LAB 5

FAKULTI TEKNOLOGI KEJURUTERAAN

MEKANIKAL DAN PEMBUATAN
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
BMMM 4623 OIL ANALYSIS

LAB REPORT 5

FLASH POINT ANALYSIS

INSTRUCTOR’S NAMETS. SHIKH ISMAIL FAIRUS BIN SHIKH ZAKARIA

STUDENT’S NAME MATRIX NO:

S1. MUHAMMAD SYAHMI BIN MOHD SAHABUDIN B092010274
S2. NUR AMIRA FITHRIYAANI BINTI ISMAIL B092010055
S3. SAIFUL ADLI BIN MOHAMED B092010209
S4. UWAIS NADZMI BIN MOHD LOTFAN NADZMI B092010290
S5. NUVIN NADARAJAH B092010348
S6. MUHAMMAD ZAFRAN ARIF BEN BEDU ARIFIN B092010430

ASSESSEMENT RUBRICS
GIVEN MARKS
MARK
ASSESSMENT TASK/ITEMS
ALLOCATION S1 S2
1. Work Process (Ability to construct flash
20
point analysis measurement procedure)
2. Outcome (Flash Point Result Data) 20
3. Outcome (Discussion) 15
4. Outcome (Conclusion) 5

TOTAL MARKS 60

Approved By: ………………………………………………..…..

(Instructor’s Signature & Stamp)

Date: …………………………………………….........

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WORK PROCESS

1. Prepare a set of procedure to perform the experiment based on the videos given.

PROCEDURE A
1. Fill the test cup with the test specimen to the filling mark inside of the test cup.
2. Place the test cover on the test cup and place the assembly into the apparatus.
3. If the temperature measuring device is not already in place, insert the device into its holder.

Figure 1
4. Connect the gas inlet to a regulated low pressure gas supply (0.5 to 1.0 psi).

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 Figure 2
5. Light the test flame and adjust it to a diameter of 3.2 to 4.8mm by turning the pilot fire gas supply knob (4) and
exposure fire gas supply knob (5).
6. Switch on power (1) to apply the heat.
7. Control the heating rate that the temperature, as indicated by the temperature measuring device, increases 5 to
6ºC/min by adjusting the heater control knob (6).
8. Turn the steering device at 90 to 120 rpm stirring in a downward direction by selecting the switch (2) to “A” and
switch on the stirrer motor switch(3).
9. If the test specimen is expected to have a flash point of 110ºC or below, apply the ignition source when the
temperature of the specimen is 23+ 5ºC below the expected flash point and each time thereafter at a temperature
reading that is a multiple of 1ºC.
10. Discontinue the stirring of the test specimen and apply the ignition source by operating the mechanism on the test
cover which controls the shutter so that the ignition source is lowered into the vapor space of the test cup in 0.5 s, left
in its lowered position for 1s, and quickly raised to its upward position.
11. If the test specimen is expected to have a flash point above 110ºC or above, apply the ignition source at each
temperature increase of 2ºC, beginning at a temperature of 23+ 5ºC or below the expected flash point.
12. Record as the observed flash point the reading on the temperature measuring device at the time ignition source
application causes a distinct flash in the interior of the test cup.

PROCEDURE B
1. Repeat step 1 – 4 as in PROCEDURE A.
2. Apply the heat at such a rate that the temperature, as indicated by the temperature measuring device, increase 1 to
1.6ºC/min.
3. Turn the stirring device at 250+10 rpm, stirring in a downward direction by selecting the switch to “8”.
4. If the test specimen is expected to have a flash point of 110ºC or below, apply the ignition source when the
temperature of the test specimen is 23 +5ºC below the expected flash point and each time thereafter at a temperature
reading that is a multiple of 1ºC.
5. Discontinue the stirring of the test specimen and apply the ignition source by operating the mechanism on the test
cover which controls the shutter so that the ignition source is lowered into the vapor space of the test cup in 0.5 s, left
in its lowered position for 1s, and quickly raised to its upward position.
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 6. If the test specimen is expected to have a flash point above 110ºC or above, apply the ignition source at each
temperature increase of 2ºC, beginning at a temperature of 23+5ºC or below the expected flash point.
7. Record as the observed flash point the reading on the temperature measuring device at the time ignition source
application causes a distinct flash in the interior of the test cup.

CLEANING
1. When the apparatus has cooled down to safe handling temperature, less than 55ºC remove the test cover and the
test cup.
2. Transfer the sample oil to the used oil container.
3. Thoroughly clean and dry all parts of the cup and its accessories after completing the test.

OUTCOME - Flash Point Result Data

Flash Point Flash Point 0C Margin

Sample Measured 0C ( Product Data Error
Sheet ) (%)
10W40 245 240 2.083 %
Table 1.0 Flash point measured for fresh engine oil

i. Calculate margin of error percentage and complete Table 1.0.

245−240
Margin Error (%)¿ ×100
240

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Margin Error (%) ¿ 2.083 %

Sample Flash Point Measured

0
C
1% 196
dilution
2% 170
dilution
3% 160
dilution
4% 156
dilution
5% 142
dilution
Table 1.1 Flash point measured for different dilution of engine oil with diesel

ii. Produce a suitable graph to best present the data in Table 1.1 and label as Graph 1.0.

Graph of Flash Point Measure for Different Dilu-

tion of Engine Oil
196
200
Flash Point Measured, oC

180 170
160
156
160
142
140

120

100
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5

Sample (Dilution %)

Graph 1.0: Graph of Flash point measured for different dilution of engine oil with diesel.

