Mapua University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

ME139L-3

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory 1

Experiment #2

FLASH AND FIRE POINT OF POINTS OF LIQUID FUELS AND

GREASE DROP TEST

Billones, Sebastian Luise, M. Date Performed: 5/29/2024

2021106723 Date Submitted: 6/5/2024

ME139L-3/B5

Group 4

Redentor R. Payumo

Instructor
 ABSTRACT

The study of the physical properties of liquids often used in mechanical machines such as

engines and other such constructs, such as fuel, oils, and lubricants is vital in the practice in

engineering. The melting point is described as the temperature at which a material or substance

changes from solid to liquid, the flash point is described as the lowest temperature at which oil

gives off enough vapor to ignite, albeit momentarily, and then the fire point is the lowest

temperature at which the oil ignites and keep itself aflame for an extended period of time. Being

able to measure and determine the flash point, melting point, and fire point of certain oils, greases,

and other lubricants is vital to maintaining, repairing, and designing mechanical machinery.

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Objectives 1

Theories and Principles 1-2

List of Apparatus 3-10

Procedure 11-13

Set-up of Apparatus 14-15

Final Data Sheet 15

Test Data Analysis 16

Literature Review and Questions with Answers 16-17

Conclusion 17-18

Recommendation 18

References 18

iii
OBJECTIVES

1. To be able to determine the flash and fire points of liquid fuels and lubricating oils by

open cup method.

2. To be able to determine the melting point of grease.

THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES

Melting/drop point

The melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance transitions to a liquid state

under atmospheric pressure. It indicates the thermal stability of a substance and its suitability for

use under varying temperature conditions.

Flash point

The flash point is the minimum temperature at which oil releases enough vapor to form an

ignitable mixture. It is identified by applying a flame to the oil and observing ignition. Knowing

the flash point of lubricating oils is vital, especially for enclosed surfaces, to ensure safety when

the surface temperature approaches the oil's flash point.

Fire point

The fire point, which is generally 5 to 20 °F above the flash point, is the temperature at

which the oil ignites and sustains burning. Flash and fire points can be measured using two types

of apparatus, with the open type being commonly utilized.

1
Greases

According to the American Society for Testing Materials, grease is a semi-solid to semi-

fluid substance made up of a thickening agent dispersed in a fluid lubricant. Greases are

categorized based on the type of soap base, such as lime-base grease. Lime-based soap greases are

emulsions of vegetable or mineral oils and water, stabilized with a soap base. The presence of a

soap base or water gives lime-base grease a granular texture. This type of grease should be bright,

water-resistant, and free from oil separation during storage.

Why it matters

Understanding the fire point, flash point, and melting point of grease and other lubricants

is crucial for safety, performance optimization, reliability, compatibility, and regulatory

compliance in mechanical operations. These thermal properties are essential for selecting

appropriate lubricants for specific applications, preventing mechanical failures, and reducing fire

risks.

2
LIST OF APPARATUS

1. Open cup tester

Fig. 1 Open cup tester

A device used to measure the flash point of a liquid by heating it in an open cup and

identifying the temperature at which vapors ignite.

2. Bunsen burner

Fig. 2 Bunsen burner with a hose attached

3
 A gas burner is used in laboratories to produce a single open flame for heating, sterilization,

and combustion.

3. Thermometer

Fig. 3 Thermometer

An instrument used to measure temperature.

4. Graduated cylinder

Fig. 4 Graduated cylinder

A cylindrical container is used to measure the volume of a liquid accurately.

4
5. Tripod

Fig. 5 Tripod

A three-legged stand used to support and hold laboratory equipment during experiments.

6. Test tube

Fig. 6 Test tube

A small glass tube is used to hold, mix, or heat small quantities of liquid or solid chemicals.

5
 7. Grease Cup

Fig. 7 Grease cup

A container used to hold and apply grease in a controlled manner, often used in lubrication

processes.

8. Beaker

Fig. 8 Beaker

A cylindrical glass container that is used to mix, stir, and heat liquids.

6
 9. Test tube holder

Fig. 9 Test tube holder

A clamp or tool used to hold and handle test tubes, especially when they are hot or contain

hazardous substances.

10. Wire gauze

Fig. 10 Wire gauze

A mesh is used to support beakers or flasks on a tripod or ring stand while being heated by
a Bunsen burner.

7
11. Gauntlets

Fig. 11 Gauntlets

Used to protect the experimenter’s hands from the heat of the burner or heated materials.

12. Open cup tester lid

Fig. 12 Open cup tester lid

Used to extinguish fires within the open cup tester by cutting off its oxygen supply.

8
 13. Lighter

Fig. 13 Lighter

Used to ignite the fuel flowing through the Bunsen burner.

14. Iron Stand

Fig. 1 Iron Stand with the thermometer and cork attached

Used to hold apparatuses. In this case, it was used to hold the test tube and thermometer above
the fire from the burner, holding it upright for even heating and convenience.

