Anton Paar CLA 5 Automatic Cleveland Open Cup Flash Point Tester
| Brand | Anton Paar |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | CLA 5 |
| Detection Method | Cleveland Open Cup (COC) |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automated |
| Temperature Range | Up to 400 °C (°C/°F selectable) |
| Ignition Source | Pressurized Propane or Butane Gas |
| Compliant Standards | ASTM D92, ISO 2592, IP 36, DIN 51376, JIS K 2265 |
Overview
The Anton Paar CLA 5 Automatic Cleveland Open Cup Flash Point Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the reliable determination of flash point and fire point of petroleum products, lubricants, bituminous materials, and other high-boiling or viscous substances according to the Cleveland Open Cup (COC) method. Based on the fundamental principle of controlled thermal ramping and standardized flame exposure, the CLA 5 measures the lowest temperature at which vapors above a heated sample ignite momentarily when exposed to an ignition source — defining the flash point — and the temperature at which sustained combustion occurs for at least five seconds — defining the fire point. This thermally driven, open-cup methodology ensures regulatory alignment with globally recognized safety and quality assessment protocols, particularly for industrial fluids where volatility and thermal stability are critical performance indicators.
Key Features
- Fully automated vertical motor-driven test head positioning ensures precise, repeatable cup alignment and eliminates operator-induced variability during flame approach and ignition trials.
- Integrated electric spark igniter option provides consistent, maintenance-free ignition without reliance on external pilot flames or manual gas valve operation.
- Pre-programmed test sequences include dual asphalt-specific protocols (e.g., for cutback and emulsified bitumens), rapid unknown-sample flash point search mode, and viscosity-adaptive preheating routines for samples with kinematic viscosities exceeding 100 mm²/s at 60 °C.
- Onboard absolute pressure sensor enables real-time atmospheric pressure measurement and automatic correction of flash point results per ASTM D92 Annex A1 and ISO 2592 Clause 8.2, ensuring metrological traceability across varying altitudes and barometric conditions.
- Comprehensive safety architecture includes dual independent overtemperature cutoffs, self-diagnostic startup verification, audible/visual fault alerts, and fail-safe gas flow termination upon thermal anomaly detection.
- Modular accessory support includes optional bitumen film-removal kit for residue-free cup cleaning after high-asphaltene testing, minimizing cross-contamination and extending component service life.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CLA 5 accommodates a broad spectrum of non-volatile and semi-volatile samples, including base oils, gear oils, transformer oils, heavy fuel oils, asphalt binders, roofing tar, and polymer-modified bitumens. Its robust cup geometry and programmable heating profile meet the mechanical and thermal requirements specified in ASTM D92 (Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester), ISO 2592 (Petroleum Products — Determination of Flash and Fire Points — Cleveland Open Cup Method), as well as supplementary national standards including IP 36, DIN 51376, and JIS K 2265. Instrument design supports GLP-compliant operation through audit-trail-capable firmware and hardware-level calibration verification logs.
Software & Data Management
The CLA 5 operates via embedded firmware with intuitive touchscreen interface and supports seamless integration into laboratory informatics environments. Data export is enabled via three USB ports (for printer, storage, and service diagnostics), one RS232 serial port (legacy LIMS connectivity), and optional Ethernet (LAN) for remote monitoring and centralized instrument management. All test parameters, raw temperature/time profiles, pressure-corrected results, and system event logs are timestamped and stored internally with configurable retention policies. Export formats include CSV and PDF, compatible with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and 21 CFR Part 11–enabled data review workflows when deployed with validated software extensions.
Applications
- Quality control of lubricating oils and greases in manufacturing and refinery settings
- Flash/fire point certification of bituminous binders prior to road construction material acceptance
- Regulatory compliance testing for transportation and storage classification (UN GHS, OSHA HazCom)
- R&D evaluation of thermal degradation onset in formulated industrial fluids
- Stability assessment of bio-based lubricants and recycled oil blends under elevated temperature stress
- Batch release testing in GMP-aligned production facilities handling specialty petrochemical intermediates
FAQ
What standards does the CLA 5 fully support out-of-the-box?
ASTM D92, ISO 2592, IP 36, DIN 51376, and JIS K 2265 — all implemented with method-specific heating rates, dwell times, and ignition timing logic.
Can the CLA 5 correct flash point results for local atmospheric pressure?
Yes — an integrated absolute pressure sensor performs continuous measurement and applies automatic correction in accordance with ASTM D92 Annex A1 and ISO 2592 Clause 8.2.
Is the instrument suitable for testing highly viscous asphalt samples?
Yes — dedicated preheating algorithms, optional film-removal accessories, and extended temperature range up to 400 °C ensure reproducible performance with bituminous materials meeting ASTM D36 and EN 1427 specifications.
How is instrument calibration verified?
The CLA 5 features built-in calibration verification routines for Pt100 temperature sensors and pressure transducers, generating traceable reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit requirements.
What safety certifications does the CLA 5 carry?
CE marked per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU; compliant with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment safety.
