The Grabner FPV Pro is a flash point tester specifically designed to measure the flash points of liquids and solids. The analyzer uses the Grabner flash point detection method, activated by an energy-controlled electric arc, to measure the instantaneous pressure rise within a sealed chamber. Heating the test chamber from the top helps prevent condensation of highly volatile compounds, improving measurement accuracy.
The FPV Pro features a continuously closed cup design and requires only a small sample volume of 1-2 mL, ensuring maximum safety. The device produces no offensive fumes and generates virtually no waste, reducing both hazards and clean-up. Rapid thermoelectric cooling and simple operation cut turnaround times and lower labor costs.
As a part of the Vision Pro analyzer line, the FPV Pro is equipped with a full-color touchscreen that features an easy-to-use graphical interface. Its intuitive design removes the need for training, allowing any technician to run a test with ease.
The FPV Pro provides hassle-free communication with USB, Ethernet, LIMS, and PCs. It also offers nearly unlimited storage capacity for test results.
Grabner Instruments provides two versions of the FPV Pro: the standard FPV Pro, suitable for temperatures ranging from -25° C to 120° C and the FPV Pro High Temperature, designed for temperatures from 10° C up to 400° C.
Flash points are measured in line with ASTM D6450 and the advanced ASTM D7094 standard. The latter outlines the “Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Modified Continuously Closed Cup (MCCCFP),” a method that delivers exceptional repeatability, reproducibility, and strong correlation to the D93 Pensky-Martens method.
ASTM has confirmed that no significant bias exists between the D7094 and D93 Procedure A. ASTM D7094 is approved for use in Diesel Fuel and Kerosene specifications ASTM D975, D396, D2880, and D3699.
Image Credit: Grabner Instruments
Results from the FPV Pro's ASTM methods align closely with established methods like Abel and TAG. Thanks to its unique design, the analyzer can be used for challenging applications, such as testing biodiesel and contaminated samples (e.g., diesel in lube oil or gasoline in diesel fuel). It also incorporates improved methods for simulating EN ISO 3679 and EN ISO 3680 standards.
The FPV Pro is an excellent solution for mobile labs and military applications with its portability and durable housing. The FPV Pro High Temperature model's ejecting sample drawer allows easy and safe sample cup insertion. Its open-tray design minimizes the risk of sample spillage and keeps the operator's hands away from the hot oven surface, a crucial safety feature for high-temperature testing.
The New Technology
Advanced Peltier Cooling Technology
The FPV Pro High Temperature features a patented cooling block that provides high thermal contact conductance to quickly cool the oven between tests. A Peltier element (thermoelectric cooling device) pre-cools this block before it engages the oven assembly, and its robust design ensures this process can happen without risk of damage.
The cooling block's large thermal capacity cools the oven more quickly and efficiently than comparable systems on the market. Faster cooling means shorter test intervals and greater sample throughput.
Ignition Protection Technology
The FPV Pro series features patented ignition protection technology that reduces power consumption by at least 80 % compared to previous models and similar closed cup flash point analyzers. In addition to being highly efficient, the stable ignition design prevents high-power peaks, making it impossible to burn or damage the electrodes.
Combustion Analysis
The FPV Pro series can detect even the smallest flame, graphically showing the presence of contamination in samples that contain low concentrations of flammable compounds. In contrast, its automatic explosion probing feature detects high concentrations of volatile components, helping to prevent premature combustion in cases of improper user programming.
Wide Range of Applications
Grabner's flash point testers cover a wide temperature range, simulating all major closed cup methods and delivering GO/NO-GO tests with just 1-2mL samples. The programmable fuel dilution curve is also a powerful tool for used oil analysis, such as detecting diesel or natural gas in lubricating oil, to help prevent costly engine troubles.
Over the years, the outstanding performance of the FPV Pro has proven effective worldwide for a variety of applications, including transport regulations and classifications, verifying product specifications, and reliable used oil analysis.
Other Applications for MINIFLASH Include
Image Credit: Grabner Instruments
Petrochemistry
- Rapidly screening jet and diesel fuels for the presence of contaminants that affect the flash point
- The device operates across a broad range of high temperatures with a very safe operating procedure
- Performing flash point tests on residuals
Pharmacy
- The device is used for flash point testing of procontaining solvents like ethanol, IPA, and glycerol
- Small sample volume
Transport
- The device performs flash point tests on flammable goods to ensure they comply with transport safety regulations
- Easy handling
Flavors and Fragrances
- The device is used for flash point testing of aroma products that contain alcohol-based solvents.
