ASTM D8174-18

Standard Test Method for Finite Flash Point Determination of Liquid Wastes by Small-Scale Closed Cup Tester

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This procedure is intended to be used to evaluate the ignitability of liquid wastes.  
5.2 Flash point measures the response of the subsample to heat and an ignition source 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 liquid waste material.  
5.3 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.  
5.4 This test method uses a small sample volume (2 mL) and short test time (1 min).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for a flash point test, within the range of –20 to 70 °C, of liquid wastes using a small-scale closed cup tester.
Note 1: Some apparatus are not designed for subambient temperature tests, so the testing range would be between 20 °C and 70 °C.
Note 2: This test method is not applicable for liquid waste that forms a surface film (see Test Method D8175 for Finite Flash Point Determination of Wastes by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester).  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard measures the ignitability properties of liquid wastes (which may be any discarded material), which may include secondary materials, off-specification products, and materials containing free liquids recovered during emergency response actions. Results from this test method may be used as part of a fire risk assessment of the material, but it is the responsibility of the user to perform any additional characterization needed for determination of storage, transport, treatment, or disposal per current regulations.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Warning statements appear throughout. See applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information about certified reference materials (CRMs) or secondary working standards (SWSs) that may be used in this test method. SDS may also be useful if some components of the waste sample are known.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Mar-2018
• ICS: 13.030.20 - Liquid wastes. Sludge
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.06 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D6299-23a - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D6299-17b - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM D6299-17a - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D6299-17 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3828-16 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D7236-16 - Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6299-13e1 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7236-07(2013) - Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3828-12 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 15-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6299-10 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D6299-10e2 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D6299-09 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E1137/E1137M-08 - Standard Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D6299-08 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D6299-07 - Standard Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007

Overview

ASTM D8174-18 is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International for the determination of finite flash points in liquid wastes using a small-scale closed cup tester. The method covers testing liquid waste samples within a temperature range of –20 to 70 °C, providing a standardized approach to evaluate the ignitability and potential fire risk of materials encountered in waste management, emergency response, and industrial operations.

The procedure outlined in ASTM D8174-18 is practical and efficient, requiring only a small sample volume (2 mL) and a short test time (approximately 1 minute per sample). This standard plays a vital role in assessing the flammability hazards of liquid waste streams, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements in storage, transport, treatment, and disposal.

Key Topics

• Finite Flash Point Determination: The standard defines the test methodology for determining the lowest temperature at which the vapors from a liquid waste sample ignite when exposed to an ignition source under controlled conditions.
• Applicability and Limitations: The test covers a broad range of liquid waste types but is not applicable to wastes that form a surface film. For such cases, ASTM D8175 should be used.
• Significance of Flash Point: Flash point testing identifies the presence of volatile and flammable constituents in liquid waste, providing essential information for fire hazard assessment.
• Testing Conditions: Emphasizes proper sample handling, apparatus verification, and environmental considerations to ensure accurate and safety-compliant results.
• Sample Handling: Provides guidance on obtaining representative waste samples, especially for multi-phase or volatile materials, and highlights the importance of minimizing volatile loss.
• Safety Precautions: Stresses that laboratories must establish safety, health, and environmental practices and consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) relevant to the test materials.

Applications

ASTM D8174-18 finds wide application in several industry sectors and environmental contexts:

• Hazardous Waste Management: Assessing the ignitability of wastes during storage, treatment, transport, and disposal.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supporting compliance with national and international regulations for hazardous waste, such as those from the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Industrial Operations: Testing off-specification products, secondary materials, or free liquids generated during emergency response actions.
• Fire Risk Assessment: Providing data for classifying liquid wastes according to their flammability hazard and informing the selection of appropriate safety measures.
• Emergency Response: Quickly evaluating the fire risk of unknown or spilled liquid wastes during incidents.

