Flash Point Testing – ASTM D92

ASTM D92 – Flash Point Testing | Cleveland Open Cup Tester

ASTM D92 determines the flash and fire point of oils, lubricants, waxes, and other high-boiling materials using an open-cup method. This procedure measures the temperature at which vapors ignite when exposed to a test flame under controlled conditions, helping classify flammability, support safety documentation, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Price per sample:

$205

Additional information

Turnaround Time

2 weeks

Sample Size

250mL

Quantity

ASTM D92 Flash Point Testing | Cleveland Open Cup (COC)

Products that require high-temperature evaluation need accurate flash point data. At Pentyl Labs, we perform ASTM D92 flash point testing using a calibrated Cleveland Open Cup tester. This method determines the temperature at which a material releases vapors that ignite when exposed to an ignition source. As a result, manufacturers gain reliable data for oils, waxes, lubricants, greases, and other high-boiling materials.


Understanding the ASTM D92 Flash Point Method

The ASTM D92 method uses an open brass cup, which allows vapors to mix freely with surrounding air. During the test, we heat the sample at a controlled rate and pass a small flame over its surface at regular intervals. When the vapors ignite, we record the flash point. Because the cup remains open, the method reflects conditions a product may face during real-world handling or processing.

Moreover, ASTM D92 covers materials with flash points above 79 °C (175 °F) and up to 400 °C (752 °F). This range makes it suitable for heavy oils, lubricants, waxes, polymer additives, and other substances that cannot be evaluated by closed-cup methods such as ASTM D56 or ASTM D93.


Regulatory and Safety Context for ASTM D92 Flash Point Results

Flash point plays a key role in safety classification. OSHA defines it as the lowest temperature at which a liquid emits enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air. Because ASTM D92 follows this principle and aligns with ISO 2592, it supports both U.S. and international compliance needs.

Additionally, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) categorizes materials by flash point:

  • Extremely Flammable: ≤ 20 °F (−6.7 °C)

  • Flammable: > 20 °F (−6.7 °C) and < 100 °F (37.8 °C)

  • Combustible: ≥ 100 °F (37.8 °C) and ≤ 150 °F (65.6 °C)

Although ASTM D92 focuses on higher-flash materials, the results still assist with OSHA HazCom, DOT, FHSA, and FDA MoCRA labeling requirements. Agencies such as the U.S. EPA and Health Canada also reference ASTM D92 for evaluating lubricants and industrial formulations.


ASTM D92 vs. ASTM D93, ASTM D56, and ASTM D3828

It’s important to choose the correct flash point method. Each standard serves a different purpose:

  • ASTM D92 – Cleveland Open Cup (open cup): Best for oils, waxes, and viscous materials; produces higher flash points because the vapors are not confined.

  • ASTM D93 – Pensky-Martens Closed Cup: Ideal for cosmetics, emulsions, volatile materials, and most consumer goods.

  • ASTM D56 – Tag Closed Cup: Used for low-viscosity products such as alcohol-based liquids.

  • ASTM D3828 – Setaflash Small-Scale: A rapid screening method that requires very little sample.

Since open-cup tests allow the vapor to disperse, the flash point is often higher than results from closed-cup methods. At Pentyl Labs, we maintain traceable temperature calibration, verified ignition systems, and ISO 17025–aligned quality controls across all flash point techniques. Therefore, you receive accurate and repeatable results regardless of method.


Learn More

For additional reference:

You can also review our Flash Point Test Methods Comparison Guide to determine which method applies to your formulation.


Contact

If you need ASTM D92 flash point testing, our team can help you determine the correct method and turnaround time.
📧 [email protected]

Description

ASTM D92 Flash Point Testing | Cleveland Open Cup (COC)

Products that require high-temperature evaluation need accurate flash point data. At Pentyl Labs, we perform ASTM D92 flash point testing using a calibrated Cleveland Open Cup tester. This method determines the temperature at which a material releases vapors that ignite when exposed to an ignition source. As a result, manufacturers gain reliable data for oils, waxes, lubricants, greases, and other high-boiling materials.


Understanding the ASTM D92 Flash Point Method

The ASTM D92 method uses an open brass cup, which allows vapors to mix freely with surrounding air. During the test, we heat the sample at a controlled rate and pass a small flame over its surface at regular intervals. When the vapors ignite, we record the flash point. Because the cup remains open, the method reflects conditions a product may face during real-world handling or processing.

Moreover, ASTM D92 covers materials with flash points above 79 °C (175 °F) and up to 400 °C (752 °F). This range makes it suitable for heavy oils, lubricants, waxes, polymer additives, and other substances that cannot be evaluated by closed-cup methods such as ASTM D56 or ASTM D93.


Regulatory and Safety Context for ASTM D92 Flash Point Results

Flash point plays a key role in safety classification. OSHA defines it as the lowest temperature at which a liquid emits enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air. Because ASTM D92 follows this principle and aligns with ISO 2592, it supports both U.S. and international compliance needs.

Additionally, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) categorizes materials by flash point:

Although ASTM D92 focuses on higher-flash materials, the results still assist with OSHA HazCom, DOT, FHSA, and FDA MoCRA labeling requirements. Agencies such as the U.S. EPA and Health Canada also reference ASTM D92 for evaluating lubricants and industrial formulations.


ASTM D92 vs. ASTM D93, ASTM D56, and ASTM D3828

It’s important to choose the correct flash point method. Each standard serves a different purpose:

Since open-cup tests allow the vapor to disperse, the flash point is often higher than results from closed-cup methods. At Pentyl Labs, we maintain traceable temperature calibration, verified ignition systems, and ISO 17025–aligned quality controls across all flash point techniques. Therefore, you receive accurate and repeatable results regardless of method.


Learn More

For additional reference:

You can also review our Flash Point Test Methods Comparison Guide to determine which method applies to your formulation.


Contact

If you need ASTM D92 flash point testing, our team can help you determine the correct method and turnaround time.
📧 [email protected]