- The small sample volume used by the device significantly reduces costs, particularly when dealing with expensive base products.
Paints and Varnishes
- Flash point testing is performed on solvent-based paints, varnishes, and enamels to determine the safest way to store them.
- Small sample volume and easy to clean.
Waste Disposal
- The device is used for testing industrial waste and unknown mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons.
- Small sample volume and fast thermoelectric cooling are particularly useful for samples with a flash point well below ambient temperature.
Maintenance of Engines and Pumps
- Fuel dilution in lubricating oils alters the oil’s viscosity, impairing its lubricating performance. This leads to increased friction and wear of mechanical components, which can ultimately cause severe damage or even engine failure. Additionally, fuel dilution lowers the flash point.
- Preventive maintenance.
Specifications
Features
- Excellent thermoelectric heating and cooling regulation with Advanced Patented Peltier Cooling Technology
- Flash point according to ASTM D6450/SHT0768 (Flash Point by Continuously Closed Cup) and ASTM D7094 (Flashpoint by Modified Continuously Closed Cup)
- No open flame or offensive vapors in the lab
- Combustion Analysis
- Equivalent EN ISO 2719, excellent correlation to ASTM D56, ISO13736, IP170
- ASTM COMMITTEE STATEMENT: "There is no statistically significant bias observed between ASTM D7094 and ASTM D93 Procedure A."
- Approved for diesel fuel and kerosene specifications ASTM D975, D396, D2880, D3699
- Big, color touchscreen for convenient, intuitive menu navigation
- New methods for EN ISO 3679 and EN ISO 3680 simulation
- User rights management and statistical quality control with COCKPIT Software for Vision analyzers
- Dilution Flashpoint Testing
- Go/No Go Flashpoint Testing
- Superior accuracy
- Remote operation capability
- Short measuring time due to the small sample volume of 1-2 mL
- Automatic ignition cleaning method
- Globally recognized standard method for the flavors and fragrances industry
- Rapid screening methods
- Customizable screening methods for enhanced flexibility
- Ignition Protection Technology ensures maximum safety
Options/Accessories
FPA Pro 12-Position Autosampler
Technical Data
Source: Grabner Instruments
| |
|
| Temperature Range: |
|
| FPV Pro |
0 to 120 °C (32 to 248 °F) without cooling
Down to -25 °C (-13 °F) with water cooling |
| FPV Pro High Temperature |
10 to 400 °C (50 to 750 °F) |
| Power Requirements: |
100/110/120/230/240 V AC 50/60 Hz, max. 180 W
(optional car adapter for field use) |
| W x H x D: |
253 x 368 x 277 mm (10" x 14.5" x 10.9") |
| Weight: |
10.2-11.2 kg (22.4 lb) |
| W x H x D: |
253 x 368 x 277 mm (10" x 14.5" x 10.9") |
Source: Grabner Instruments
| Precision Data |
MINIFLASH ASTM D6450 |
MINIFLASH ASTM D7094 |
Pensky-Martens ASTM D93A |
| Repeatability |
± 0.4 °C |
± 0.5 °C |
± 4.1 °C |
| Reproducibility |
± 0.9 °C |
± 0.7 °C |
± 6.9 °C |
Principle
Continuous product development may make it necessary to change product specifications without notice. Image Credit: Grabner Instruments
An aluminum cup (1) with a 7 mL capacity, containing 2 mL of sample, is placed in the sample cup holder. During testing, the cup is raised into the temperature-controlled oven (2), creating a sealed test chamber through a metal-to-metal connection. A thermocouple (3) is immersed in the sample to monitor its temperature. The oven’s temperature is regulated by Peltier elements (4) and an air-cooled heat sink (5). Vapor ignition is initiated by a high-voltage arc (6) within the test chamber. At the flash point, the pressure inside the sealed chamber rises sharply, detected by a built-in pressure transducer (7). Stirring is provided by a rotating magnet and a small magnet (8) positioned inside the sample cup.