A dictionary of terms and expressions

This is a test procedure for determining the flash point of light distillate such as kerosene. The flash points determined by this method will be in the range of 85–120°C. The apparatus consists of a water bath with a heating source into which is suspended a cup containing the material to be tested. The water bath is heated and retained at a fixed temperature. The temperature of the sample being tested in the cup is measured by a thermometer. The lid of the cup contains a shutter and a small gas burner from which a flame of determined length exits. The rate of temperature rise of the test material is noted and at predetermined temperatures the shutter is opened and the burner flame exposed to the space above the test liquid in the cup. The temperature at which a flame is observed crossing the surface of the oil sample when the burner is dipped into the cup is the flash point. The ASTM name and number for this test is D56-01 Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester.