7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Cleaning Solvents - Use suitable technical grade solvent capable of cleaning out the test specimen from the test cup and drying the test cup. Some commonly used solvents are toluene and acetone. (Warning - Toluene, acetone, and many solvents are flammable. Health hazard. Dispose of solvents and waste material in accordance with local regulations.)
8. Sampling
8.1 Obtain a sample in accordance with the instructions given in Practices D140, D4057, D4177 or E300.
8.2 At least 70mL of sample is required for each test. Refer to Practice D4057.
8.3 Erroneously high flash points may be obtained if precautions are not taken to avoid the loss of volatile material. Do not open containers unnecessarily; this will prevent loss of volatile material and possible introduction of moisture. Do not make a transfer of the sample unless the sample temperature is at least 56°C (100°F) below the expected flash point. When possible, flash point should be the first test performed on a sample and the sample should be stored at low temperature.
NOTE 3 - Typical sample storage temperature is normal room temperature or lower.
8.4 Do not store samples in gas-permeable containers since volatile material may diffuse through the walls of the enclosure. Samples in leaky containers are suspect and not a source of valid results.
8.5 Light hydrocarbons may be present in the form of gases, such as propane or butane, and may not be detected by testing because of losses during sampling and filling of the test cup. This is especially evident on heavy residuums or asphalts from solvent extraction processes.
8.6 Samples of very viscous materials can be warmed until they are reasonably fluid before they are tested. However, no sample shall be heated more than is absolutely necessary. It shall never be heated above a temperature of 56°C (100°F) below its expected flash point. When the sample has been heated above this temperature, allow the sample to cool until it is at least 56°C (100°F) below the expected flash point before transferring.
NOTE 4 - Typically, the sample containers for these types of samples will remain closed during the warming process.
8.7 Samples containing dissolved or free water can be dehydrated with calcium chloride or by filtering through a qualitative filter paper or a loose plug of dry absorbent cotton. Samples of very viscous materials can be warmed until they are reasonably fluid before they are filtered, but they shall not be heated for prolonged periods or above a temperature of 56°C (100°F) below its expected flash point.
NOTE 5 - If the sample is suspected of containing volatile contaminants, the treatment described in 8.6 and 8.7 should be omitted.
