Assessment of Flash and Fire point Measurements in Synthetic Ester under Retrofilling Scenarios

Since being introduced 40 years ago, synthetic esters have become established as an alternative option to mineral oil in locations where enhanced fire protection measures are required. In this paper, repeatability of fire point and flash point measurement are investigated for unused synthetic ester and for mixtures of mineral oil and synthetic ester after a retrofilling scenario. This study found the mineral oil contamination in synthetic ester can reduce the flash and fire point of the mixture. It was found that there was across over from K classification to O classification occurs at 3.5% mineral oil in synthetic ester. It was also noted that flash point is more sensitive to mineral oil contamination in comparison to flash point. To retain K classifications when retofilling, users should follow a well-established retrofilling procedure to achieve a maximum of 3.5% mineral oil residue in synthetic ester.