ASTM D7236 Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester (Ramp Method)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Flash Point Apparatus - The apparatus consists of an electrically heated test cup that is controlled automatically to give a temperature increase of 2.0 °C/min +/- 0.5 °C/min, a lid and shutter assembly, a pilot and test flame, an automatic flash detector and a temperature display that displays and holds the test temperature when a flash is detected. The key parts and dimensions are described in Annex A1 and illustrated in Fig. A1.1.
6.2 Syringe, 2 mL, adjusted to deliver 2.00 mL +/- 0.1 mL.
6.3 Barometer, accurate to 0.5 kPa. Barometers precorrected to give sea level readings, such as those used at weather stations and airports, shall not be used.
NOTE 1 - Automatic barometric correction in accordance with 12.2 may be installed in the apparatus.
6.4 Cooling Bath or Freezer, for cooling the samples, if required, and capable of cooling the sample to at least 10 °C below the expected flash point. If a freezer is used, it shall be of explosion-protected design.
6.5 Draft Shield, a shield fitted at the back and on two sides of the instrument, for use in circumstances where natural protection from drafts does not exist.
NOTE 2 - A shield 350 mm high, 480 mm wide, and 240 mm deep, is suitable.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Cleaning Solvent - Use only noncorrosive solvents capable of cleaning the test cup and lid assembly. Two commonly used solvents are toluene and acetone. (Warning - Toluene, acetone and many solvents are flammable and a health hazard. Dispose of solvents and waste material in accordance with local regulations.)
7.2 Butane or Natural Gas - For use as the pilot and test flame. (Warning - Butane and natural gases are flammable and a health hazard.)
