ASTM D3828 Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Place the apparatus on a level, stable surface. Unless tests are made in a draft-free area, surround the tester on three sides with a draft shield (see 6.3) for protection. Do not rely on tests made in a laboratory draft hood unless the extracted air and vapors can be withdrawn without causing air currents over the test cup during the ignition source application period.
9.2 Read the manufacturer's instructions on the care and servicing of the instrument and for the correct operation of any controls.
9.3 Prepare the apparatus for operation in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for calibrating, checking and operating the equipment, especially the operation of the ignition source. (Warning - An incorrectly set test flame size or setting of an electric ignitor can significantly affect the test result.)
9.4 Clean the test cup, cover and its accessories with an appropriate solvent (7.1) to remove any traces of gum or residue from the previous test. Wipe dry with absorbent paper. A stream of dry clean air may be used to remove the last traces of solvent used. A pipe cleaner may be used to clean the filler orifice.
9.5 Measure and record the barometric pressure (6.2) before commencing a test.
9.6 Use an electronic thermal flash detector for flash point tests on biodiesels such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) (see A1.7).
9.7 For sub-ambient test temperatures see Annex A4, unless the apparatus has integral test cup cooling facilities.
10. Verification of Apparatus
10.1 Verify that the temperature measuring device is in accordance with A1.2.2.
10.2 Verify the performance of the apparatus at least once per year by determining the flash point of a certified reference material (CRM) such as those listed in Annex A2, which is reasonably close to the expected temperature range of the samples to be tested. The material shall be tested according to Method B, Section 12 and the observed flash point obtained in 12.1.6 and 12.1.6.1 shall be corrected for barometric pressure (see Section 13). The flash point obtained shall be within the limits stated in Table A2.1 for the identified CRM or within the limits calculated for an unlisted CRM (see Annex A2).
10.3 Once the performance of the apparatus has been verified, the flash point of secondary working standards (SWS) can be determined along with their control limits. These secondary materials can then be utilized for more frequent performance checks (see Annex A2).
10.4 When the flash point obtained is not within the limits stated in 10.2 or 10.3, check the condition and operation of the apparatus to ensure conformity with the details listed in Annex A1, especially with regard to tightness of the cover (A1.2.1), the action of the shutter, the size or intensity of the ignition source, the position of the ignition source (A1.3), the operation of the flash detector (if fitted) and correct reading of the temperature measuring device. After any adjustment, repeat the test in 10.2 or 10.3 using a fresh test specimen, with special attention to the procedural details prescribed in the test method.
