Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

FLASH AND FIRE POINTS OF LIQUID FUELS AND GREASES

A LABORATORY ACTIVITY REPORT

Presented to:
ENGR. ALBERTO E. LASTIMADO, JR., MSENE

Mechanical Engineering Program

College of Engineering
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Bislig Campus

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Subject Course
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1
(ME 312L)

Presented by:
Oplas, Bernie A.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

Introduction:

Liquid fuels and greases play a crucial role in our daily lives,
powering our vehicles, heating our homes, and even cooking our
food. In this papers, we will explore the properties and
characteristics of liquid fuels and greases, specifically focusing on
flash point and fire points.

It is the substance that can be easily poured and flow, such as

gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. These fuels are used in various
industries and applications, ranging from transportation to power
generation. Greases, on the other hand, are semi-solid lubricants
composed of a base oil and thickener. They are used to reduce
friction and wear in mechanical systems.

The flash point is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to

form an ignitable mixture in air. This property is important to
consider when handling and storing flammable substances, as fuels
with low flash points are more likely to ignite at lower temperatures.
Understanding the flash point of a fuel or grease can help prevent
accidents and ensure safety in handling and transportation.

The fire point, on the other hand, is the temperature at which a fuel
or grease continues to burn after ignition. This property is higher
than the flash point and indicates the sustained combustion of a
substance. It is essential to know the fire point of a fuel or grease to
assess its flammability and potential fire hazards.
Assessment Task
I. Supply the necessary information of each method for liquid fuel and greases
testing.

