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 and regulatory specifications.

1.1 This practice covers information for the design, installation, testing, and operation of automated equipment for the extraction of representative samples of petroleum and petroleum products from a flowing stream and storing them in a sample receiver. 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, refer to Practice D5854 (API MPMS Chapter 8.3). Petroleum products covered in this practice are considered to be a single phase and exhibit Newtonian characteristics at the point of sampling.

1.2 Applicable Fluids—This practice is applicable to petroleum and petroleum products with vapor pressures at sampling and storage temperatures less than or equal to 101 kPa (14.7 psi). Refer to D5842 (API MPMS Chapter 8.4) when sampling for Reid vapor pressure (RVP) determination.

1.3 Non-applicable Fluids—Petroleum products whose vapor pressure at sampling and sample storage conditions are above 101 kPa (14.7 psi) and liquified gases (that is, LNG, LPG etc.) are not covered by this practice.

1.3.1 While the procedures covered by this practice will produce a representative sample of the flowing liquid into the sample receiver, specialized sample handling may be necessary to maintain sample integrity of more volatile materials at high temperatures or extended residence time in the receiver. Such handling requirements are not within the scope of this practice. Procedures for sampling these fluids are described in Practice D1265, Test Method , and GPA 2166.

1.4 Annex A2 contains theoretical calculations for selecting the sampler probe location. Annex A3 lists acceptance methodologies for sampling systems and components. Annex A4 gives performance criteria for permanent installations, while Annex A5 has the criteria for portable sampling units. Annex A6 provides sampler acceptance test data. Appendix X1 is a design data sheet for automatic sampling systems. Appendix X2 compares the percent sediment and water to unloading time period.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.