Flash Point Test Applications

Industry
Application
Temperature range
Seta model

Adhesives and sealants
Testing esters and ketones for certification. Flammability classification for transport regulations
Up to 150 C

Aviation and aircraft
Quality control of incoming fuels and oils. Specification conformance
30 to 399 C

Biodiesel
Flash point testing checks that chemicals such as methanol, used in the manufacturing process are below safe levels
130 C

Bitumen and asphalt
Used for shipping and safety regulations and to indicate the possible presence of more volatile or flammable compounds in an otherwise relatively non-volatile or non-flammable material
>200 C

Chemicals
Testing solvents used in production. Safety classification for transport regulations
Below 200 C

Chemical products (polishes, cleaners etc)
Flash point criteria are specified in most products. Flammability classification for transport regulations
30 to 150 C

Crude
Flash point testing provides an indication about the volatility of crude oil and therefore how safely it may be extracted, transported and stored, and the potential costs involved
Below 0 C

Edible oils and fats
Consumers and food manufacturers use these products at elevated temperatures during cooking and processing and hence flash point is checked to ensure refining processes and safety limits are correctly maintained
Up to 30 C

Energy and power
Turbine and transformer oils are routinely tested for flash point to confirm product integrity from contamination that may affect performance or safety
Up to 20 C

Formulated pesticides
Research and flammability classification for transport regulations
Up to 150 C

Quality control and research. Used oil analysis to detect evaporation/contamination by volatiles under working conditions
30 to 399 C

Oil and gas rigs
Quality of samples. Sump contamination of pumphead machinery
30 to 399 C

Oil treatment/recovery
Quality control on base oils and checking contamination of used/recovered oils and fuels. Safety classification for transport regulations
30 to 399 C

Research, quality control and safety. Flammability classification for transport regulations. Recommended for water-borne paints
Below 100 C

Tests on solvent/water mixtures. Flammability classification for transport regulations and safety in use
Ambient to 110 C

Petroleum and derivatives refining
Testing for QA/contamination where product is pumped through multi-product pipeline. Also used for H&S and transport regulations
30 to 399 C

Pharmaceuticals
Checks on manufacture stated flash points
Less than 100 C

Printing inks
Flammability classification for transport regulations
Below 100 C

Road tanker terminals/shipping terminals
Quality control of storage tanks and deliveries. Safety classification for transport regulations
30 to 399 C

Synthetic resins
Tests on solvent-resin based base products. Quality and safety classification for transport regulations
15 to 150 C

Soap and synthetic detergents
Used for research and testing of solvents in cosmetics, aftershaves etc. Flammability classification for transport
Under 200 C

Transport regulations
Flammability classification for road, rail, air and sea
Extremely flammable less than 0 C, highly flammable less than 21 C, flammable less than 55 C

Waste disposal
Tests used to classify waste prior to disposal
Hexane less than 100 C, Pure oil more than 300 C

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