EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FLASH/FIRE POINTS OF BIO-FUEL BLENDS USING PENSKY-MARTENS CLOSED CUP APPARATUS

Abstract

The determination of flash point and fire point is critical for assessing the flammability, volatility, storage safety, and transport hazard classification of liquid fuels and lubricating oils. This paper presents an experimental study evaluating the flash point of [Test Samples neat diesel, biodiesel blends (B5, B10, B20), waste cooking oil, or transformer oil] using the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Apparatus in compliance with ASTM D93 / ISO 2719 standards. Test samples were heated at a controlled rate of 5.5℃/min under continuous stirring (90–120 rpm). An ignition source was periodically applied to the vapours in the cup at 1℃ temperature intervals. Ambient barometric pressure corrections were applied to obtain standardized flash point values. The results indicate that [increase in biodiesel percentage elevated the flash point from 68℃ to 130℃, significantly improving fuel handling safety]. This research provides valuable insights into fuel volatility behaviour and standard quality control parameters required for industrial handling.