scope:

This International Standard describes three procedures, A, B and C, using the Pensky-Martens closed cup tester, for determining the flash point of combustible liquids, liquids with suspended solids, liquids that tend to form a surface film under the test conditions, biodiesel and other liquids in the temperature range of 40 °C to 370 °C.

CAUTION - For certain mixtures no flash point, as defined, is observed; instead a significant enlargement of the test flame (not halo effect) and a change in colour of the test flame from blue to yellowish-orange can occur. Continued heating can result in significant burning of vapours outside the test cup, and can be a potential fire hazard.

NOTE 1 Although, technically, kerosene with a flash point above 40 °C can be tested using this International Standard, it is standard practice to test kerosene according to ISO 13736.^[5] Similarly, lubricating oils are normally tested according to ISO 2592^[2].

Procedure A is applicable to distillate fuels (diesel, biodiesel blends, heating oil and turbine fuels), new and in-use lubricating oils, paints and varnishes, and other homogeneous liquids not included in the scope of Procedures B or C.

Procedure B is applicable to residual fuel oils, cutback residua, used lubricating oils, mixtures of liquids with solids, liquids that tend to form a surface film under test conditions or are of such kinematic viscosity that they are not uniformly heated under the stirring and heating conditions of Procedure A.

Procedure C is applicable to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) as specified in specifications such as EN 14214^[11] or ASTM D6751^[13].

This International Standard is not applicable to water-borne paints and varnishes.

NOTE 2 Water-borne paints and varnishes can be tested using ISO 3679^[3]. Liquids containing traces of highly volatile materials can be tested using ISO 1523^[1] or ISO 3679.