PMA 5: Comparison Between Standard Cup and Mini-Cup

This Application Report describes the flash point determination with two different sample amounts: 75 mL standard test cup and 15 mL mini-cup. Flash point tests with 18 different samples were performed using the PMA 5 flash point tester to investigate whether the results achieved with the two cup sizes show a comparison which meets the reproducibility of the test method ASTM D93-A. The reproducibility would make it possible to use the mini-cup saving expensive sample material or to perform tests when only a small sample amount is available.

The PMA 5 is an automatic closed-cup flash point tester for testing the flammability of a liquid. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapors of a sample ignite upon the application of an ignition source. The two ignition systems of the PMA 5 give the user the flexibility to work with an electric or gas igniter: If the gas ignition is used, the electric igniter will automatically relight the gas flame during the test – making it a reliable and secure instrument. The PMA 5 is applicable for biodiesel and biodiesel-blended fuels along with distillate fuels like diesel, heating oil and kerosene. It is also commonly used for other potentially flammable liquids.