Determining the Flash Point of Oil - Essay Example

Here Here Here March 31, Determining the Flash Point of Oil: An Analysis of the Closed Cup Flash Point Experiment Experiment Abstract As a scientific experiment, the primary objective of performing the closed cup flash point experiment was to determine the exact temperature necessary for lamp oil to flash and then ignite into flame. Upon determining this information, the purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate the importance of understanding safety hazards certain substances may have to ensure the correct precautions are taken. The results of this experiment can be used to compare with the findings of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to determine that the temperature causing flash point can change depending upon the chemical being tested. According to Gorbett and Pharr, flash point is defined as the “minimum temperature of a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitable mixture with the air, near the surface of the liquid or within the visual used, as determined by the appropriate test procedure and apparatus” (2011, p.g., 310). In addition to this definition, NFPA classifications state that lamp oil, which is used for this experiment, is combustible and flash point will occur at temperature higher than 100 degrees F. To reach this point, the temperature of the flame needs to increase at a minimum of 5 degrees every minute. With these objectives in mind, the experiment was completed to determine the exact temperature when flash point would occur with lamp oil. Key Experiment Factors Within this experiment, there were particular factors that were essential variables to completing this process. These pieces include the actual experiment ingredients as well as personal protective equipment or PPE. The necessary components of this experiment include the following: hot plate - water bath lamp oil - 1 cup measuring cup lighter - thermometer protective glasses and gloves - monitoring chart TAG closed tester - timer Experiment Procedures With the purpose and components of the closed cup flash point experiment established, this analysis can now provide the steps followed to garner the determined results in this process. The experiment was completed in the listed steps: 1) Place the water bath on the hot plate. 2) Fill the measuring cup with one cup of lamp oil. This cup is then placed on the water bath. 3) Turn on the Tag Closed Tester. 4) Watch the timer and at every minute pass the flame over the lamp oil. It is important to note that the temperature of the flame needs to increase by 5 degrees F with each increased minute. Experiment Analysis This closed cup flash point experiment with lamp oil was completed by testing temperatures of flame beginning at 82 degrees F and ending at 167 degrees, which was the temperature when the oil finally did reach flash point. Before analyzing the results of the experiment, it is important to highlight that, as with nearly any scientific experiment, there was a potential for human error. In the context of this experiment, the human error could have occurred in the step which required the flame to increase by 5 degrees F each minute the lamp oil was being tested to determine flash point. Aside from this potential degree of human error, the experiment was conducted by testing the lamp oil each minute as the pilot flame was passed over it. As the TAG close tester indicated, there was no reaction from the lamp oil until the pilot flame reached 147 degrees F. At this temperature, the flame itself started shaking as it was passed over the lamp oil. This reaction continued until the pilot flame temperature reached 152 degrees F. Once the flame reached this point, an interesting reaction happened where the flame was extinguished completely. Unfortunately, this event cannot be contributed neither to a scientific explanation nor an environmental factor such as a shift in the air direction of the area or an additional unknown cause. The flame remained extinguished until the temperature reached 157 degrees. When the pilot flame reached 162 degrees, flash point was reached. Because this event occurred at this temperature, the lamp oil meets the NFPA classification of a class IIIA substance. Chemicals in this class are defined as a “liquid with a flash point at or about 140 degrees and below 200 degrees” (Gorbett and Pharr, 2011, p.g., 101). Conclusion In concluding the analysis of this closed cup flash point experiment, the final determination is that the necessary temperature for lamp oil is 162 degrees F. Along with this discovery, it can also be noted that this experiment may see different results if an open cup tester was used versus the closed cup tester used in this instance. As far as this experiment, using a closed cup tester allowed for no exposure to outside oxygen when determining the necessary temperature to ignite the lamp oil. Those who want to use an open cup tester may find different results other than the 162 degrees flash point that was determined within this experiment. Reference Gorbett, G., Pharr, J. (2011). Fire Dynamics, First Edition, Person: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Read More