ASTM D56-05(2010)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Flash point measures the tendency of the specimen to form a flammable mixture with air under controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties that shall 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. One should consult the particular regulation involved for precise definitions of these classes.
Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material. For example, an abnormally low flash point on a sample of kerosene can indicate gasoline contamination.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flash point, by tag manual and automated closed testers, of liquids with a viscosity below 5.5 mm2/s (cSt) at 40°C (104°F), or below 9.5 mm2/s (cSt) at 25°C (77°F), and a flash point below 93°C (200°F).
1.1.1 For the closed-cup flash point of liquids with the following properties: a viscosity of 5.5 mm2/s (cSt) or more at 40°C (104°F); a viscosity of 9.5 mm2/s (cSt) or more at 25°C (77°F); a flash point of 93°C (200°F) or higher; a tendency to form a surface film under test conditions; or containing suspended solids, Test Method D93 can be used.
1.1.2 For cut-back asphalts refer to Test Methods D1310 and D3143.
Note 1—The U.S. Department of Transportation (RSTA) and U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) have established that liquids with a flash point under 37.8°C (100°F) are flammable as determined by this test method for those liquids that have a viscosity less than 5.5 mm2/s (cSt) at 40°C (104°F) or 9.5 mm2/s (cSt) or less at 25°C (77°F), or do not contain suspended solids or do not have a tendency to form a surface film while under test. Other flash point classifications have been established by these departments for liquids using this test method.
1.2 This test method can be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and cannot be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test method can be used as elements of 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.
1.3 Related standards are Test Methods D93, D1310, D3828, D3278, and D3941.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 WARNING Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s websitehttp://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htmfor additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.
1.6 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 warning statements see 8.2, 8.3, 9.5, 12.5, and refer to Material Safety Data Sheets.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D56 − 05(Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationD56;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
To ensure an acceptable precision, this dynamic flash point test method employs a prescribed rate
of temperature rise for the material under test. The rate of heating may not in all cases give the
precision quoted in the test method because of the low thermal conductivity of certain materials. To
improve the prediction of flammability, Test Method D3941, which utilizes a slower heating rate, was
developed. Test Method D3941 provides conditions closer to equilibrium where the vapor above the
liquid and the liquid are at about the same temperature. If a specification requires Test Method D56,
do not change to Test Method D3941 or other test method without permission from the specifier.
Flash point values are a function of the apparatus design, the condition of the apparatus used, and
the operational procedure carried out. Flash point can therefore only be defined in terms of a standard
test method, and no general valid correlation can be guaranteed between results obtained by different
test methods, or with test apparatus different from that specified.
method for those liquids that have a viscosity less than 5.5 mm /s (cSt) at
1. Scope
40°C (104°F) or 9.5 mm /s (cSt) or less at 25°C (77°F), or do not contain
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flash
suspended solids or do not have a tendency to form a surface film while
point, by tag manual and automated closed testers, of liquids under test. Other flash point classifications have been established by these
departments for liquids using this test method.
with a viscosity below 5.5 mm /s (cSt) at 40°C (104°F), or
below 9.5 mm /s (cSt) at 25°C (77°F), and a flash point below
1.2 This test method can be used to measure and describe
93°C (200°F).
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
1.1.1 For the closed-cup flash point of liquids with the
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and
following properties: a viscosity of 5.5 mm /s (cSt) or more at
cannot be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire
40°C (104°F); a viscosity of 9.5 mm /s (cSt) or more at 25°C
risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
(77°F); a flash point of 93°C (200°F) or higher; a tendency to
conditions. However, results of this test method can be used as
form a surface film under test conditions; or containing
elements of fire risk assessment that takes into account all of
suspended solids, Test Method D93 can be used.
the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard
1.1.2 For cut-back asphalts refer to Test Methods D1310
of a particular end use.
and D3143.
1.3 Related standards are Test Methods D93, D1310,
NOTE 1—The U.S. Department of Transportation (RSTA) and U.S.
D3828, D3278, and D3941.
