ASTM D7236-07

The flash point temperature is one measure of the tendency of the test specimen to form a flammable mixture with air 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.

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 classifications.

This test method can be used to measure and describe the properties of materials in response to heat and a test flame under controlled laboratory conditions and shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test method may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment, that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flash point of aviation turbine fuel, diesel fuel, kerosine and related products in the temperature range of 40 to 135°C by a small scale closed cup apparatus.

1.2 This test method is only applicable to homogeneous materials that are liquid at or near ambient temperature and at temperatures required to perform the test.

1.3 This test method is not applicable to liquids contaminated by traces of highly volatile materials.

1.4 This test method is a dynamic method and depends on a definite rate of temperature increase. It is one of many flash point methods available, and every flash point test method, including this one, is an empirical one.

1.5 If the user's specification requires a defined flash point method, neither this test nor any other method should be substituted for the prescribed method without obtaining comparative data and an agreement from the specifier.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7 and the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product being tested.