Inflammeable liquids, like solvents, fuels or lubricants tend to auto-ignite if getting in contact with a hot surface.
The auto-ignition-temperature determination could happen to take 1 to 2 days and requires the continuous attention of experienced laboratory personal.
Since not only the lowest temperature at which auto-ignition of the sample occurs must be found stepwise but also the optimal sample volume for this type of flash (flame).
During the tests the ZPA 3 is working for many hours totally independent. Only for the final test the flasks have to be replaced by fresh ones.
The automatic process is reducing the total testtime by the periods before the sample injection. Due to this and the less attention payed by the user make this test more cost-effective.
The automatic ZPA 3 has a heated sample-feeding device equipped with a photocell controlled drop counter for liguid material and a peristaltic pump (VlTON®-sampling hose).
Temperature control, air purging of the flask and the flame detection, however, will be automatic.
But even without the automatic sample-feeder the instrument can be used as semi-automatic ZPA 3. In this case the sample will be injected with a syringe after an acoustic signal. The quantity will be recommended on the instrument's display, as soon as the next temperature step is set. Temperature control, air purging of the flask and the flame detection, however, will be automatic.

The application of the ZPA 3 Auto-Ignition Tester is not limited to liquid substances.
A special program allows to examine pasty or solid matter on its inflammability. A special mounting device for specimen cubes is available.

Automatic Programs:

Pre-Test Program:
starts at ambient temperature with a temperature rise of 3 to 5 K/min and detects approachingly the ignition point in 20 K steps.
When a self-ignition is detected the program will switch to the Main-Program A1 automatically.

Main-Program A1:
detects out of a row of various drop-amounts the lowest self-ignition in 5 K steps. Then the program will go ahead to Main-Program A2.

Main-Program A2:
standardized ignition temperature detection in steps of 2 K with different amounts of drops, standardized determination with the lowest value of the 1st line of tests, re-start after cleaning of ignition chamber and re-test to finalize the lowest value.

Solid-Program:
to examine the inflammability of solid or pasty materials acc. European Community Act 79/831/CEE.

Calibration-Program:
for the automatic thermocouple calibration

Glow-Program:
to clean the Erlenmeyerflasks (Pyrolyse)

Auto-Ignition Temperature Test Equipment

to be composed of:
- Auto-Ignition Tester - ZPA 3 (automatic or semi-automatic)
   including standard firmware acc. EN 14522

- Solid Conversion Set

Alternative firmware available upon request:
acc. DIN 51794 or acc. EN 14522 for ZPA's with DIN-firmware.