Setaflash tester

For rapid determination of closed cup flash points between 5 and 105 °C, rapid equilibrium method, ISO 3679-1983, ASTM D 3941-1980, ASTM D 3828-1981), the Setaflash tester is recommended (Fig. 3.15). An aluminium block is heated to 3 °C below the expected flash point then 2 cm of the sample is injected into the sample hollow by a syringe. After 60 s, ignition is attempted by a 3.5-mm long test flame with a momentary opening of the sliding cover on the sample hollow. With repeated trials, the flash point is bracketed at first within 5 then within 1 C, using fresh sample portions in each test. For calculation of the closed cup flash point, the above barometric correction is again used. 

Recognition that hydrocarbon blends used as jet fuels required a different flash point test led to the British-developed Setaflash tester in 1973, whose ASTM method became D3828. The difference is that the conventional closed cup and open cup methods involved an instantaneous ignition (or not) when a spark is applied, whereas the Setaflash method is one where the vapors and the liquid are at equilibrium. 

ASTM, "Standard Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Setaflash Closed Tester", ASTM D3278-1982(1982).D3278... 

ASTM D 3278-96, Standard test methods for flash point of liquids by setaflash closed-cup apparatus ASTM D 0093-96, Standard test methods for flash point by Pensky-Martens closed cup tester... 

It is a liquid, other than an aqueous solution containing less than 24 percent alcohol by volume and has flash point less than 60°C (140°F), as determined by a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard D-93-79 or D-93-80 or a Setaflash Closed Cup Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard D-3278-78, or as determined by an equivalent test method approved by the Administrator. ... 

Closed-cup tester A device for determining flash points of flammable and combustible liquids, utilizing an enclosed cup or container for the hquid. Recognized types are the Tagliabue (Tag) Closed Tester, the Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, and the Setaflash Closed-Cup Tester. 

Nonflammable—A term used to describe those halogenated solvents that have no fire or flash point when tested by standard test methods. The Department of Transportation specifies ASTM Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester (D 56) or ASTM Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Setaflash-Closed-Cup Apparatus (D 3278) as acceptable test methods for determining flash points of liquids. Under unusual conditions, certain nonflammable solvents may exhibit some ability to burn. 

Setaflash closed tester n. A closed cup flash point tester in which a small sample of the material is heated in a crucible or cup, and at a definite temperature, the vapor-air mixture which forms is ignited by a dipping flame. Reference ASTM D 3278. 

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