Investigation of Grade E Cargo Flammability
Abstract
This research indicates that certain Grade E cargoes can ignite at temperatures below their flash point if they are first heated above their flash point, allowed to cool and then reheated. Ignition and chromatographic studies were performed on two No. 6 oils meeting Grade E cargo requirements to determine if they exhibit below flash point ignition behavior. Their flash points were obtained by the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Method (ASTM Method D93). This was followed by tests to determine whether these oils could ignite at temperatures below their flash point. In addition, chromatographic analyses were performed on the bulk oils and their vapors to determine whether significant fractionation of light components was occurring. Chromatographic analyses comparing the bulk oils and their vapors(after heating, cooling, heating cycle) showed no evidence of preferential fractionation of the lighter components of the oil, a potential cause of the below flash point behavior. However, these analyses did indicate significant differences in the chemical composition of the two oils, which may affect differing ignition behavior. Significant mist formation in the vapor space was observed to occur just before ignition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA350277
Entities
People
- David W. Alley