The method’s small sample size and rapid testing capability make it especially useful in scenarios where quick turnaround and minimal sample consumption are critical.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM D8174-18 may also find these related standards relevant:

• ASTM D8175: Test Method for Finite Flash Point Determination of Wastes by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, suitable for wastes forming a surface film.
• ASTM D3828: Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester, source of primary procedures for D8174.
• ASTM D7236: Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method).
• ISO 3679: Determination of Flash No-Flash and Flash Point - Rapid Equilibrium Closed Cup Method.
• Practice D6299: Techniques for statistical quality assurance and control charting in analytical performance.
• E502: For the selection and use of ASTM standards in flash point determination.

Practical Value

ASTM D8174-18 offers a robust and efficient approach for laboratories and waste management professionals to assess the ignitability of liquid wastes. Its use enhances workplace safety, aids in regulatory decision-making, and supports environmental protection by ensuring hazardous liquid wastes are correctly identified and handled. Testing according to this standard is a foundational practice in hazardous waste analysis and risk assessment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8174 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Finite Flash Point Determination of Liquid Wastes by Small-
Scale Closed Cup Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8174; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Flash point values are a function of the apparatus design, the condition of the apparatus used, and
theoperationalprocedurecarriedout.Flashpointcan,therefore,onlybedefinedintermsofastandard
test method, and no general valid correlation can be guaranteed between results obtained by different
test methods or with different test apparatus.
This test method, and Test Method D8175, are used to determine the flash point of liquid wastes.
This procedure is primarily derived from Method B of Test Methods D3828 (EN ISO 3679 and IP
523) and is informally known in federal and other regulations as the Setaflash method.
1. Scope Warning statements appear throughout. See applicable Safety
Data Sheets (SDS) for information about certified reference
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for a flash point
materials(CRMs)orsecondaryworkingstandards(SWSs)that
test, within the range of –20 to 70°C, of liquid wastes using a
may be used in this test method. SDS may also be useful if
small-scale closed cup tester.
some components of the waste sample are known.
NOTE 1—Some apparatus are not designed for subambient temperature
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
tests, so the testing range would be between 20°C and 70°C.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 2—This test method is not applicable for liquid waste that forms
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
a surface film (see Test Method D8175 for Finite Flash Point Determina-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tion of Wastes by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in
this standard.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 This standard measures the ignitability properties of 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
liquid wastes (which may be any discarded material), which
D3828Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed
may include secondary materials, off-specification products,
Cup Tester
and materials containing free liquids recovered during emer-
D6299Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance
gency response actions. Results from this test method may be
and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical
usedaspartofafireriskassessmentofthematerial,butitisthe
Measurement System Performance
responsibility of the user to perform any additional character-
D7236Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed
ization needed for determination of storage, transport,
Cup Tester (Ramp Method)
treatment, or disposal per current regulations.
D8175Test Method For Finite Flash Point Determination of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Liquid Wastes by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E502Test Method for Selection and Use of ASTM Stan-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dards for the Determination of Flash Point of Chemicals
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
by Closed Cup Methods