Methods for Summary Advantages Disadvantages Accuracy

Liquid (%)
Fuel,Greases
and Flash
&Fire Point
Testing
Fuels:
The role of ASTM ASTM Following Compliance sets
International
International standards with these industry
was founded in can lower standards can standards
the late 1800s costs, be time- for quality,
and publishes minimize consuming safety and
technical errors, and and costly, reliability
standards for a reduce which may be through its
wide range of redundancy a barrier for rigorous
products, and time-to- smaller consensus
services, market. But businesses. process
systems and the benefits ANSI vs ASTM
materials. The go well Standards:
current beyond Pros and Cons
database simple …
includes hundr adherence
eds of
petroleum
testing
methods desig
ned to make oil
analysis easy,
efficient and
reliable.
Testing acidity Petroleum The Aviation Fuel A hundred
in aviation
testing methods application can cause percent
turbine fuels
are widely used note gives a serious accuracy
in the aviation detailed environmental in terms of
industry, where method to hazards which meeting
maximising fuel determine are not standards.
efficiency is a acid content desirable at which is
top priority. The in aviation all. So it must according
ASTM D3242- turbine fuel be checked to ASTM
11(2017) using thoroughly to standard
Standard Test photometric minimise percentag
Method for titration in environmental e in
Acidity in accordance problems . different
Aviation Turbine to ASTM types of
Fuel offers fuel.
guidance on
how to calculate
acidity levels in
aviation turbine
fuel, with a
range of
between 0.000
mg/g to 0.100
mg/g KOH.
Assessing Viscosity is one Low- Attempting to Maximum
viscosity in
of the most viscosity oils counter this by accuracy
engine oils
important minimize choosing a of 89.6%
properties the friction higher in results
analysed in oil of engine viscosity can pattern
assays. The parts and cause oil
ASTM D4683-20 allow the starvation as it
Standard Test motor to won’t flow
Method for start faster freely through
Measuring during cold smaller
Viscosity of New weather. On passages.
and Used the other
 Engine Oils at hand, high-
High Shear Rate viscosity oils
and High maintain
Temperature is film strength
an and
internationally thickness.
recognised way They are
to measure perfect for
viscosity using industrial
a tapered and heavy-
bearing duty
simulator machinery
viscometer. operating at
Data helps high
analysts predict temperature
how efficient oil s and high
is at minimising pressures
friction between
moving parts.
Calculating ash Ash can The ash The major The ash
content
compromise the content is disadvantage content is
performance of calculated is that it is not calculated
fuels and as the possible to as the
heighten weight of simultaneously weight of
emissions. The the residue analyze as the
ASTM D482-19 (ash) many samples residue
Standard Test divided by as in a muffle (ash)
Method for Ash the weight furnace. divided by
from Petroleum of the the weight
Products is used original of the
to calculate ash sample, original
from crude oils, multiplied sample,
as well as by 100 to multiplied
lubricating oils, express the by 100 to
distillate and result as a express
residual fuels, percentage. the result
 gas turbine The as a
fuels, waxes gravimetric percentag
and other analysis e.
petroleum- offers
derived several
products. advantages,
including its
simplicity,
accuracy,
and
reliability.
Greases:
Cone Cone The cone Primary 1% every
Penetration
penetration. By penetromet disadvantages 0.1 meter
far the most er provides of standard
common test an accurate Cone
for greases is and Penetration
cone continuous Tests (CPTs)
penetration, profile of soil are the
which measures stratification inability to
the grease’s . This tool obtain
consistency. provides samples, and
The grease is valuable interpretation
heated to 25°C information of soil types
about and properties
granular and relies on
cohesive empiricism
soils. In
cohesive
soils, cone
data
provides a
continuous
profile of
shear
strength and
 eliminates
strength
anomalies
caused by
the
sampling
process.
Dropping point The dropping Dropping This test has Nearly
point indicates and very limited 50%
the softening relevance to accurate
temperature point service
limit at which a determinatio performance
grease retains n is one of
its structure the few
though, is not methods
necessarily the available to
maximum thermally
temperature characterize
ointments,
synthetic
and natural
resins
Emission Atomic emission Advantages Disadvantages Ranged
spectroscopy
spectroscopy include: are spectral from
(AES) by the extremely interferences 94.1% to
Rotrode method high (many 105.1%
can be used to sensitivity; emission
provide almost full lines), cost and
information elemental operating
about wear, coverage expense and
impurities, without the fact that
thickeners and need for samples
additive levels specific typically must
excitation be in a liquid
sources solution.
such as
 encountered
with AA
spectroscop
y; linear
range of
several
orders of
magnitude;
very
accurate
quantificatio
n at low
concentratio
n
Particle Particle Cost- Measurement 95%
quantifier
