces a
flammable mixture with air so, that a propagating flame is covering at least 75% of the substance surface.
There are several standardized methods established: manual methods and automatic flash point testers.
Manual methods represent low cost versions, since the user has to observe a possible flash point visually after the
ignition with a flame, a glowing wire or an electric arc. The repeatability of this measurement is not very good, since
visual observation is always dependent on the individual who is doing the test. Manual flash point testers can be of an
open or closed cup design.
Automatic flash point testers usually consist of a heatable cup, some kind of ignition like a flame, a glowing wire or an
electric arc and an automatic flame detector like a heat sensor or an ionization detector.
The sample is heated to a starting point and afterwards the temperature is increased in a constant rate. In equidistant
steps of the temperature the vapor-air mixture in the cup is ignited and a possible flash is detected.
MINIFLASH FP(H) VISION is a fully automatic flash point tester, only the sample has to be filled manually into the
sample cup, with significant features.
Only 1 mL of sample for measuring according to ASTM D 6450 or 2 mL for measuring according to ASTM D7094 is
necessary for a flash point test, saving expensive sample. The cup is continuously closed during the test and is not
opened for the flash test to prevent open flames in the laboratory.
No open flame and minimizing offensive smells.
The way of heating the sample cup from the top cover prevents condensation of a high volatile part of the sample on
the oven surface.
No condensation of high volatile substances due to heating the sample from the top.
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