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E1137/E1137MSpecification for Industrial Platinum Resis-
tance Thermometers
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Analytical Methods. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 15, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D8174-18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8174 − 18
2.2 ISO Standards: ignition source applied at intervals to establish an estimate of
ISO 17034General Requirements for the Competence of the flash point. An example of this procedure is given in
Reference Material Producers Appendix X1.
ISO Guide 35Reference Materials—General and Statistical
Principles for Certification
5. Significance and Use
EN ISO 3679Determination of Flash No-Flash and Flash
5.1 This procedure is intended to be used to evaluate the
Point—Rapid Equilibrium Closed Cup Method
ignitability of liquid wastes.
ISO 60751Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
5.2 Flash point measures the response of the subsample to
and Platinum Temperature Sensors
heat and an ignition source under controlled laboratory condi-
2.3 Energy Institute Standards:
tions. It is only one of a number of properties that shall be
IP 523Determination of Flash Point—Rapid Equilibrium
considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a
Closed Cup Method
liquid waste material.
IP 534Determination of Flash Point—Small Scale Closed
Cup Ramp Method
5.3 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly
volatile and flammable materials in a relatively nonvolatile or
3. Terminology
nonflammable material.
3.1 Definitions:
5.4 This test method uses a small sample volume (2mL)
3.1.1 ambient barometric pressure, n—in waste flash point
and short test time (1min).
test methods, the atmospheric pressure in the immediate
surroundings where the flash point apparatus is located.
6. Interferences
3.1.2 ambient temperature, n—in waste flash point test
6.1 Metals such as aluminum react with corrosive wastes to
methods,thetemperatureintheimmediatesurroundingswhere
give off hydrogen gas, which can cause a false positive flash.
the flash point apparatus is located.
Forcorrosivewastes,acupwithastainlesssteelinsertshallbe
3.1.3 equilibrium, n—in waste flash point test methods, the
used.
condition in which the vapor above the subsample and the
6.2 Liquid Waste That Forms a Surface Film Under Test
subsample are at the same temperature at the time the ignition
Conditions—For these types of waste, Test Method D8175
source is applied.
shall be used. However, if the waste forms a surface film and
3.1.3.1 Discussion—This condition may not be fully
is also corrosive, the small-scale tester with a stainless steel
achieved in practice since the temperature may not be uniform
cup shall be used.
throughoutthesubsample,andthetestcoverandshutteronthe
apparatus can be cooler or warmer.
NOTE3—Ifaregulatorydecisionpointisbeingassessedforawastethat
forms a surface film, a flash in the small-scale tester should be considered
3.1.4 flash point, n—in waste flash point test methods, the
a maximum flash point and may not satisfy the regulatory assessment.
lowest temperature of the subsample, adjusted to account for
6.3 Halogenated Constituents:
thevariationinatmosphericpressurefrom101.3kPa,atwhich
6.3.1 The presence of some halogenated constituents in the
the application of an ignition source causes the vapors of the
waste may cause the flash to appear green instead of blue.
subsample to ignite under the specified conditions of the test.
6.3.2 Some halogenated compounds can flash and some
3.1.5 subambient temperature, n—in waste flash point test
halogenated compounds only burn. The burning of a haloge-
methods,alowertemperaturethantheimmediatesurroundings
natedconstituentwithinthewasteshouldnotbeconfusedwith
where the flash point apparatus is located.
a flash.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.4 Because of the nature of the waste itself, the flash point
results of the waste can be inconsistent (greater than reproduc-
4.1 A subsample is introduced into the test cup of the
ibility).An example would include volatile droplets suspended
apparatus that is set and maintained at the expected flash point
in a gel. Additional testing may be required to determine the
temperature. After a specified time, an ignition source is
lowest detectable flash point.
applied and a determination made as to whether or not a flash
occurred. This procedure is repeated by changing the test
7. Apparatus
temperatureandsubsampleanumberoftimestodeterminethe
finite flash point.
7.1 Flash Point Tester—The essential dimensions and re-
4.2 If the expected flash point temperature is not known, quirements of the apparatus are shown in Fig.A1.1 and Table
