First Naphthometers to Determine the Flash Point of Liquids: IV.1 Closed and Distillation Testers

• Published in: Russian journal of general chemistry 2021, Vol.91 (6), p.1178-1189
• Main Authors: Alexeev, S. G., Smirnov, V. V., Alexeev, K. S., Barbin, N. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Devices; Distillation; Explosions; Flash point; Indicators; Kerosene; Lighting
• ISSN: 1070-3632; 1608-3350
• DOI: 10.1134/S107036322106030X

The American Oil Revolution of 1859 and the invention of the kerosene lamp contributed to the onset of the kerosene era when candle lighting was replaced by kerosene lighting. A side effect of this situation was a growing number of fires and explosions due to application of unsafe kerosene. In this regard, there was a need to develop criteria for safe kerosene. These indicators were the flash and ignition points. The first stage of creating instruments to determine these indicators began in 1862 and ended at the beginning of the 20th century. This period is characterized by the development of devices of various designs, one of which was closed and distillation testers. The article discusses both the well-known closed Abel, Abel–Pensky, Pensky–Martens, and Tag devices and their modifications, and little-known closed Letheby, St. Lucia, Engler–Parrish, Vette, Klee, Gray, Leeses, Engler, Hofmann, Pease, Scott, and Gawalowsky devices. The distillation method introduced by Rosenbladt and the corresponding apparatus, which have not survived to the present day, are analyzed, as the ideas embodied in these devices are successfully used at present.