Quantifier effective, errors can
Index. The easy-to-use. occur for
particle • Direct particles with
quantifier (PQ) measureme wide particle
index nt in POU. size
specializes in Light ... ❖ distribution,
determining Step 2: LPC- only suitable
magnetizable based for transparent
iron particles. particle samples.
Unlike AES, qualification Gravity
which cannot on customer
easily detect side. ▫
Better
Copper Copper Copper The drawbacks 98-104%
corrosion
corrosion tests corrosion of corrosion
whether the strip test is are dual in
grease will performed nature as the
protect metal to change in fuel
surfaces, determine a composition
notably copper, lubricant’s due to
without capability to corrosion
 damaging protect results in
them. copper and degradation of
copper- fuel properties
containing of the
alloys from biodiesel.
corrosion or
staining. The
test results
are also
indicative of
a lubricant’s
corrosion
protection
properties
with other
non-ferrous
metals such
as aluminum
Karl Fischer Karl Fischer It is fitted for KF titration is a 0.001 to
titration
Titration. Too determining destructive 100%
much water in water in technique.
grease may gases, Coulometric KF
cause corrosion liquids and titration is
and bearing solids. The suitable only
damage. In coulometric for samples
places with high titrator containing
relative helps in small amounts
movement, detecting of water and
cavitation can free water, larger
occur dissolved amounts may
water, and overwhelm the
emulsified reagent
water capacity and
yield false
results,
besides taking
 excessively
long periods
for the
determination.
Penetration test Penetration Penetration Resource 80%
Test. While tests reveal Constraints:
viscosity potential Pen testing
describes the threats and requires time,
ability of a help to expertise, and
lubricating oil or ensure that often a
hydraulic fluid your considerable
to flow, operations budget.
consistency don’t suffer False
refers to the from Positives:
extent unexpected Sometimes,
downtime or pen tests can
a loss of indicate
accessibility. vulnerabilities
In this that don't pose
respect, a a genuine risk,
penetration leading to
test is quite wasted
like a remediation
business efforts.
continuity
audit.
Advanced Grease analysis The test Poor 70% mean
grease analysis
is a valuable results can reproducibility value
tool for be used to in the
determining the make an collection of
condition of the informed samples
lubricant and decision remains one of
discovering about the biggest
abnormal grease problems in
conditions selection, analyzing
regreasing greases.
 intervals,
common
wear
mechanisms
and typical.
Bleeding test Bleeding Test. The results Reduced 1-5%
The sponge-like demonstrate Lubrication
structure of the the potential Efficiency:
thickener or of this Grease
soap used in model for bleeding can
grease holds describing lead to
the base oil firm and inadequate
and allows it to predicting lubrication of
transfer slowly bleeding of moving parts,
to the stationary increasing
lubrication greases in a friction and
bearing and wear.
as a building
block
Flash and Fire
Point
Open cup Measuring a An open cup Each time the 99.99%
flash point instrument flame is with
using an open will always dipped, some approxima
cup method is, give a of the valuable te 0.01%
as the name higher flash components moisture
suggests, point than a may escape content.
conducted in a closed cup which can give
vessel which is as the open artificially high
exposed to the cup allows flash points or
air outside. The loss of spoil precision.
temperature of vapours to The
the substance is the temperature of
gradually raised atmosphere the liquid and
and an ignition above the vapor can
source is cup and the significantly
passed over the sample is
 top of it, until it more vary in the cup
reaches a point susceptible
at which it to the
“flashes” and conditions in
ignites. the
laboratory
Close cup Test portion is If the liquid It is limited to 10%
introduced into is at, or liquids only minimum
a cup and a above its not for gases
close-fitting lid flash point, and solids. It
is fitted to the a fire or does not work
top of the cup. explosion is for very low
The cup and a risk when flash points
test portion are exposed to a
heated and potential
stirred, ignition. The
apertures are vast
then opened in majority of
the lid to allow regulations
air into the cup specify the
and also the use of a
ignition source closed cup
to be dipped flash point
into the vapors tester due to
to test for a its better
flash precision
and ability
to detect
contaminant
s.
Manual Manual flash Manual It uses a 80%
point test the testing is comparatively maximum
operator is in cost- large number
control effective, of human
throughout the especially resources · It’s
test, ensures for small- costly in the
that the scale short run. · It
temperature, projects or is very time-
stirring and when there consuming
ignition is no clear
requirements understandi
are at all times ng of the
and determines system
when and if a requirement
flash has s
occurred. This is
why manual
tests are the
reference in
cases of
dispute.
II. Supply the necessary information of each liquid fuels and greases.