A1.1 of Annex A1. The apparatus and accessories are de-
then a screening procedure may be used whereby the tempera-
ture is increased while keeping the same subsample and the scribed in detail in Annex A1. The temperature range is from
–20 to 70°C. Some versions of the apparatus do not cover the
full temperature range.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
NOTE 4—It is possible that the lowest starting temperature of the
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
apparatus is significantly higher than the actual detectable flash point of
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, W1G 7AR, the sample. The conditions may exceed the upper explosive limit and
U.K., http://www.energyinst.org. result in a false negative.
D8174 − 18
7.2 Barometer—It should have an accuracy of 0.5kPa or sideswithadraftshield(see7.3)forprotection.Donotrelyon
better. Barometers that have been pre-corrected for use at testsmadeinalaboratoryventilationhoodunlesstheextracted
weather stations or airports are not suitable. air and vapors can be withdrawn without causing air currents
over the test cup during the ignition source application period.
7.3 Draft Shield—Ashieldthatislocatedatthebackandon
two sides of the instrument, for use in circumstances in which
10.2 Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the care and
protection from drafts does not exist. servicingoftheinstrumentandforthecorrectoperationofany
controls.
7.4 Cooling Device—A device used to lower the testing
temperature of the sample cup. This can be integral to or 10.3 Prepare the apparatus for operation in accordance with
independent from the flash point apparatus. See A1.2.3 and
the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating, checking, and
Annex A3. operating the equipment, especially the operation of the igni-
tion source. Warning—An incorrectly set test flame size or
8. Reagents and Materials
incorrect setting for an electric ignitor can significantly affect
8.1 Cleaning Solvent—Use a solvent suitable for cleaning
the test result.
out the subsample from the test cup. Two commonly used
10.4 Clean the test cup, cover, and its accessories with an
solventsaretolueneandacetone. Warning—Toluene,acetone,
appropriate solvent (8.1) to remove any traces of gum or
and many other solvents are flammable and a health hazard.
residue from the previous test. Wipe dry with absorbent paper.
8.2 Butane, Propane, and Natural Gas—These are for use
Astreamofdry,cleanairmaybeusedtoremovethelasttraces
asapilotandignitionsource(notrequiredifanelectricignitor of solvent used.Apipe cleaner may be used to clean the filler
is used). Warning—Butane, propane, and natural gases are
orifice. Dispose of solvents and waste material in accordance
flammable and a health hazard. with local regulations.
8.3 Heat Transfer Paste—This is used to make direct
10.5 If not automatically recorded by the instrument, mea-
contact between the cup and temperature measuring device.
sure and record the ambient barometric pressure at the time of
each test.
8.4 Reference Materials (CRMs)—See Annex A2.
10.6 An electronic thermal flash detector (A1.6) may be
9. Sampling
used in lieu of a visual observation of the flash. In cases of
9.1 Sampling should address the intended use of the
dispute, the visual observation shall be used.
analysis, such as representative subsampling from the source
10.7 For subambient test temperatures (typically –20 to
waste material.When possible, obtain at least a 50-mLsample
20°C), see Annex A3, unless the apparatus has integral test
from the source waste material for single-phase wastes. If
cup cooling.
multiple-phase waste is suspected, obtain a greater volume of
sample to ensure adequate phase volumes for testing.A2-mL
11. Verification of Apparatus
subsample will be used for each step in a finite flash point
11.1 Verify and correct, if necessary, the readings on the
determination.
temperature measuring device (A1.8) at least every twelve
9.2 Samples that have multiple phases (layers) shall be
months according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and that
phase separated into single phases. Each separate liquid phase
thetemperaturemeasuringdeviceisinaccordancewithA1.2.3
is tested.
and Annex A4.
9.3 Store samples in clean, tightly sealed containers at
11.2 Verify the correct operation of the apparatus and
normal room temperature (20 to 25°C) or colder. Avoid
associated components (barometer, temperature measuring
freezing the sample. If the sample is frozen, allow the sample
device, cooling device, and so forth) before initial use. Follow
to warm such that it is a liquid. Avoid storage of samples at
the manufacturer’s recommendations.
