BS EN ISO 13736:2021

What is ISO 13736 about? 

ISO 13736 specifies a method for the determination of the manual and automated closed cup flash point of combustible liquids having flash points between –30,0 °C to 75,0 °C. However, the precision given for this method is only valid for flash points in the range −8,5 °C to 75,0 °C. 

The test portion is placed in the test cup of an Abel apparatus and heated to give a constant temperature increase with continuous stirring. 

NOTE 1 ISO 13736 is not applicable to water-borne paints.  

NOTE 2: Water borne paints can be tested using ISO 3679[1]. 

NOTE 3 Liquids containing halogenated compounds can give anomalous results. 

NOTE 4 The thermometer specified for the manual apparatus limits the upper test temperature to 70,0 °C. 

Who is ISO 13736 for?  

ISO 13736 on determining the flash point is beneficial for: 

• Chemical engineers and mechanical engineers 
• Laboratories 
• Petroleum products and lubricants industries 
• Suppliers of Abel closed-cup method apparatuses 

Why should you use ISO 13736? 

Flashpoint values are used in shipping, storage, handling, and safety regulations, as a classification property to define “flammable” and “combustible” materials. The precise definition of the classes is given in each particular regulation. 

ISO 13736 indicates the presence of highly volatile material(s) in a relatively non-volatile or non-flammable material, and flash point testing can be a preliminary step to other investigations into the composition of unknown materials. Flashpoint values are a function of the apparatus design, the condition of the apparatus used, and the operational procedure carried out. ISO 13736 also assists the user in the removal of traces of samples from the test cup and cover. The choice of solvent depends upon the previous material tested, and the tenacity of the residue. Low volatility aromatic (benzene-free) solvents may be used to remove traces of oil, and mixed solvents can be efficacious for the removal of gum-type deposits. 

Overall, ISO 13736 is helpful as it determines the flash point tests and interpreting results that can help you out in your business.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN ISO 13736:2021 supersedes BS EN ISO 13736:2013 (dual numbered as BS2000170:2013), which is withdrawn.  

BS EN ISO 13736:2021 cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 13736:2013), which has been technically revised. 

The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• Subclause 7.5 has been further elaborated 
• Under 13.2 and 13.3, the precision definitions have been updated in line with ISO 42591[3] 
• In Annex C the digital contact thermometers have been introduced and furthermore explanation on the generic liquid-in-glass thermometers has been introduced 
• Annex D has been revised (especially the evaluation subclause) and changed to normative status 
• A new Annex E on flashpoint values of chemicals has been introduced