9
 15. Cork for Thermometer

Fig. 15 Cork used to seal test tube and attach the thermometer to the iron stand

Used to hold the thermometer up-right. Also keeps the test tube airtight and is resistant to heat.
It is also used to attach the thermometer to the iron stand.

16. Spatula

Fig. 16 Spatula

Used to spread or apply grease to the grease cup.

10
PROCEDURE

a. Flash point, fire point, and then drop point testing

Fig . 17 Flash point, fire point, and then drop point testing method process flow chart

11
b. Flash and fire point testing process

Fig . 18 Flash point and fire point testing method process flow chart

12
c. Drop/melting point testing

Fig . 19 Drop/melting point testing method process flow chart

13
SET-UP OF APPARATUS

a. Flash point and fire point testing

After the thermometer, tripod, Bunsen burner, and wire gauze are set up (as in Fig.), light

Bunsen burner with the lighter and place the oil-filled open cup tester above the burner.

Periodically test the vapors for ignition and record the temperatures at which they occur. Do the

same for the fire point.

Fig. 20, 21, and Fig. 22 The Bunsent burner set up, the oil at flash point, and then the oil at

fire point.

b. Drop point testing

Place the grease onto the grease cup, and then place it into the test tube. Seal the tube with a

cork and thermometer.

Fig. 23 Grease cup filled with grease

14
 With the same burner set-up, place an oil-filled beaker over the fire along with the test tube

with the grease cup. Attach the test tube with a clamp to the iron stand, and then attach the cork

and thermometer to the test tube. Record the temperature at which the grease starts to drip from

the cup.

Fig. 24 and Fig.25 The burner setup with the beaker and test tube , and then the grease droplet

forming in the smaller cavity of the grease cup.

FINAL DATA SHEET

Table 1

Fig. 26 Flash and fire points for SAE 30 and SAE 10 lubricant/ oil

Table 2

Fig.27 Drop/Melting point of Matfac and Petron MP3

The data collected shows that the flash point and fire point, at least for the tested liquids,

do not deviate far from each other. It seems that liquid with higher SAE ratings would have higher

flash and fire points as opposed to liquids with lower SAE ratings. This is apparent from SAE 30

starting to burn at 240 ºC and SAE 10 at 96 ºC. As for the drop/melting points gathered from the

experiment, it is apparent that Marfac melts at a higher temperature compared to multi-purpose

lubricant grease.

Lastly, the significance of knowing the flash and fire points of oils and the melting point

of grease has given us knowledge on safety in storing and shipping oils that the temperatures must

be controlled to avoid oxidation of such substances.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

Questions:

1. How do the base oil types influence the flash point and fire point of low-temperature

greases?

According to Porfiryev et al. (2020), greases based on mineral oils generally have higher flash

points compared to those based on synthetic oils. This difference is due to the chemical

16
composition and volatility of the base oils, which directly influence the thermal stability and

flammability of the greases.

2. How do the ignition and flammability properties of various lubricants compare, especially

concerning their flash points?

Kuchta and Cato (1968) provide an extensive review of the ignition and flammability

properties of different lubricants, indicating that lubricants with higher flash points are generally

safer and less likely to ignite under normal operating conditions.

CONCLUSION

Experiment No. 2 focuses on determining the flash and fire points of lubricating oils and

the melting point of grease. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the oil forms an

ignitable mixture with air, while the fire point is the minimum temperature at which the vapor

continues to burn after ignition. The drop point of grease is the temperature at which it

transitions to a liquid under specific conditions.

To achieve the first objective, the flash and fire points of the sample oil were measured

using the open cup method and compared to standard values. Factors such as the concentration of

impurities and the rate of heating influenced the obtained flash and fire points. Understanding

these points helps assess the fire hazard associated with the use and storage of lubricating oils.

The second objective was accomplished by determining the melting point of grease using

the grease drop test. The melting point is crucial because once exceeded, the grease loses its

17
original properties even after cooling. The presence of various substances in the grease can affect

its melting point. Knowing the melting point helps identify the most suitable grease for specific

applications and indicates when the grease can no longer perform adequately.

RECCOMENDATION

When conducting the experiment, it's crucial to ensure that the greased grease cup has been

coned, or rather had some sort of cavity carved through its center so that the melted grease would

not be trapped within the cup when conducting the drop point test. It is also important to frequently

check for sparks during flash point testing to get a more accurate temperature for the data, as well

as the fire point.

REFERENCES

Kuchta, J. M., & Cato, R. J. (1968). Review of ignition and flammability properties of lubricants.

Retrieved from https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0665121.pdf

Porfiryev, Y., Shuvalov, S., Popov, P., & Kolybelsky, D. (2020). Effect of base oil nature on the

operational properties of low-temperature greases. ACS Omega. Retrieved from

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acsomega.9b04087

18