WHY IS FLASH POINT TESTING REQUIRED TO CLASSIFY FLAMMABILITY LEVELS?
Once the flash point is analyzed, the chemical is grouped into different flammability categories which have different handling requirements.
Dynalene provides reliable closed-cup flash point testing with a quick turnaround time and reasonable rates. With our automated closed cup flashpoint tester, Dynalene has the know-how to determine your flashpoint. We also provide Sustained Burning testing by ASTM D4206. This test method determines the ability of a liquid mixture to sustain burning and, when used with a closed-cup flash point method, indicates the flammability characteristics of the mixture.
We have the ability to test the following chemicals and methods:
- Chemicals & solvents
- Waste & environmental streams
- Fragrances & cosmetics
- Oils, greases, lubricants
- Inks
- Paint, varnish, & waxes
- Cleaners
- Pharmaceuticals
- Consumer & household chemicals
ASTM D3278 ASTM D3828 ASTM D7236 ISO 3679 ISO 3680
ASTM D56 ASTM 1655 ASTM D1310 EPA 1020 A & B
Discussion
Flammability is the ability of a chemical to burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion. The degree of difficulty required to cause the combustion of a chemical is quantified through fire testing.
What is flash point?
Flash Point is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a volatile material will ignite when an ignition source is applied. Flash Point is used to classify materials as flammable or combustible. The classification of your material will affect many requirements including labeling, storage requirements, shipping requirements and disposal.
What is sustained burning/combustion?
The ASTM D4206 Sustained Burning method determines whether a flammable product, when maintained at a selected test temperature (often 49°C), gives off sufficient flammable vapor to cause ignition when an ignition source is applied, and continues to generate sufficient vapor to burn when the ignition source is removed. Temperatures of 60.5 °C and 75.0 °C may also be specified for this test to be compliant with ISO methodology.
Capabilities
Dynalene utilizes a Setaflash Series 8 closed cup flash point testing to determine the flashpoint of your material. The Setaflash is compliant with a number of methods including ASTM D3278, ASTM D3828 ASTM D7236 along with ISO 3679 and ISO 3680. It also provides results 99% comparable with ASTM D93. With its small sample size requirements, rapid heating, and digital accuracy, we can test your material quickly and efficiently.
We can also perform ASTM D4206 sustained burning and ISO sustained combustion.
For samples with a very low (sub-ambient) flashpoint we can utilize ASTM D56 TAG closed cup or ASTM D1310 TAG open cup for fire point testing.
To further characterize your aerosol products, we can perform the flame projection test method.
ASTM D-3065 Flammability of Aerosol* Products.
16 CFR § 1500.45 – Method for determining extremely flammable and flammable contents of self-pressurized containers.
Dynalene can determine the flammability hazard of your aerosol* or self-pressurized container product in accordance with 16 CFR § 1500.45 or ASTM D-3065. Determine if your product falls in the flammable or extremely flammable class using the flame projection testing method.
*USEPA definition
Aerosol product means a product characterized by a pressurized spry system that dispenses product ingredients in aerosol forms by means of a propellant. (i.e. a liquified or compressed gas that is used in whole or in part, such as a co-solvent, to expel a liquid or any other material from the same self-pressurized container or from a separate container) or mechanically induced force. Aerosol product does not include pump sprays.
What are the GHS classifications for flash point?
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals categorizes the flammable liquid criteria according the following flash point ranges:
| Criteria | GHS Category | Transport Class/ Packing Group |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Point < 73°F (23°C) & Initial boiling point ≤ 95°F (35°C) | 1 | 3, I |
| Flash Point < 73°F (23°C) & Initial boiling point > 95°F (35°C) | 2 | 3, II |
| Flash Point ≥ 73°F (23°C) & ≤ 140°F (60°C) | 3 | 3, III |
| Flash Point > 140°F (60°C) & ≥ 200°F (93.3°C) | 4 | Combustible liquid, III |
ADDRESS
Dynalene Labs
5250 West Coplay Road
Whitehall, PA 18052
1.877.244-5525 | 610.262.9686
lab@dynalene.com