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OUTCOME - Discussion

For discussion, you must discuss several topics as follows:

i.List out major differences between Procedure A and Procedure B in Standard Test Methods for Flash
Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester1 ASTM D93.
Procedure A B
Heating Rate: The heating rate is controlled to The heating rate is controlled to
increase the temperature by 5 increase the temperature by 1
to 6ºC/min. to 1.6ºC/min.
Stirring Speed: The stirring speed is set at 90 The stirring speed is set at
to 120 rpm. 250+10 rpm

Application of Ignition Source:
Recording Flash Point:
For test specimens with a flash
point of 110ºC or below, the
ignition source is applied at
specific temperature intervals
that are multiples of 1ºC below
the expected flash point.
The observed flash point is
recorded at the time when the
ignition source application
causes a distinct flash in the
test cup.
For test specimens with a flash
point of 110ºC or below, the
ignition source is applied at
specific temperature intervals
that are multiples of 1ºC below
the expected flash point, which
is similar to Procedure A
The observed flash point is
recorded at the time when the
ignition source application
causes a distinct flash in the
test cup, which is also similar to
Procedure A

ii. Give your assessment on flash point tester instrument performance based on Table 1.0.
- Based on table 1.0, the flash point tester instrument used for measuring the flash point of
the sample 10W40 has a margin of error of 2.083%. The exact standards and
requirements established for flash point measurements are used to evaluate the
instrument's performance. A more accurate instrument will often have a lower margin of
error. If the flash point mentioned in the product data sheet has a tolerance that allows for
this margin of error, the instrument's performance is likely to be within an acceptable range
with a margin of error of 2.083%. If the specified flash point in the product data sheet has
a narrower tolerance than the margin of error of 2.083%, it may be necessary to
investigate and address potential issues with the instrument calibration or measurement
procedure to ensure accurate and reliable flash point determinations.

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iii. Give your assessment on flash point curve for different dilution percentage of engine oil with diesel as plotted
in Graph 1.0.
- When a flammable liquid is diluted with a non-flammable solvent or another liquid with
a higher flash point, the flash point of the mixture will be higher than that of the pure
flammable liquid. This is because the dilution raises the temperature at which the
mixture's vapor can ignite, making it less flammable and safer. if the diluent or solvent
used has a lower flash point than the original flammable liquid, the flash point of the
mixture may be lower than that of the pure flammable liquid. This scenario is relatively
rare and generally not desired, as it increases the flammability and danger of the
mixture.

iv. Explanation the possible cause of flash point changes.

- The flash point of a substance can change due to various factors, including chemical
composition, physical properties, and environmental conditions. s mentioned earlier, the
flash point of a substance can be affected by dilution with another substance. Mixing a
flammable liquid with a non-flammable solvent or a substance with a higher flash point can
increase the flash point of the mixture. Conversely, dilution with a substance with a lower
flash point can decrease the flash point of the mixture. Substances with low molecular
weights and high vapor pressures tend to have lower flash points. If a substance contains
highly volatile components, it can have a lower flash point, making it more flammable and
easier to ignite. The presence of impurities or contaminants in a substance can influence
its flash point. Impurities with lower flash points than the main component can lower the
flash point of the entire mixture. Chemical reactions can alter the composition of a
substance, leading to changes in its flash point. For example, oxidation, decomposition, or
polymerization of a substance can result in the formation of more volatile or flammable by-
products, affecting the flash point. Changes in temperature and pressure can impact the
vapor pressure of a substance, consequently influencing its flash point. Higher
temperatures and lower pressures generally lead to lower flash points.

v. Explanation to the effect of flash point change to performance of engine components.

- The flash point is the minimum temperature at which the fuel vapor can ignite. If the flash
point is too high, it may become challenging to ignite the fuel efficiently during the engine's
compression stroke, leading to delayed ignition or misfires. On the other hand, a flash
point that is too low can result in premature ignition, causing knocking or pinging, which
can be detrimental to engine components. Flash point also influences the tendency of the
fuel to cause engine knock, which is the knocking noise produced when the air-fuel
mixture detonates prematurely in the engine's cylinders. If the flash point is too low, the
fuel may ignite too early during the compression stroke, causing knock, which can damage
the engine over time. The flash point affects the volatility and vaporization characteristics
of the fuel. An optimal flash point allows the fuel to vaporize and mix well with air,
promoting efficient and complete combustion. This leads to improved engine performance,
power output, and fuel efficiency. In internal combustion engines, a thin layer of lubricating
oil on the cylinder walls helps reduce friction and wear between the piston rings and the
cylinder walls. If the flash point of the fuel is too low, it can cause the fuel to wash away
this protective oil film, leading to increased friction and wear on the cylinder walls and
piston rings.
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 OUTCOME - Conclusion

In summary, the flash point lab session for hydrocarbon and debris analysis provided valuable
information on the flammability characteristics of the samples tested. Determination of flash point is essential
in assessing the safety and potential fire hazards associated with these materials. By analyzing flash point
data, it is possible to classify tested materials into different flammable categories, facilitating their safe handling,
storage and transportation. In addition, these findings can contribute to the development of appropriate safety
guidelines and procedures to reduce fire risks in industrial and commercial environments. Overall, the Oil and
Debris Flash Point Analysis lab session is a valuable tool for understanding the flammability properties of the
material being tested. The knowledge gained can guide decision-making, risk assessment and safety
measures to prevent fire and protect both people and the environment

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