Types of Samples and Sampling Procedure

A sample is a small portion of a substance used to inspect or to determine the quality of the total
substance.

The various types of samples of petroleum products are listed below:

Top Sample: A sample taken with a weighted bottle or beaker sampler from a depth of about 6
inches below the surface of the tank's contents.

Upper Sample: A sample taken with a weighted bottle or beaker sampler from the middle of the
top third of the tank's contents.

Middle Sample: A sample taken with a weighted bottle or beaker sampler from the middle of
the tank's contents.

Lower Sample: A sample taken with a weighted bottle or beaker sampler from the middle of
the bottom third of the tank's contents.

Bottom Sample: A sample taken with a bacon bomb or thief sampler from material present on
the bottom of a tank.

All-Levels Sample: A sample taken by submerging a stoppered, weighted bottle or beaker

sampler to a point as near as possible to the tank draw off point, opening the sampler, and raising
it at a constant rate so that it is 75 to 85 percent full when it emerges from the liquid.

Average Sample: A sample that consists of proportionate parts from all levels of the container.
For example, an average sample from a horizontal, cylindrical tank or from a spherical tank
should contain more material from the middle of the tank where the diameter is greatest.

Composite Sample: A sample combining individual samples that represents the bulk of the
product from which it was taken. -

Single tank composite sample: A sample that is a blend of the upper, middle, and lower
samples from a tank's contents.
Multiple tank composite sample: A sample that is a proportionate blend of individual, all-
levels samples taken from compartments containing the same grade of product. The sample
consists of parts in proportion to the volume of product in each compartment sampled.

Outlet Sample: A sample taken with a weighted bottle or beaker sampler at the level of a tank
outlet, whether fixed or swing line.

Drain Sample: A sample taken from the water drain-off or discharge valve.

Continuous Sample: A sample taken from a flowing pipeline in such a manner that the sample
is a representative average of the stream during the period of sampling.

On-Line Sample: A sample taken from a flowing pipeline by opening a valve and collecting the
sample during the flow of the product.

Sampling Procedures

A simple set of sampling procedures cannot be given because products are different; the method
of transportation and storage are different. Sampling requirements of many tests are different. A
few important sampling points are as follows:

Representative Sample: A sample must represent the entire quantity of product sampled.
Otherwise, the resulting analysis can only reflect the quality of a portion of the whole substance,
and the quality reflected may be better or worse than the true quality.

Size of Sample: The normal size of a sample is 1 gallon for liquids and 5 pounds for semisolids.
Special samples and gasoline samples for testing performance number by the super charger
method should be 5 gallons. Samples of jet fuel to be tested for thermal stability should be 5
gallons.

Standard Sampler: The sampler should be one of the standard types (ASTM D270) and the one
best suited to the product and to the carrier or container. However, in situations where a standard
sampler is not suitable because of the small opening through which the sample must be taken, an
improvised sampler can be used. In any case, the sampler must be clean and made of a material
that will not contaminate the sample.
Cleaning the Sampler: Rinse sampler and container with the product being sampled.

Protecting Samples: All sample containers should be protected for shipment. Samples of
gasoline, jet fuel, and kerosene should be protected from direct sunlight by using brown bottles
or cans or by covering clear bottles with paper or foil. Samples of gasoline and JP-4 should be
kept cool (30 to 40F) if possible to prevent loss of light ends. Samples of product containing lead
additives must be protected from sunlight.