Liquid Fuels
Flash Point Fire Point Remarks
Gasoline -43 -37 When I’m ready to
fight, my opponent has
a better chance of
surviving a forest fire
wearing gasoline
drawers
Diesel fuel 52-72 66-88 Diesel fuel releases
more energy on
combustion than equal
volumes of gasoline, so
diesel engines
generally produce
better fuel economy
Kerosene 38-66 52-77 non-corrosive, less
volatile fuel, compared
to other fuels such as
red diesel and gasoline
Jet fuel 38-66 52-77 It is colorless to straw-
colored in appearance
Ethanol 13 17 Ethanol is a clear,
colourless liquid with a
characteristic pleasant
odour and burning
taste
Methanol 11 15 It is a colorless,
volatile, and
 flammable liquid that
is poisonous for human
consumption.
Butanol 35 41 Butan-1-ol is a primary
alcohol
Acetone -17 -11 Highly flammable
liquid and vapour
Benzene -11 -6 Metabolically activated
to electrophilic
metabolites; induces
oxidative stress and
associated oxidative
damage to DNA
Toluene 11 15 Toluene is a clear,
colorless, volatile liquid
with a sweet, pungent,
benzene-like odor
Xylene 15 21 Inhaling xylene vapor
is depression of the
central nervous
system, with
symptoms such as
headache, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting
Naptha -14-20 -35-10 Very toxic to aquatic
life with long lasting
effects. Chemical
Name. Algae/aquatic
plants. Fish. Toxicity to
microorganism
Biodiesel 120-150 130-160 Biodiesel releases less
pollution and
greenhouse gas
emissions compared to
petroleum diesel
Fuel oil no. 2 52-96 66-110 Fuel oil, [no. 2] is an
 oily yellow-brown
liquid. Less dense than
water and insoluble in
water. Floats on water.
Fuel oil no. 4 140-200 150-210 Will be easily ignited
by heat, sparks or
flames
Fuel oil no. 6 160-250 170-260 Flammable liquid and
vapor. Explosion
hazard. : Heating may
cause an explosion.
Reactivity. : No
dangerous reactions
known under normal …
Turpentine 32-38 43-49 Oil painters generally
prefer it as a paint
thinner and brush
cleaner to petroleum
solvents
Mineral spirits 38-66 52-77 Petroleum distillate
that is used especially
as a paint or varnish
thinner.
Lubricating oil 190-260 200-270 Reduce the friction
between moving
surfaces, and has
functions of cooling,
sealing, anticorrosion,
rust protection,
insulation, power.
Greases
Flash Point Fire Point Remarks
Lithium grease 150 320 It is commonly used as
a lubricant in wheel
bearing and chassis
applications
 Calcium grease 170-235 300 Calcium grease is a
semi-solid material
Sodium grease 121 175 It has a high dropping
point, excellent rust
protection
Barium 370 600 High speed spindle
grease HS12 is a new
generation grease
designed for the
lubrication of high-
speed plain and rolling
bearings.
Polyurea grease 150 293 Polyurea greases
generally have high
dropping points
Silicon grease 60 250 Silicone grease is a
versatile lubricant that
offers excellent
thermal stability, water
resistance, and long-
lasting lubrication.
Synthetic hydrocarbon 38 Â 100 Â Enhanced lubrication
grease
performance and
component protection.
Easter based grease -20 90 Perfectly fine for
bicycle applications
PAO grease 219 249 Oils are superior to
many other lubricant
types and have a
higher temperature
resistance to mineral
oil.
Fluorinated grease N/A N/A 100% synthetic
lubricating grease for
high temperatures
extend the lubrication
 cycles
Mineral oil grease 135 260-370 Highly refined mineral
oils have almost no
taste or odor even
when heated
Enhanced graphene 165 600 High dropping point
grease
and colloidal stability
Molybdenum grease 220 262 Molybdenum greases
are recommended for
roller bearings
subjected to very
heavy loads and shock
loading
Graphite grease 222 285 It is a calcium-based
lubricant. It has
specific characteristics
like hexagonal
structure and
crystalline form
Clay thickened-grease 200 N/A One of the best types
of grease for industrial
applications, they are
high-quality, extreme
pressure (EP), clay
thickened grease.
*Add all necessary information of liquid fuels and greases.
III. Assessment
1. Give the procedure of each instruments/ method used for the flash and
fire points of liquid fuels and greases.
Closed cup method: (Flash point tester)

