Scope
This Guideline provides the method to be used in monitoring and
troubleshooting receiver filling.
Frequency As listed.
SAMPLE RECIEVER OPERATIONAL CHECKS | RECIEVER FILLING PROCEDURE
PREPARATIONS:
When any sampling system is operating, it is possible to carry out a number of
simple performance checks to ensure the system is functioning correctly.
These checks may range from observation of the sample counters in the
control room to regular performance monitoring and recording of data. The
techniques below may be applied to single or multi-stream metering and
sampling systems.
PROCEDURE:
Regular Observations
In the Control Room, observations should be made to ensure:
o The flow meter is operating.
o The sample counter is operating.
o That the receiver high alarm has not been activated.
At the sampler, observations should be made that:
o The sampler probe or sampler diverter valve is operating.
o There is a flow of liquid through the external or bypass loop.
o Liquid is entering the receiver as discrete grabs and not as a
continuous dribble.
o There are no leaks in the system.
o That heat tracing is switched on.
Performance Monitoring
A record sheet should be completed for each sampling operation or period.
This record should cover all the sampling probes or systems installed and
should allow data to be recorded at intervals during the sampling period. With
this information, it should be possible to identify any faults or problems, which
may occur and possibly allow corrective action to be taken before the sample
is invalidated.
For performance monitoring the following data should be recorded:
o Location.
o Date and time at the start of shipment or transfer.
o Date and time at the finish of shipment or transfer.
o Identification of shipment or transfer.
o Oil type.
o Nominated quantity of cargo or batch.
o Maximum flow rate anticipated.
o Grab size if appropriate.
o Calculated total sample volume.
The following information should be recorded at intervals during the sampling period:
o Time.
o Actual quantity of oil transferred since the start of the operation.
o Target sample quantity at that time.
o Actual sample quantity at that time.
o Percent of total oil quantity transferred.
o Percent of total sample collected.
Interpretation of Sample Record Sheet
The data listed above may be used to determine the validity of the sample collected and to learn when any failure of the sampling equipment may have occurred.
Receiver Tracking Sheet (Normal Filling)
The figure above indicates sample loss in a consistent manner, indicative of a plugged line:
Receiver Tracking Sheet (Line Plugged)
The figure above shows the chart shows sample gain above what is expected. This is
indicative of the probe valve leaking. To allow an easy option for checking the fill rate against
the container volume, it is also helpful to make a fill limit on the charts.
Receiver Tracking Sheet (Probe Leaking)
Corrective Actions
If the equipment performances specified above are not met, then corrective
action is needed:
o Check that the sampling frequency has not been set at a rate
that the sampler cannot operate at effectively. If the number of
grabs is incorrect, check that the controller is operating
correctly
o For flow proportional sampler, check that at some period of
time the main line flow rate has not exceeded the flow rate at
which the sampler can operate.
o Check joints on the sampler for leakage and sample lines for
blockage due to wax and debris. If heat tracing is required,
check that it is working. If sample pumps are in use, check
that they are operational.
o Check that the sample receiver has the capacity to collect the
volume of sample.