AS 2341.16-1994,the title is Methods of testing bitumen and related roadmaking products, Method 16: Determination of flashpoint of cutback bitumen.
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee H/25 on Bitumen and Related Products for Roadmaking to supersede AS 2341.16-1980
METHOD
I SCOPE
This Standard sets out a procedure for the determination of the closed
flashpoint of cutback bitumens when the flashpoint does not exceed 110°C.
NOTE: The results obtained do not differ significantly from the minimum flashpoint of the material determined under equilibrium conditions of temperature and vapour pressure.
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this
Standard:
AS
2106 Methods for the determination of the flashpoint of flammable liquids (closed cup)
2341 Methods of testing bitumen and related roadmaking products
2341.1 Part I: Precisions data—Definitions
IP Methods for analysis and testing, Part 1, Vol. 2, Appendix A
3 PRINCIPLE The sample is placed in the cup of an Abel flashpoint apparatus and heated at a very slow uniform rate while stirring. A small test flame is directed into the cup at regular intervals, and the flashpoint is taken as the lowest temperature at which application of the flame causes the vapour above the sample to ignite.
4 APPARATUS The following items of apparatus are required:
(a) Abel flashpoint apparatus—with a stirrer (as specified in AS 2106), but provided with means for mechanical stirring. Provision shall also he made for maintaining a good circulation in the waterbath, e.g. by means of a gentle stream of air, the air being introduced through a fine tube entering the bath through a hole bored for this purpose.
5 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE In view of the ease with which volatile matter can he lost from some cutback bitumens, take all possible precautions against excessive handling of the sample to minimize its exposure to the atmosphere. Warm the sample, if necessary, while still sealed in its original container by standing the container in warm or hot water. Shake or stir thoroughly and transfer immediately to the test apparatus. Do not heat more than is absolutely necessary. preferably not higher than 15°C below the expected flashpoint of the sample.
6 PROCEDURE The procedure shall he as follows:
(a) Thoroughly clean and dry all parts of the cup and its accessories. Remove all traces of solvent used to clean the apparatus.
(b) Fill the water bath and annular space between the sample cup and the water bath completely with water, or with glycerol if it is expected that the flashpoint will be near or above 100°C.
(C) With the oil cup in position. heat the apparatus to a temperature which is substantially the same as that of the preheated sample.
(d) Fill the oil cup with the sample to the level indicated by the point of the gauge, put the cover in place and fit the thermometer.