ASTM D3278 test method for flash point of liquids
ASTM D3278 standard test methods for flash point of liquids by small scale closed-cup apparatus
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining whether a material does or does not flash at a specified temperature or for determining the lowest finite temperature at which a material does flash when using a small scale closed-cup apparatus. The test methods are applicable to paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes, and related products having a flash point between 0 and 110°C (32 and 230°F) and viscosity lower than 150 St at 25°C (77°F).

NOTE 1 - Tests at higher or lower temperatures are possible.

NOTE 2 - More viscous materials may be tested in accordance with Annex A4.

NOTE 3 - Organic peroxides may be tested in accordance with Annex A5, which describes the applicable safety precautions.

NOTE 4 - The U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA, Hazard Communications), the U.S. Department of Transportation (RSPA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have specified Test Methods D3278 as one of several acceptable methods for the determination of flash point of liquids in their regulations.

NOTE 5 - These test methods are similar to International Standards ISO 3679 and ISO 3680.

1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.

1.3 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 Note 7 and Note 12.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester
D850 Test Method for Distillation of Industrial Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials
D1015 Test Method for Freezing Points of High-Purity Hydrocarbons
D1078 Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids

2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 3679 Paints, varnishes, petroleum and related products - Determination of flash point - Rapid equilibrium method
ISO 3680 Paints, varnishes, petroleum and related products - Flash/no flash test - Rapid equilibrium method

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 flash point - the lowest temperature, corrected to a pressure of 760 mm Hg (101.3 kPa, 1013 mbar), at which application of an ignition source causes the vapor of the specimen to ignite under specified conditions of test.