Why choose Setaflash Small Scale for ASTM D1655?

Flash point

Why choose Setaflash Small Scale for ASTM D1655?

16 Feb, 2021

Published over 5 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Flash point.

Save money and time while running safer tests now that the ASTM D1655 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels includes ASTM D7236/IP 534 Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method) as an alternative to ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens, ASTM D56 Tag and IP 170 Abel.

The Small Scale test method and the uniquely approved Setaflash Tester have been in use for over 30 years, primarily for a 1 minute test with 2 ml of sample to carry out a flash, no-flash test and more recently for automatic flash point determinations.

A joint Energy Institute / ASTM Multi-method study has led to the Setaflash Ramp methods ASTM D7236 and IP 534 being approved for use in ASTM D1655 due to their very close agreement with existing approved flash point methods D56 (Tag), D93 (Pensky-Martens) and IP 170 (Abel). The Setaflash ramp has the best precision of all the flash point methods, thanks to its simplicity and ease of use.

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Small Scale vs Large Scale

Many flash point test methods require a complex procedure and large sample volume, meaning testing is likely to take a long time to perform, may require a skilled operator with specialised training and involves greater waste. The Setaflash overcomes these problems and more with:

  • Low cost – Setaflash models are low cost and require minimum maintenance.
  • Ease of operation – Setaflash Small Scale flash point testers offer the simplest means of testing and require minimal operator experience to achieve a reliable result.
  • Small sample volume – just 2 ml of sample is required, minimising the risks associated with potentially harmful fumes while virtually eliminating product waste and disposal costs, by comparison ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens requires a much larger volume of 75 ml.
  • Speed of cooling – due to its small cup volume, the cool down period for Setaflash Small Scale tests is much faster than Pensky-Martens.
  • Automated instrument options – the Setaflash range includes fully automated flash point testers, allowing laboratory technicians to run several instruments simultaneously if required.
  • Portable and lightweight – Setaflash Series 3 models weigh less than 3.5 kgs, can be powered by battery and easily carried to the sample. This is not practical for most other types of flash point tester.
  • Storage of test results – Setaflash testers have integral data storage memory helping to eliminate operator transcription errors, results can be transferred by USB.
  • Multiple models – there are a number of Setaflash models available, catering to a range of applications.

Setaflash Small Scale instruments are inexpensive and designed to simplify and speed up the measurement of flash point, making them an affordable and safe option for most user applications. 

Check out our Flash Point Friday Series on YouTube!

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