Scope
This Guideline provides the specification criteria for performing manual
pipeline sampling. This procedure shall be used in the event of automatic
sampler failure.
Frequency As specified
MANUAL PIPELINE SAMPLING PROCEDURE
PREPARATIONS:
All manual line samples shall be taken from an API probe installed in the
line which has been determined to provide representative samples at
operating conditions.
The sample line shall be completely flushed prior to drawing each sample.
The sample collected shall be of equal volume and at regular intervals.
Each sample should be stored in a container capable of holding the 24 hour
sample or the total sample for the sampling period.
The container should be vapor tight and should be stored in a cool dry
place.
The container shall be properly labeled with the following information:
o Type of liquid sampled.
o Date and time started and stopped.
o Pipeline sampler location / reference number.
o Identification of the ship/tanks whose contents were sampled.
o Destination of the sample.
o Sample reference number.
o Name of person sending the sample.
EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is required:
o An air-purifying respirator must be worm if hydrocarbon vapors are
present.
o 250 ml graduated cylinder
o 5 gallon sample container
PROCEDURE:
1. Determine the method of retaining or collecting the sample as
described in the preparation section of this procedure.
2. Obtain a clean, dry 250 ml graduated cylinder.
3. Obtain the expected batch size for the parcel being transferred.
4. Divide the expected batch size by 60 to obtain the “sample segment”
or the amount of the batch each sample will represent.
5. Obtain 250 ml of sample every sample segment. Each sample is to be
drawn in the middle of each calculated sample segment.
6. If the automatic sampler was used for the first samples, draw a
manual sample immediately upon sampling is changing from
automatic to manual or manual to automatic.
7. Record the time of each manual sample and initial the sample tag. If
the sampling is changing from automatic to manual or manual to
automatic, mark the tag A to M or M to A.
8. Pour the individual samples into the sample container. Immediately
replace the cover to reduce loss of light ends. Do not store the sample
container in the heated cabinet.
9. At completion of the batch, if two sample containers were used,
combine the contents of each into one of the sample containers.
Attach a sample tag to the full sample container.
10. Arrange for delivery of sample to the designated laboratory for
analysis.