5.1 This practice allows the collection of a representative sample of LPG that may contain trace volatile dissolved components such as methane, ethane, and nitrogen. Sampling by Practice D1265 can result in a small, but predictable, loss of these lighter components. Practice D1265 is suitable for collecting samples for routine specification testing, as the small loss of light components is not significant under Specification D1835 specification requirements. Practice D3700 is recommended whenever highly accurate determination of light components is required. For example, compositions determined on samples collected according to Practice D3700 may be used to establish the product value of NGL mixtures (see Appendix X1).

1.1 This practice covers the equipment and procedures for obtaining a representative sample of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), such as specified in ASTM Specification D1835, GPA 2140, and comparable international standards. It may also be used for other natural gas liquid (NGL) products that are normally single phase (for example, NGL mix, field butane, and so forth), defined in other industry specifications or contractual agreements, and for volatile (higher vapor pressure) crude oils.

Note 1: Some floating piston cylinders have such tight piston seals that the vapor pressure of some high vapor pressure crude oils may not be sufficient to allow sampling without a handle to move the piston. An alternative sampling practice for UN Class 3 liquids (under 300 kPa at 52 °C) is Practice D8009, which utilizes a Manual Piston Cylinder (MPC) sampler.

1.2 This practice is not intended for non-specification products that contain significant quantities of undissolved gases (N₂, CO₂), free water or other separated phases, such as raw or unprocessed gas/liquids mixtures and related materials. The same equipment can be used for these purposes, but additional precautions are generally needed to obtain representative samples of multi-phase products (see Appendix X1).

1.3 This practice includes recommendations for the location of a sample point in a line or vessel. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the sampling point is located so as to obtain a representative sample.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.