ASTM D7236 Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A 2 mL +/- 0.1 mL test specimen is introduced into the test cup that is then heated automatically at a constant rate of 2 °C/min +/- 0.5 °C/min. A gas test flame is directed through an opening shutter, in the test cup lid, at specified temperature intervals until a flash is detected by the automatic flash detector. The flash is reported as defined in 3.1.1.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 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.
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 classifications.
5.3 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.
