ASTM D3828 – Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester
Description:
Significance and Use
5.1 Flash point measures the response of the test specimen to heat and ignition source under controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties that must be considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a material.
5.2 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and combustible materials and classify them. Consult the particular regulation involved for precise definitions of these classes.
5.3 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.
5.4 These test methods use a smaller sample (2 mL to 4 mL) and a shorter test time (1 min to 2 min) than traditional test methods.
5.5 Method A, IP 524 and EN ISO 3680 are similar methods for flash no-flash tests. Method B, IP 523 and EN ISO 3679 are similar methods for flash point determination.
Scope
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for flash point tests, within the range of –30 °C to 300 °C, of petroleum products and biodiesel liquid fuels, using a small scale closed cup tester. The procedures may be used to determine, whether a product will or will not flash at a specified temperature (flash/no flash Method A) or the flash point of a sample (Method B). When used in conjunction with an electronic thermal flash detector, these test methods are also suitable for flash point tests on biodiesels such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.