4.1 Representative samples of petroleum and petroleum products are required for the determination of chemical and physical properties used to establish standard volumes, prices, and compliance with commercial and regulatory specifications. The treatment of samples from the time of collection until they are analyzed requires care and effort to maintain their compositional integrity.

1.1 This practice covers the handling, mixing, and conditioning procedures that are required to ensure that a representative sample of the liquid petroleum or petroleum product is delivered from the primary sample container/receiver into the analytical test apparatus or into intermediate containers.

1.2 Annex A2 covers acceptance test criteria for power mixer and sample container combinations, while Annex A3 and Annex A4 detail acceptance tests for mixing systems. Appendix X1 is a guide for selecting sample containers.

1.3 For sampling procedures, refer to Practices D4057 (API MPMS Chapter 8.1) and D4177 (API MPMS Chapter 8.2). Practice D5842 (API MPMS Chapter 8.4) covers sampling and handling of light fuels for volatility measurement.

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.