temperatures in excess of 20°C. Do not store samples for an
extended period of time in gas-permeable containers, such as 11.3 Verify the performance of the apparatus before initial
use and at least once per year by determining the flash point of
some types of plastic, because volatile material can diffuse
throughthewallsofthecontainer.Samplesinleakycontainers a CRM. Examples of suitable liquids, and their approximate
flashpoints,arelistedinAnnexA2.UseaCRMthathasaflash
are suspect, as volatiles can be lost and may not provide valid
results. pointthatisreasonablyclosetotheexpectedtemperaturerange
of the samples to be tested. The flash point of the reference
NOTE 5—If a regulatory decision point is being assessed for a waste in
material shall be tested in accordance with Sections12 and 13.
a leaky container, the lack of a flash point or a flash point exceeding the
The flash point obtained shall be within the limits stated in
regulatory decision point may not satisfy the regulatory assessment.
Table A2.1 for the identified CRM or within the limits
9.4 Erroneously high flash points can be obtained when
calculated for an unlisted CRM (Annex A2).
precautionsarenottakentoavoidlossofvolatilematerials.Do
not open containers unnecessarily. 11.4 Once the performance of the apparatus has been
verified, the flash point of secondary working standards
10. Preparation of Apparatus
(SWSs) can be determined along with their control limits.
10.1 Place the apparatus on a level, stable surface. Unless These secondary materials can then be used for more frequent
tests are made in a draft-free area, surround the tester on three performance checks (Annex A2).
D8174 − 18
11.5 When the flash point result obtained from 11.3 or 11.4 12.2.8 Having established a flash within two temperatures
isnotwithinacceptedlimits,checktheconditionandoperation 5°C apart, repeat the procedure at 1°C intervals from the
of the apparatus to ensure conformity with the details listed in lower of the two temperatures until a flash is detected.
Annex A1. Check the tightness of the cover (A1.2.2); the 12.2.9 Record the temperature of the test when this flash
action of the shutter; the size, intensity, and position of the occurs as the detected flash point, allowing for any known
ignition source (A1.3); and the operation of the flash detector thermometer correction.
(if fitted). Check for an adequate amount of heat transfer paste
12.2.10 The flash point determined in 12.2.8 will be to the
around the temperature measuring device and the reading of nearest 1°C.
thetemperaturemeasuringdevice.Additionally,ensurethatthe
12.2.10.1 If improved accuracy is desired (that is, to the
barometric pressure measurements are accurate, that there is nearest 0.5°C), test a fresh subsample at a temperature 0.5°C
adequate shielding of the apparatus from drafts, and that
belowthatatwhichtheflashwasdetectedin12.2.8.Ifnoflash
calculations are accurate.After any adjustment, repeat the test isdetected,thetemperaturerecordedin12.2.8istheflashpoint
in 11.3 or 11.4 using a fresh subsample.
to the nearest 0.5°C. If a flash is detected at the lower
temperature(12.2.8),recordthislowertemperatureastheflash
12. Procedure
point.
12.2.11 Recordwhethertherewasaflashornoflash,thetest
12.1 Inspect the cup and cover for cleanliness and correct
temperature, and the ambient barometric pressure.
operation, especially with regard to tightness of the cover
12.2.12 If applicable, turn off the pilot and test flame.
(A1.2.2), the action of the shutter, and the size, intensity, and
Remove the subsample and clean the cup and cover.
position of the ignition source (A1.3). Clean and adjust if
Warning—Allow the cup temperature to fall to a safe level
necessary (10.4). Put the cover in place and close securely.
before cleaning.
12.2 Set the cup temperature to the expected flash point for
12.2.13 Repeat the test with one or more subsamples at the
the sample, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
detected flash point temperature.
12.2.1 If the expected flash point of the sample is not
12.2.13.1 Correct each result for barometric pressure, and
known, make an estimate of the expected flash point. An average the corrected results for the sample.
example of a suitable procedure to estimate the expected flash
12.2.13.2 Two detected results obtained within the repeat-
point can be found in Appendix X1. ability precision in Section 15 are acceptable. If results
between two or more tests are inconsistent, then use the lower
12.2.2 When the cup is at the test temperature, fill the
temperature in place of the mean corrected flash point tem-
syringe with the sample to be tested; discharge the subsample
perature.
into the cup through the filling port by fully depressing the
