A comprehensive maintenance guide for the ignition point testing machine.

In the petroleum, railway, aviation, and power industries, the flash point and ignition point of petroleum products and flammable liquids are critical indicators for determining their safety during storage, transportation, and use, directly impacting personnel safety and the prevention of production accidents. Traditional testing methods rely on manual temperature control and ignition, which suffer from problems such as inaccurate heating curves (easily deviating from standards), large errors in ignition timing (data deviations exceeding 3°C), low efficiency (single sample testing exceeding 1.5 hours), and personnel exposure to flammable environments (high safety risks). For example, in petroleum depots, manual testing of diesel flash points can easily lead to inaccurate data, posing safety hazards during transportation; in aviation fuel testing, manual methods are time-consuming and fail to meet the timely fuel supply requirements for flights. This instrument, through its fully automated design, overcomes these traditional shortcomings and is a core piece of equipment for ensuring safety and compliance across multiple industries.

The fully automatic flash point and ignition point tester is a modern, professional analytical instrument that provides reliable safety testing methods for various industries through highly automated testing processes and a precise temperature control system. The core principles of these instruments include temperature sensing technology, flame ionization detection technology, intelligent temperature control systems, and intelligent data processing systems. Fully automatic flash point and ignition point testers are widely used in various fields such as petroleum, chemical, power, environmental protection, railway, and scientific research, providing critical safety indicator testing for high-risk areas.

Working Principle

Heating and Temperature Control System: The instrument is equipped with a high-precision heating and temperature control system, capable of stably and accurately heating the test sample to the set temperature. Temperature changes are monitored in real time by a temperature sensor to ensure the stability of the testing process.

Sample Introduction and Atmosphere Control: For liquid samples, the instrument typically uses a container, such as a heated test tube or beaker, to hold the liquid sample. The instrument gradually heats the liquid using a heater until it reaches its autoignition point. For gas samples, an appropriate gas flow control device is usually used to introduce the gas sample into the test chamber or reaction chamber.

Monitoring and Detection of Autoignition: When the temperature rises to a certain range, the instrument's automatic detection system continuously monitors whether the sample undergoes autoignition. Autoignition is usually manifested by the appearance of flames, flashes, or significant exothermic phenomena on the sample surface.

Automatic Recording and Analysis: The instrument is usually equipped with an automatic recording system. When autoignition is detected, the instrument immediately records the temperature at that moment and automatically stops heating. This temperature is the autoignition point of the sample.

Detailed Maintenance and Care Guide:

I. Daily Maintenance and Care

Instrument Cleaning:

Cleaning the Sample Cup: After each test, the residue in the sample cup should be cleaned immediately. The sample cup can be cleaned with an appropriate solvent or cleaning agent, and ensure it is dry before the next use.

Cleaning the Heating System and Sensors: The surfaces of the heating system and temperature sensors should be kept clean to prevent sample residue and external impurities from adhering, which could affect heating efficiency and temperature sensing accuracy. Gently wipe the sensor surface with a clean, soft cloth, avoiding the use of corrosive cleaning agents.

Keeping the Instrument Exterior Clean:

Wipe the instrument casing with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding liquid or dust entering the instrument to prevent damage to internal circuits or mechanical parts. Do not wipe the display screen or control panel with a wet cloth.

Regularly Check the Ignition Device:

The ignition device is an important component of the automatic flash point and fire point tester. Regularly check whether the ignition needle, flame status, and arc ignition system are working properly. If carbon buildup or wear is found on the ignition device, it should be cleaned or replaced promptly.

Cooling System Maintenance:

If the instrument is equipped with a cooling system, regularly check that the cooling device's piping and liquid circulation are functioning correctly to ensure cooling efficiency. Also, maintain good ventilation in the laboratory environment to prevent overheating of instrument components.

Data Storage and Export:

Regularly export and back up the test data from the instrument to prevent data loss. Also, clean up the storage space to maintain the operation of the instrument's data management system.

II. Regular Maintenance

Temperature Sensor Calibration:

The temperature sensor is a core component of the instrument, and ensuring its measurement accuracy is crucial. It should be calibrated regularly using a standard thermometer. A calibration cycle of every six months or one year is recommended. Calibration should be performed according to the manufacturer's operating procedures to ensure accurate temperature measurement.

Heating System Inspection:

Regularly check the working condition of the heating elements to ensure their heating rate and stability. If uneven heating or abnormal heating is detected, the heating elements should be repaired or replaced promptly.

Ignition System Replacement and Maintenance:

With increased usage, the performance of the ignition system may degrade. It is recommended to regularly check components such as the arc igniter and ignition needle to confirm their working condition.  Aging or damaged parts should be replaced promptly.

Power Supply and Cable Inspection:

Regularly check the power cord, plug, and cables for integrity, ensuring there is no aging, damage, or poor contact. If any problems occur, the instrument should be shut down immediately and inspected by a professional.

Instrument Calibration:

In addition to temperature sensor calibration, other measurement and control systems also require regular calibration. A complete instrument calibration, including temperature, ignition time, and data acquisition systems, is recommended annually to ensure the overall accuracy of test results.

Consumable Replacement:

Certain consumables, such as sealing rings, sample cups, and heating pads, may age or wear out after prolonged use. They should be replaced regularly based on usage frequency and conditions to ensure stable equipment performance.

III. Long-Term Maintenance

Storage Environment Requirements:

When the equipment is not in use for an extended period, the instrument should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding damage to internal components from humidity, high temperatures, or low temperatures. The power should also be turned off and the plug disconnected to prevent power waste and safety hazards.

Professional Maintenance and Repair:

For critical components (such as control systems and electrical components) or major malfunctions, maintenance and repair should be performed by qualified service engineers to avoid further damage to the instrument caused by self-repair attempts.

Software and Firmware Updates:

Regularly check for firmware or software updates released by the instrument manufacturer. Timely software updates help improve instrument performance, address known issues, or add new features, ensuring the instrument remains operational during long-term use.

IV. Maintenance and Precautions

Do not disassemble the instrument without authorization:

Do not disassemble the internal structure of the instrument without authorization from the manufacturer or guidance from professional personnel, as this may affect your warranty rights and cause irreversible damage to the equipment.

Regular training for operators:

Provide regular training for laboratory operators to ensure that every user can operate the instrument correctly and reduce malfunctions or damage caused by improper operation.

Maintain a stable laboratory environment:

Maintain a relatively stable temperature and humidity in the environment where the instrument is placed, and avoid dust and corrosive gases that may adversely affect the equipment. Especially when working in humid environments, be careful to prevent moisture from affecting the electrical parts of the instrument.

Fault alarms and abnormal handling:

If the equipment displays a fault alarm or abnormal phenomenon, immediately stop the machine and check it.  Handle the situation according to the operating instructions provided by the manufacturer or professional maintenance guidance. Do not force the equipment to run to avoid more serious damage.