Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus

Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus

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The Smoke Point method, in accordance with ASTM D1322, IP 598, is one of the oldest test methods in the petroleum industry.  
This test method provides an indication of the relative smoke producing properties of and aviation turbine fuels in a diffusion flame.  
The smoke point is related to the hydrocarbon composition of such fuels.
Generally, the more aromatic the fuel, the smokier the flame.  
A high smoke point indicates a fuel of low smoke producing tendency.  
Performing the smoke point test manually requires highly skilled technicians with years of experience.  
Additionally, the manual test is time consuming.  
The current visual rating method used for specification purposes suffers from the drawback of operator subjectivity.  
The visual measurement of an open flame is a challenging exercise and dangerous for lab personnel.  
The visual rating of the flame varies from one operator to another.

The smoke point test with the Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus is as simple as is a flash point test with an automated instrument.  
The operator prepares the candle according to the test method instructions (phase 1).  
The candle is then positioned on a conveyor (phase 2).  
The operator keys in all sample details and then initiate the test (phase 3).
Then all the procedure is automated.  
The candle is automatically lit, the five minutes stabilization time is followed by the three determinations of the flame height.  
At the end of test, the Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus calculates the mean value of the three flame heights measured.  
The result is rounded then corrected with the memorized lamp correction factor and finally reported according to the format specified in the test method.  
The result is saved in a built-in data base.  
It can be printed, transferred on a USB memory stick and/or send to a LIMS when the Automatic Smoke Point Apparatus is connected to a LAN.  
The lamp factor correction is automatically calculated and used for result reporting.

Technical Points :
Test duration: Less than 10 minutes
Resolution (flame height): 0.1 mm
Parameters saved with a test result: Smoke point in 0.1 mm (according to selected test method), Sample type, Sample ID, Date and Time, Barometric pressure, Operator name, Test method, Calibration information, Instrument serial number, Software version
Results storage: Up to 100 000 results
LAN connectivity: Ethernet port RJ45
Printer output: Serial port (printer is optional)
Data output: USB(2), Ethernet
Weight: 10kg (22lb)
Electrical: 112 to 230V – 2A – 50/60Hz

Repeatability and Reproducibility :
r=0.6 and R=0.9
Four times better than manual test method (r=2.8 and R=3.8)