3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 dynamic, adj - in petroleum products - the conditionwhere the vapor above the test specimen and the test specimen are not in temperature equilibrium at the time that the ignition source is applied.
3.1.1.1 Discussion - This is primarily caused by the heating of the test specimen at the constant prescribed rate with the vapor temperature lagging behind the test specimen temperature.
3.1.2 equilibrium, n - in petroleum products - the condition where the vapor above the test specimen and the test specimen are at the same temperature at the time the ignition source is applied.
3.1.2.1 Discussion - This condition may not be fully achieved in practice, since the temperature may not be uniform throughout the test specimen, and the test cover and shutter on the apparatus can be cooler.
3.1.3 Flash point, n-in petroleum products, the lowest temperature corrected to a barometric pressure of 101.3 kPa (760 mm Hg), at which application of an ignition source causes the vapors of a specimen of the sample to ignite under specified conditions of test.
3.1.3.1 Discussion - The test specimen is deemed to have flashed when a flame appears and instantaneously propagates itself over the entire surface of the test specimen.
3.1.3.2 Discussion - When the ignition source is a test flame, the application of the test flame may cause a blue halo or an enlarged flame prior to the actual flash point. This is not a flash point and shall be ignored.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A brass test cup of specified dimensions, filled to the inside mark with test specimen and fitted with a cover of specified dimensions, is heated and the specimen stirred at specified rates, by either of two defined procedures (A or B). An ignition source is directed into the test cup at regular intervals with simultaneous interruption of the stirring, until a flash is detected (see 3.1.3.1). The flash point is reported as defined in 3.1.3.
