SETA PM-93 for flash point testing

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requires laboratory technicians to follow stringent operating procedures and the most common equipment-related hazards in laboratories come from devices that include those powered by electricity for use at high temperatures. This is because fail-safe devices such as temperature ‘cut-outs’ may not always prevent a sample under test from generating smoke and continuing to burn.

Technical committees and manufacturers have acknowledged this problem and a revision is being considered at ASTM to mandate the inclusion of fire extinguishing systems with flash point testing.

Stanhope-Seta have investigated ways to further reduce this hazard and have recently introduced SETA PM-93, a new advanced automatic Pensky-Martens flashpoint testing which fully complies with the latest safety criteria.

The PM-93 instrument includes a unique ‘SAFEFLASH’ safety system which are used separately from temperature sensor to monitor the sample and control instrument performance, will automatically and immediately activate an integral extinguisher in the event of a flame being detected around the test cup.

In the event that the ‘SAFEFLASH’ system is activated and the extinguisher discharged, it is easily and quickly re-activated by replacement of the charge canister.

The PM-93 includes the latest safety changes to ASTM D93 test method including automated pre-ignitor dip to check for the presence of excess volatile components, and an ignitor dip every 10°C to provide further safeguards.

The instrument has a small footprint and is extremely rugged, making it ideal for both fixed and portable testing requirements.

Adapted from a press release by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/02062014/flash_point_testing_74/