Department of Labor (OSHA) have established that liquids with a flash
point under 37.8°C (100°F) are flammable as determined by this test
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
1.5 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.08 on Volatility.
regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published November 2010. Originally
central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or
approved in 1918. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D56–05. DOI:
its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to
10.1520/D0056-05R10.
materials.Cautionshouldbetakenwhenhandlingmercuryand
ForinformationonUnitedStatesDepartmentofTransportationregulations,see
Codes of United States Regulation 49 CFR Chapter 1 and for information on United
mercury containing products. See the applicable product Ma-
States Department of Labor regulations, see Code of United States Regulation 29
terial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s
CFR Chapter XVII. Each of these items are revised annually and may be procured
website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for addi-
from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402. tional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D56 − 05 (2010)
and/or mercury containing products into your state or country ignition source causes the vapors of a specimen of the sample
may be prohibited by law. to ignite under specified conditions of test.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The specimen is deemed to have
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
flashed when a flame appears and instantaneously propagates
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
itself over the entire surface of the fluid.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1.2 Discussion—When the ignition source is a test
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
flame, the application of the test flame may cause a blue halo
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
or an enlarged flame prior to the actual flash point. This is not
warning statements see 8.2, 8.3, 9.5, 12.5, and refer to Material
a flash and should be ignored.
Safety Data Sheets.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.1 dynamic (non-equilibrium)—in this type of flash point
apparatus, the condition of the vapor above the specimen and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the specimen are not at the same temperature at the time that
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
the ignition source is applied.
Closed Cup Tester
3.2.1.1 Discussion—This is primarily caused by the heating
D1310 TestMethodforFlashPointandFirePointofLiquids
of the specimen at the constant prescribed rate with the vapor
by Tag Open-Cup Apparatus
temperature lagging behind the specimen temperature. The
D3143 Test Method for Flash Point of CutbackAsphalt with
resultant flash point temperature is generally within the repro-
Tag Open-Cup Apparatus
ducibility of the test method.
D3278 Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small
Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus 3.2.2 equilibrium—in that type of flash point apparatus or
D3828 Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed
test method, the vapor above the specimen and the specimen
Cup Tester
are at the same temperature at the time the ignition source is
D3941 Test Method for Flash Point by the Equilibrium
applied.
Method With a Closed-Cup Apparatus
3.2.2.1 Discussion—This condition may not be fully
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
achieved in practice, since the temperature is not uniform
Petroleum Products
throughout the specimen and the test cover and shutter are
D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance
generally cooler.
and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical
Measurement System Performance
4. Summary of Test Method
D6300 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias
4.1 The specimen is placed in the cup of the tester and, with
Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products and
thelidclosed,heatedataslowconstantrate.Anignitionsource
Lubricants
is directed into the cup at regular intervals. The flash point is
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
taken as the lowest temperature at which application of the
E502 Test Method for Selection and Use of ASTM Stan-
ignition source causes the vapor above the specimen to ignite.
dards for the Determination of Flash Point of Chemicals
by Closed Cup Methods
5. Significance and Use
2.2 Federal Test Method Standards:
5.1 Flash point measures the tendency of the specimen to
Method 1101, Federal Test Method Standard No. 791b
form a flammable mixture with air under controlled laboratory
Method 4291, Federal Test Method Standard No. 141A
conditions.Itisonlyoneofanumberofpropertiesthatshallbe
2.3 ISO Standards:
considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a
Guide 34 General Requirements for the Competence of Ref-
material.
erence Material Producers
5.2 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to
Guide 35 Certification of Reference Materials—General and
define flammable and combustible materials. One should
Statistical Principles
consult the particular regulation involved for precise defini-
tions of these classes.
3. Terminology
5.3 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly
3.1 Definitions:
volatile and flammable materials in a relatively nonvolatile or
3.1.1 flash point—the lowest temperature corrected to a
nonflammable material. For example, an abnormally low flash
pressure of 101.3 kPa (760 mm Hg) at which application of an
point on a sample of kerosene can indicate gasoline contami-
nation.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 6. Apparatus (Manual Instrument)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
6.1 TagClosedTester—TheapparatusisshowninFig.1and
the ASTM website.
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing described in detail in Annex A1.
Office, Washington, DC 20402.
6.2 Shield—A shield 460 mm (18 in.) square and 610 mm
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. (24 in.) high, open in front, is recommended.
D56 − 05 (2010)
Containers should not be opened unnecessarily to prevent loss
of volatile material and possible introduction of moisture.
