4.1 Representative samples of petroleum and petroleum products are required for the determination of chemical and physical properties, which are used to establish standard volumes, prices, and compliance with commercial terms and regulatory requirements. This practice does not cover sampling of electrical insulating oils and hydraulic fluids. This practice does not address how to sample crude at temperatures below the freezing point of water.

PART I—General

This part is applicable to all petroleum liquid sampling whether it be crude oil or refined products. Review this section before designing or installing any automatic sampling system.

1.1 This practice describes general procedures and equipment for automatically obtaining samples of liquid petroleum and petroleum products, crude oils, and intermediate products from the sample point into the primary container. This practice also provides additional specific information about sample container selection, preparation, and sample handling. If sampling is for the precise determination of volatility, use Practice D5842 (API MPMS Chapter 8.4) in conjunction with this practice. For sample mixing and handling, refer to Practice D5854 (API MPMS Chapter 8.3). This practice does not cover sampling of electrical insulating oils and hydraulic fluids.

1.2 Table of Contents: 

Section

INTRODUCTION

Scope

1

Referenced Documents

2

Terminology

3

Significance and Use

4

PART I–GENERAL

Representative Sampling Components

5

Design Criteria

6

Automatic Sampling Systems

7

Sampling Location

8

Mixing of the Flowing Stream

9

Proportionality

10

Sample Extractor Grab Volume

11

Containers

12

Sample Handling and Mixing

13

Control Systems

14

Sample System Security

15

System Proving (Performance Acceptance Tests)

16

Performance Monitoring

17

PART II–CRUDE OIL

Crude Oil

18

PART III–REFINED PRODUCTS

Refined Products

19

KEYWORDS

Keywords

20

ANNEXES

Calculations of the Margin of Error based on Number of Sample Grabs

Annex A1

Theoretical Calculations for Selecting the Sampler Probe Location

Annex A2

Performance Criteria for Portable Sampling Units

Annex A3

Profile Performance Test

Annex A4

Sampler Acceptance Test Data

Annex A5

APPENDIXES

Design Data Sheet for Automatic Sampling System

Appendix X1

Comparisons of Percent Sediment and Water versus Unloading Time Period

Appendix X2

1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or US Customary (USC) units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Except where there is no direct SI equivalent, such as for National Pipe Threads/diameters, or tubing.

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.