Shop
Our Services
Flash and Fire Point – ASTM D92
ASTM D92 Flash and Fire Point Test Method
ASTM D92 flash and fire point testing determines both the initial ignition temperature and the sustained combustion temperature of high-temperature materials using the Cleveland Open Cup method.
Price per sample:
$200
Additional information
| Turnaround Time | 2 weeks |
|---|---|
| Sample Size | 250mL |
Flash and Fire Point Testing – ASTM D92 (Cleveland Open Cup)
In the ASTM D92 Cleveland Open Cup procedure, the sample is placed in an open brass cup and gradually heated at a rate of 5 to 6 °C per minute. A small test flame is periodically passed across the surface until a distinct flash is observed—indicating the flash point. Heating continues, and when the sample sustains burning for at least 5 seconds, the fire point is recorded.
This open-cup method allows interaction between the sample’s vapors and ambient air, producing results representative of real-world exposure conditions such as those in processing equipment, lubrication systems, or open storage environments.
Applications
ASTM D92 is applicable to:
-
Lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils
-
Greases and waxes
-
Heavy petroleum distillates and polymers
-
Coatings, additives, and other high-boiling organic liquids
Because ASTM D92 covers materials with flash points above 79 °C (175 °F) up to 400 °C (752 °F), it is not suitable for volatile or low-flash materials (which are better tested under ASTM D56, D93, or D3828).
Regulatory and Compliance Context
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106(a)(14), flash point is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air near its surface. The fire point—though not defined by OSHA—is commonly required for lubricant safety and specification testing under ASTM D92 and ISO 2592.
ASTM D92 Flash and Fire Point Testing supports product classification for:
-
OSHA (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standard)
-
DOT (Hazardous Materials Transport)
-
FHSA (Consumer Product Labeling)
-
FDA MoCRA (Cosmetic Safety Documentation)
The U.S. EPA and Health Canada also reference ASTM D92 for flammability assessment of oils, waxes, and other industrial materials.
Flash vs. Fire Point
| Parameter | Definition | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Point | Lowest temperature at which a vapor momentarily ignites when exposed to flame | Indicates volatility and ignition risk |
| Fire Point | Temperature at which the sample sustains burning for ≥ 5 seconds | Reflects sustained combustibility under use conditions |
The fire point is typically 10–30 °C higher than the flash point and provides a more conservative measure of flammability for oils and lubricants used in high-temperature applications.
Comparison and Method Selection
ASTM D92 (open cup) generally produces higher flash points than closed-cup methods such as ASTM D93 or ASTM D56 because vapors freely mix with air. It remains the preferred standard for lubricants, waxes, and heavy oils. Pentyl Labs maintains traceable temperature calibrations and ISO 17025–aligned procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance across all flash point testing services.
Internal Reference
Not sure which method applies to your sample?
Read our Flash Point Test Methods Comparison to learn the differences between ASTM D92, D93, D56, and D3828.
Contact
Contact Pentyl Labs to request ASTM D92 Flash and Fire Point Testing, or to determine which method is most suitable for your material.
📧 [email protected]
Description
Flash and Fire Point Testing – ASTM D92 (Cleveland Open Cup)
In the ASTM D92 Cleveland Open Cup procedure, the sample is placed in an open brass cup and gradually heated at a rate of 5 to 6 °C per minute. A small test flame is periodically passed across the surface until a distinct flash is observed—indicating the flash point. Heating continues, and when the sample sustains burning for at least 5 seconds, the fire point is recorded.
This open-cup method allows interaction between the sample’s vapors and ambient air, producing results representative of real-world exposure conditions such as those in processing equipment, lubrication systems, or open storage environments.
Applications
ASTM D92 is applicable to:
-
Lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils
-
Greases and waxes
-
Heavy petroleum distillates and polymers
-
Coatings, additives, and other high-boiling organic liquids
Because ASTM D92 covers materials with flash points above 79 °C (175 °F) up to 400 °C (752 °F), it is not suitable for volatile or low-flash materials (which are better tested under ASTM D56, D93, or D3828).
Regulatory and Compliance Context
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106(a)(14), flash point is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air near its surface. The fire point—though not defined by OSHA—is commonly required for lubricant safety and specification testing under ASTM D92 and ISO 2592.
ASTM D92 Flash and Fire Point Testing supports product classification for:
-
OSHA (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standard)
-
DOT (Hazardous Materials Transport)
-
FHSA (Consumer Product Labeling)
-
FDA MoCRA (Cosmetic Safety Documentation)
The U.S. EPA and Health Canada also reference ASTM D92 for flammability assessment of oils, waxes, and other industrial materials.
Flash vs. Fire Point
| Parameter | Definition | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Point | Lowest temperature at which a vapor momentarily ignites when exposed to flame | Indicates volatility and ignition risk |
| Fire Point | Temperature at which the sample sustains burning for ≥ 5 seconds | Reflects sustained combustibility under use conditions |
The fire point is typically 10–30 °C higher than the flash point and provides a more conservative measure of flammability for oils and lubricants used in high-temperature applications.
Comparison and Method Selection
ASTM D92 (open cup) generally produces higher flash points than closed-cup methods such as ASTM D93 or ASTM D56 because vapors freely mix with air. It remains the preferred standard for lubricants, waxes, and heavy oils. Pentyl Labs maintains traceable temperature calibrations and ISO 17025–aligned procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance across all flash point testing services.
Internal Reference
Not sure which method applies to your sample?
Read our Flash Point Test Methods Comparison to learn the differences between ASTM D92, D93, D56, and D3828.
Contact
Contact Pentyl Labs to request ASTM D92 Flash and Fire Point Testing, or to determine which method is most suitable for your material.
📧 [email protected]