Transfers should not be made unless the sample temperature is
at least 10°C (18°F) below the expected flash point. When
possible, flash point shall be the first test performed on a
sample and the sample must be stored at low temperature.
7.2 Do not store samples in gas-permeable containers since
volatile materials may diffuse through the walls of the enclo-
sure. Samples in leaky containers are suspect and not a source
of valid results.
7.3 At least 50 mLof sample is required for each test. Refer
to sampling information in Practice D4057.
8. Preparation of Apparatus (Manual)
8.1 Support the manual apparatus on a level steady surface,
such as a table. Unless tests are made in a draft-free room or
compartment, surround the tester on three sides by the shield
for protection from drafts. Tests are not to be made in a
laboratory draft hood or near ventilators.
8.2 Natural gas and bottled gas flame and electric ignitors
have been found acceptable for use as the ignition source.
(Warning—Gaspressuresuppliedtotheapparatusmustnotbe
allowed to exceed 3 kPa (12 in.) of water pressure.)
8.3 For flash points below 13°C (55°F) or above 60°C
(140°F), use as a bath liquid a 1 + 1 mixture of water and
ethylene glycol (Warning—Ethylene Glycol—Poison. Harm-
ful or fatal if swallowed. Vapor harmful. Avoid contact with
skin.) For flash points between 13°C (55°F) and 60°C (140°F),
either water or a water-glycol mixture can be used as bath
liquid.Thetemperatureoftheliquidinthebathshallbeatleast
10°C (18°F) below the expected flash point at the time of
introduction of the sample into the test cup. Do not cool bath
liquid by direct contact with dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).
NOTE3—Duetopossibledifficultyinmaintainingtheprescribedrateof
temperature rise and due to the formation of ice on the lid, results by this
FIG. 1 Tag Closed Flash Tester (Manual)
test method for samples having flash points below 0°C (32°F) may be
unreliable. Trouble due to ice formation on the slide can be minimized by
carefully lubricating the slide shutter with high-vacuum silicone lubricant.
6.3 Temperature Measuring Device—A liquid-in-glass
8.4 Verify the performance of the manual apparatus (or in
thermometer, as prescribed in Table 1, or an electronic tem-
11.2.3, the automated apparatus) at least once per year by
perature measuring device such as a resistance device or
determining the flash point of a certified reference material
thermocouple. The device shall exhibit the same temperature
(CRM), such as those listed in AnnexA2, which is reasonably
response as the liquid-in-glass thermometer.
close to the expected temperature range of the samples to be
NOTE2—WheneverthermometerscomplyingwithASTMrequirements
tested. The material shall be tested according to the procedure
are not available, thermometers complying with the requirements for The
of this test method and the observed flash point obtained in 9.5
Institute of Petroleum thermometer IP 15C PM-Low can be used.
shallbecorrectedforbarometricpressure(seeSection13).The
7. Sampling
flash point obtained shall be within the limits stated in Table
A2.1 for the identified CRM or within the limits calculated for
7.1 Erroneously high flash points will be obtained when
an unlisted CRM (see Annex A2).
precautions are not taken to avoid the loss of volatile material.
8.5 Once the performance of the apparatus has been
verified, the flash point of secondary working standards
TABLE 1 Thermometers
(SWSs) can be determined along with their control limits.
At 4 to 49°C Above 49°C
For tests Below 4°C (40°F)
These secondary materials can then be utilized for more
(40 to 120°F) (120°F)
Use ASTM 57C or (57F) 9C or (9F) 9C or (9F)
frequent performance checks (see Annex A2).
A
Thermometer 57C or (57F)
A 8.6 When the flash point obtained is not within the limits
Complete specifications for these thermometers are given in Specification E1.
stated in 8.4 or 8.5, check the condition and operation of the
D56 − 05 (2010)
apparatus to ensure conformity with the details listed in Annex 9.5 When the application of the ignition source causes a
A1, especially with regard to tightness of the lid (see A1.1.3), distinct flash in the interior of the cup, as defined in 3.1.1,
the action of the shutter, the position of the ignition source (see observeandrecordthetemperatureofthespecimenastheflash
A1.1.3.3), and the angle and position of the temperature point. Do not confuse the true flash with the
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