Pensky-Martens Flash Point: Certified Reference Material now required for flash point verification in ASTM D93
An update to ASTM D93, the standard test method for flash point by Pensky-Martens closed cup tester has been introduced. The latest revision, ASTM D93-25 now mandates verification of the apparatus performance using a Certified Reference Material. This addition enhances the method’s robustness and supports more reliable and traceable flash point determinations in line with quality assurance and regulatory expectations.
What has changed in ASTM D93-25?
Section 10. Verification of Apparatus, of the test method now explicitly requires that:
“The performance of the manual or automated apparatus shall be verified at least once per year by determining the flash point of a Certified Reference Material (CRM) such as those listed in Annex A4, which is reasonably close to the expected temperature range of the samples to be tested.”
This means laboratories must now use a Certified Reference Material with a known, traceable flash point value to ensure their instruments are performing to specification.
To help laboratories meet these requirements seamlessly, Stanhope-Seta offers the SETA-CRM Pensky-Martens Flash Point, specially developed and UKAS ISO 17034 certified for use with ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens flash point testing.
Section A4.5: Reference Materials for Procedures B and C
The revision also updates Section A4.5, which now allows laboratories running Procedures B and C to use a reference material tested under Procedure A. This added flexibility streamlines the verification process without compromising the quality and integrity of the results.
With Seta’s Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), laboratories have access to robust, reliable materials to ensure compliance across all procedure types with ASTM D93.
Why Certified Reference Materials?
Certified Reference Materials ensure traceable, high-quality testing. The ASTM D93 Certified Reference Materials provided by Stanhope-Seta are hydrocarbon-based materials with flash point values determined through Interlaboratory Studies under the guidelines of ISO 17034 and ISO 33405 (previously Guides 34 and 35 respectively).
The Seta CRM range, specifically the SETA-CRM Pensky-Martens Flash Point materials, delivers:
- Traceability to internationally recognised standards
- High stability and purity ensuring consistent results
- Well defined flash point values
- Confidence in measurement reliability
- UKAS ISO 17034 accredited certification and documentation
By using CRMs, laboratories can benchmark their equipment performance against known values, helping to identify potential issues with calibration or maintenance before they impact routine testing.
Practical implications
Annual verification
Labs must verify their Pensky-Martens flash point test instruments annually using a CRM that is close to the temperature range of typical test samples. The flash point result, corrected for barometric pressure, must fall within the limits specified in the CRM’s certificate.
Seta’s Pensky-Martens Certified Reference Materials are designed to make this process simple and robust, offering low (75 °C), medium (140 °C) and high (225 °C) flash point materials, all certified to meet ASTM D93 and produced under ISO 17034 accreditation.
Use of Secondary Working Standards (SWS)
Once the apparatus has been successfully verified using a CRM. laboratories can establish and use SWSs for more frequent checks. These are also stable hydrocarbons with known flash points but do not require certification. Limits for SWSs should be set using standard statistical methods based on the apparatus performance.
Compliance and quality assurance
This change brings ASTM D93 in line with modern quality control practices and is equally important for laboratories seeking ISO 17025 accreditation. Regular verification using CRMs improves traceability and ensures consistency across laboratories.
Using Seta’s Certified Reference Materials ensures:
- Adherence to ISO 17025 requirements
- Greater consistency and comparability of results across laboratories
- Reduced risk of non-conformities or out-of-spec results
Stanhope-Seta’s Certified Reference Materials provide laboratories with the trust and confidence needed for critical flash point testing.
Seta PM-93 Pensky-Martens Flash Point Tester 35000-0
The Seta PM-93 Pensky-Martens Flash Point Tester 35000-0 facilitates ASTM D93-25 verification procedures, making annual CRM verification easy and efficient.
Key benefits of the PM-93 include:
- Full compliance with ASTM D93
- Intuitive operation and automated features
- Built-in verification process for CRMs
To help laboratories seamlessly meet the new requirements, the Seta PM-93 is supplied complete with SETA-0412-0051 Pensky-Martens Flash Point Certified Reference Material 75 °C (pack of 3) at no extra cost.
This value added package ensures laboratories have everything they need from day one to achieve compliance and maintain accurate flash point determinations.
Learn more about the Seta PM-3 Pensky-Martens Flash Point Tester and request a quote here
For further information about CRMs, test method compliance or suitable verification materials, please visit www.seta-crm.co.uk