syringe plunger. If necessary, the subsample may be added
13. Calculation
directlyintothecup,andthenensurethecoverislockedtightly
in place. If the subsample is too viscous to get into a syringe,
13.1 Pressure Correction Calculation—If the ambient baro-
ascoopmaybeusedtotransferapproximately2mLtothecup.
metric pressure (10.5) differs from 101.3kPa, correct the
Thesubsamplesizemaybethemassequivalentoftherequired
detected flash point using Eq 1 as follows:
volume.Ensurethesubsampleisevenlyspreadwithinthecup.
CorrectedFlashPoint 5 C10.25~101.3 2 A! (1)
12.2.3 Start the timer for a 1-min thermal equilibrium
period;ifapplicable,lightthepilotlightandadjusttheflameto where:
conform to the 4-mm gauge.
C = detected flash point, °C, and
12.2.4 At the end of the 1-min thermal equilibrium period, A = ambient barometric pressure, kPa.
apply the ignition source by slowly and uniformly opening the
13.2 Average Corrected Finite Flash Point Result
shutter and closing it completely over a period of 2 ⁄2 s.Watch
Calculation—Average two or more corrected results for the
closely for a flash in a test cup opening if an automatic flash
final reported flash point of a sample:
detector is not used.
12.2.5 The subsample is deemed to have flashed when a
AverageCorrectedFiniteFPResult: x¯ 5 ~x 1 . 1 x ! (2)
1 n
n
large flame appears and instantaneously propagates itself over
the surface of the subsample. Occasionally, particularly near
where:
theactualflashpoint,theapplicationoftheignitionsourcecan
n = number of subsample tests,
cause a blue halo or an enlarged flame; this is not a flash and
x¯ = average finite flash point result, and
should be ignored.
x = corrected subsample flash point result.
n
12.2.6 If a flash is detected, repeat the procedure given in NOTE 6—Supplemental information for non-SI units can be found in
Appendix X4.
12.2.2 – 12.2.5, testing a subsample at a temperature 5°C
lower each time until no flash is detected, then proceed to
14. Report
12.2.8.
14.1 Report the corrected finite flash point average rounded
12.2.7 If no flash was detected, repeat the procedure given
in 12.2.2 – 12.2.5, testing a fresh specimen at a temperature to the nearest 1 or 0.5°C.
5°C higher each time until a flash is detected. If no flash is 14.1.1 If required, convert the flash point to degrees Fahr-
detected up to 70°C, stop the test and report as no flash. enheit using Eq 3:
D8174 − 18
CorrectedFlashPoint,inFahrenheit5 (3) because, by its nature, every sample of liquid waste is
compositionally unique and therefore it is not meaningful to
~~CorrectedFlashPoint,inCelcius! 31.8!132
provide a precision statement. Limited work to demonstrate
14.2 Report the test method used, the identification of the
repeatability precision for some surrogate liquid wastes is
material tested, the test date, and any deviation, by agreement
shown in Appendix X5.
or not, from the procedure specified in Section 12.
15.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
14.3 Because of the nature of some waste materials, it may
because flash point can be defined only in terms of this test
be difficult to determine two or more detected/corrected flash
method.
points within repeatability. If the waste flashes over a range of
temperatures, the lowest flash point shall be reported (see
12.2.13.2). Additionally, if adequate for the use of the data, a 16. Keywords
“less than” result may be reported.
16.1 combustible;firerisk;flammable;flashpoint;ignitabil-
ity; liquid wastes; volatile
15. Precision and Bias
15.1 Precision—It is not possible to specify the precision of
the procedure in this test method for measuring flash point
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. FLASH TEST APPARATUS
A1.1 Flash Point Test Apparatus 70°C during the test. Cooling of the test cup may use Peltier
5 effect devices, an external cryostat, or a cooling insert (see
A1.1.1 See Figs. A1.1 and A1.2 and Table A1.1.
Annex A3).
A1.2 Test Cup
A1.3 Ignition Source
A1.2.1 Consisting of an aluminum or non-rusting metal
A1.3.1 For dipping into the test cup to test for a flash.
block of suitable conductivity with a cylindrical depression
overwhichacoverisfitted.Atemperaturemeasuringdeviceis A1.3.2 Test Flame and Pilot—A test flame with a suitable
inserted in the block.Astainless steel cup insert may be fitted mechanism for dipping into the test cup to test for a flash, and
intothemetalblocktoaffordprotectionfromcorrosivewastes; a pilot to maintain the test flame, are both required for this
in this case, the final dimensions, including the stainless steel ignition source. When inserted, the nozzle of the ignition
cup insert, shall compl
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