SDM 880AUT Cleveland Open-Cup Automatic Flash Point Tester
| Brand | SDM |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | 880AUT |
| Test Method | Cleveland Open-Cup (ASTM D92, IP 36) |
| Temperature Range | +79 °C to +400 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Heating Power | 600 W |
| Dimensions | 46 × 31 × 57 cm |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Compliance | ASTM D92, IP 36, DIN 51376, EN ISO 2592 |
Overview
The SDM 880AUT Cleveland Open-Cup Automatic Flash Point Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized determination of flash point and fire point of petroleum products, bituminous materials, and other combustible liquids with initial boiling points above 79 °C. It operates strictly in accordance with the Cleveland open-cup method—codified internationally under ASTM D92, IP 36, DIN 51376, EN ISO 2592, and ISO 2592. The instrument employs controlled resistive heating via an electronically regulated heater assembly, coupled with dual PT100 temperature sensors: one immersed in the sample for real-time thermal monitoring, and a second dedicated to fire point detection during sustained combustion. Flash point is identified through ionization-based flame detection—triggered when vapor-air mixture above the heated sample ignites upon exposure to a standardized pilot flame. Fire point is determined by continuous heating until self-sustained combustion (>5 s duration) is confirmed by the secondary sensor, followed by automatic flame suppression.
Key Features
- Automated Cleveland open-cup methodology compliant with all major international standards for flash and fire point testing
- Dual PT100 platinum resistance thermometers: primary sensor for precise sample temperature tracking; secondary sensor for unambiguous fire point validation
- Ionization flame detector with high signal-to-noise ratio for reliable, low-latency flash event recognition
- Motorized flame delivery system with pivot-mounted ignition source—supports both manual and fully automatic flame positioning over the test cup
- Calibrated brass test cup manufactured to exact dimensional and volumetric tolerances specified in ASTM D92 and IP 36
- Electronically regulated heating module with overtemperature cutoff, thermal fusing, and fail-safe shutdown logic
- Epoxy-coated corrosion-resistant chassis engineered for long-term stability in laboratory environments handling hydrocarbon solvents and acidic residues
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 880AUT is validated for use with crude oils, fuel oils, lubricating oils, bitumen emulsions, and distillates exhibiting flash points between +79 °C and +400 °C. It excludes low-volatility solids, water-based emulsions, or samples containing suspended particulates that may interfere with flame propagation or thermal homogeneity. All mechanical, thermal, and detection subsystems are traceably aligned to the physical requirements of ASTM D92 and IP 36—including cup geometry, stirrer specifications (if applicable), flame size/distance, and heating rate profiles. Instrument calibration is supported by NIST-traceable reference standards, and routine verification protocols satisfy GLP audit requirements for method validation, equipment qualification (IQ/OQ), and ongoing performance verification.
Software & Data Management
The embedded Windows-compatible software suite (compatible with Windows 2000 through Windows Vista) provides full method configuration, real-time parameter logging, and structured data export. The interface includes four functional modules: Analysis (method setup, run control, live temperature/ignition status display), Diagnostics (sensor health checks, heater response validation, flame actuator calibration), Calibration (multi-point temperature verification using certified reference oils), and Data Processing (statistical summary, trend analysis, customizable report generation). All user actions—including method edits, calibration events, and result approvals—are timestamped and logged with operator ID. Audit trails comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles where electronic records are required, supporting secure user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable record retention.
Applications
- Quality control laboratories in refineries and petrochemical plants performing routine flash point verification per refinery process specifications
- Regulatory compliance testing for transportation classification (UN TDG, ADR, IMDG Code) and safety data sheet (SDS) preparation
- R&D applications involving formulation screening of high-boiling lubricants, asphalt binders, and bio-oil derivatives
- Third-party certification labs conducting accredited testing under ISO/IEC 17025 scope for flash point determinations
- Technical service centers supporting field instrument verification and interlaboratory comparison studies
FAQ
What standards does the 880AUT fully support?
ASTM D92, IP 36, DIN 51376, EN ISO 2592, and ISO 2592—all implemented at hardware and procedural levels.
Can the instrument distinguish flash point from fire point automatically?
Yes. Flash point is detected via ionization sensing upon first observable ignition; fire point is confirmed by sustained combustion (>5 seconds) measured by the secondary PT100 sensor, followed by automatic flame extinguishment.
Is the test cup included calibrated and certified?
Yes. Each unit ships with a brass test cup dimensionally verified to ASTM D92 and IP 36 tolerances, accompanied by a certificate of conformance.
Does the system support remote operation or network integration?
The base configuration supports local USB/RS-232 connectivity. Optional Ethernet-enabled firmware upgrades permit integration into LIMS environments via TCP/IP protocol stacks.
What maintenance routines are recommended for long-term accuracy?
Daily cleaning of the test cup and flame nozzle; quarterly verification of PT100 sensor drift using certified reference oils; annual full system calibration including heater ramp rate and flame timing synchronization.