The ASTM D93 procedure is the same as ASTM D56 with few important
differences:

 The test uses 75 mL instead 50 mL of sample

  The sample is stirred at specified rates (90 – 120 r/minute for procedure A
and 250 r/min ± 10 r/min) and the stirring is stopped only to apply the
ignition source
 The starting temperature of the sample shall be 18°C bellow the expected
flash point
Determination of an accurate flash point is important for a compliant
classification. A flash point erroneously low can trigger supplementary costs
related to packaging, shipping and storage. A flash point erroneously high can
determine an incorrect less hazardous classification and implicitly wrong or
missing hazards warnings making the product very dangerous for everybody
involved in manufacturing, shipping, storing and using the product.

Open cup method:( Cleveland Open cup tester)

PROCEDURE : Tests shall not be performed in a laboratory hood (seen
note) or at any other location where draughts occur. During the last 17
deg. rise in temperature prior to the flash point, care shall be taken to
avoid disturbing the vapours in the test cup by careless movements or
breathing near the cup.
NOTE : With some samples where vapours or products of pyrolysis are
objectionable, it is permissible to place the apparatus with shield in a
hood, the draught of which is adjustable so that vapours may be
withdrawn without causing air currents over the test cup during the final
56 Deg rise in temperature prior to the flash point.
Fill the cup at any convenient temperature (see note ) so that the top of
the meniscus is exactly at the filling line. If too much sample has been
added to the cup, remove the excess, using a pipette or other suitable
device, however, if there is sample on the outside of the apparatus,
empty, clean, and refill it. Remove any air bubbles on the surface of the
sample.
NOTE : Viscous samples may be heated until they are reasonably fluid
before being poured into the cup; however the temperature during
heating
shall not exceed 56 deg below the probable flash point.
Light the test flame and adjust it to a diameter of 3.2 to 4.8 mm,
the size of the comparison bead, if one is mounted on the apparatus.
Apply heat initially so that the rate of temperature rise of the
sample is 14 to 16 deg per minute. When the sample temperature of
approximately 56 deg below the anticipated flash point, decrease the heat
so that the rate of temperature rise for the last 28 deg before the flash
point is 5 to 6 deg per minute.
Starting at least 28 deg below the flash point, apply the test flame
when the temperature read on the thermometer reaches each successive
2 deg mark. Pass the test flame across the centre of the cup, at right
angles to the diameter which passes through the thermometer. With a
smooth, continues motion, apply the flame either in a straight line or
along the circumference of a circle having a radius of at least 150mm. The
centre of the flame shall move in a plane not more than 2mm above the
plane of the upper edge of the cup passing in one direction first, then in
the opposite direction the next time. The time consumed in passing the
test flame across the cup shall be about 1 second.
Record as the flash point the temperature read on the thermometer
when a flash appears at any point on the surface of the oil, but do not
confuse the true flash with the bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the
test flame.
To determine the fire point, continue heating so that the sample
temperature increase at the rate of 5 to 6 deg per minute. Continue the
application of test flame at 2 deg intervals until the oil ignites and
continues to burn for at least 5 seconds. Record the temperature at this
point as the fire point of the oil.
Manual method:
PROCEDURE:
1. All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is
started.
2. The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close
the cup in a closed system.
All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably
fixed.
3. The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in
such a way that the size
of a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5o
to 6 oC per minute.
During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately
60 revolutions per minute.
4. The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected
flash and fire points and
corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash
and fire are noted At
high temperatures depending upon the grades of bitumen materials leave
out volatiles. And these
volatiles catches fire which is very hazardous and therefore it is essential
to qualify this
temperature for each bitumen grade. BIS defined the flash point as the
temperature at which the
vapour of bitumen momentarily catches fire in the form of flash under
specified test conditions.
The fire point is defined as the lowest temperature under specified test
conditions at which the
bituminous material gets ignited and burns.

2. Assess the environmental consideration of each grease.

In a world where environmental degradation is becoming increasingly

prevalent, it is imperative that we take into consideration the
environmental impact of every product we use. This holds true for
something as seemingly insignificant as grease. While often overlooked in
terms of its environmental impact, can have a significant effect on the
environment if not handled properly. It is crucial that we consider the
environmental implications of each type of grease and choose the one
that is the most environmentally friendly.
First and foremost, it is important to consider the composition.
Conventional greases are typically made from petroleum-based products,
which are non-renewable resources that contribute to pollution and
climate change. These can release harmful chemicals into the
environment, leading to air and water pollution. In contrast, biodegradable
greases are made from renewable resources and break down naturally
over time, minimizing their impact on the environment.

Additionally, the disposal of grease must be carefully considered.

Improper disposal, can lead to clogged pipes and sewer systems, causing
water pollution and environmental harm. Biodegradable greases, on the
other hand, are designed to break down easily and are less likely to cause
harm to the environment. By choosing biodegradable greases, we can
reduce the amount of waste and pollution that is generated, ultimately
benefiting the environment. Another important factor to consider is the
longevity . it have a longer lifespan require less frequent replacement,
reducing the overall impact on the environment. By choosing greases that
have a longer lifespan, we can minimize the amount of waste that is
generated and lessen our impact on the environment.

Overall, it is crucial that we take environmental considerations into

account when choosing a grease. By opting for biodegradable greases, we
can reduce our carbon footprint, minimize pollution, and protect the
environment for future generations. As a students, we have a
responsibility to make informed decisions that prioritize environmental
sustainability. Let us make the conscious choice to use greases that are
environmentally friendly and do our part to protect the planet.

References:
https://wiki.anton-paar.com/ph-en/flash-and-fire-point-measurement/
#:~:text=The%20flash%20point%20test%20can,produced%20by%20the
%20test%20specimen.

https://www.petro-online.com/news/measurement-and-testing/14/
breaking-news/what-are-the-different-petroleum-testing-methods/58587

https://parkesscientific.com/methods/all

https://www.google.com/search?
q=list+of+methods+for+Grease+testing&oq=list+of+methods+for+Gre
ase+testing+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTE0MjM3ajBqNKgC
ArACAQ&client=ms-android-transsion&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-
8

https://www.intertek.com/petroleum/testing/flash-point/