Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 8.2

Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

FIFTH EDITION, NOVEMBER 2020

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Foreword

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Contents

Page

Introduction 1

1. Scope 1

2. Referenced Documents 2

3. Terminology 2

4. Significance and Use 4

5. Representative Sampling Components 4

6. Design Criteria 4

7. Automatic Sampling Systems 5

8. Sampling Location 6

9. Mixing of the Flowing Stream 8

10. Proportionality 10

11. Sample Extractor Grab Volume 10

12. Containers 10

13. Sample Handling and Mixing 11

14. Control Systems 11

15. Sample System Security 13

16. System Proving (Performance Acceptance Tests) 13

17. Performance Monitoring 14

18. Crude Oil 15

19. Refined Products 27

20. Keywords 27

Annex A1—Calculation of the Margin of Error Based on Number of Sample Grabs 27

Annex A2—Theoretical Calculations for Selecting the Sampler Probe Location 29

Annex A3—Portable Sampling Units 34

Annex A4—Profile Performance Test 38

Annex A5—Sampler Acceptance Test Data 40

Appendix X1—Design Data Sheet for Automatic Sampling System 43

Appendix X2—Comparison of Percent Sediment and Water versus Unloading Time Period 45

Appendix X3—Sampling Frequency and Sampling System Monitoring Spreadsheet 46

Appendix X4—Sampling System Monitoring—Additional Diagnostics 46

Bibliography 47

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Contents

Page

Summary of Changes 47

Figures

1. In-Line Sampling System 6

2. Slip Stream Sample Loop Sampling System 7

3. Sample Volume Regulator 7

4. Typical Portable Installation 8

5. Linefill 8

6. Probe Design 9

7. Probes for Line Sampling 9

8. Sample Probe with Multiple Containers 11

9. Sampling Components and Related Tests 14

10. Flowchart 15

11. Probe Chamfer Design 17

12. Beveled Probe 18

13. Sequence of Acceptance Test Activities 21

14. Performance Criteria 24

A1.1 Number of Samples versus Margin of Error 29

A2.1 Comparison of Mixing Devices 30

A3.1 Portable Sampler Operational Data Confirmation of Mixing and Flow Sensor Velocity 35

A3.2 Portable Sampler Operational Data Confirmation of Free Water Sampled 36

A3.3 Typical Piping Schematic to be Recorded for Discharges 37

A3.4 Typical Piping Schematic to be Recorded for Loading 38

A4.1 Multi Probe for Profile Testing 39

A5.1 Sampler Acceptance Test Data Sheet 41

X1.1 Design Data Sheet for Automatic Sampling System 44

X2.1 Comparison of Percent Sediment and Water versus Unloading Time Period 45

Tables

1. Sample Frequency Variables 12

2. Container Size when Used in Different Applications 19

3. Allowable Deviations for the Single and Dual Sampler Water Injection Acceptance Tests

   (Volume by Percent) 20

4. Sample System Monitoring Variables 23

5. Linearity Performance Factor Variable 25

6. Sample System Monitoring Variable Resolutions 25

A1.1 Symbols 27

A1.2 Samples versus Margin of Error 28

A2.1 Symbols Used in Annex A2 31

A2.2 Dispersion Factors 31

A2.3 Suggested Resistance Coefficients, K 31

A2.4 Dissipation Energy Factors 32

A2.5 Dissipation Energy Relationships 32

A4.1 Typical Profile Test Data, in Percent by Volume of Water 39

A4.2 Calculation of Point Averages and Deviation 40

X4.1 Sample System Monitoring—Diagnostics Variables 46

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4177 − 20

Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS), Chapter 8.2

Standard Practice for

Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4177; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

INTRODUCTION

The previous version of the automatic sampling practice described the design, installation, testing, and operation of automated equipment for the extraction of representative samples from the flowing stream and storing mainly for crude oil.

This practice is a performance-based standard. It still includes the design, installation, testing, and operation of automated equipment for extraction of representative samples. It also includes the testing and proving of a sampling system in the field under actual operating conditions to ensure that the equipment, installation, and operating procedures produce representative samples. The acceptance criteria for custody transfer are covered in this practice. This practice does not address how to sample crude at temperatures below the freezing point of water. Extensive revisions have been made to the prior version of D4177 (API MPMS Chapter 8.2).

This practice also provides guidance for periodic verification of the sampling system. This practice is separated into three parts:

General—Sections 5– 17 (Part I) are currently applicable to crude oil and refined products. Review this section before designing or installing any automatic sampling system.

Crude Oil Sampling—Section 18 (Part II) contains additional information required to complete the design, testing, and monitoring of a crude oil sampling system.

Refined Product Sampling—Section 19 (Part III) contains additional information required to complete the design of a refined product sampling system.

A representative sample is “A portion extracted from the total volume that contains the constituents in the same proportions that are present in that total volume.” Representative samples are required for the determination of chemical and physical properties that are used to establish standard volumes, prices, and compliance with commercial and regulatory specifications.

The process of obtaining a representative sample consists of the following: the physical equipment, the correct matching of that equipment to the application, the adherence to procedures by the operator(s) of that equipment, and the proper handling and analysis.

1. Scope*

1.1 This practice describes general procedures and equip- ment for automatically obtaining samples of liquid petroleum

1 This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and the API Committee on Petroleum Measurement, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.02 /COMQ the joint ASTM-API Committee on Hydrocarbon Measurement for Custody Transfer (Joint ASTM-API). This practice has been approved by the sponsoring committees and accepted by the Cooperating Societies in accordance with established proce- dures. This practice was issued as a joint ASTM-API standard in 1982.

Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4177 – 16ɛ1. DOI: 10.1520/D4177-20.

and petroleum products, crude oils, and intermediate products from the sample point into the primary container. This practice also provides additional specific information about sample container selection, preparation, and sample handling. If sam- pling is for the precise determination of volatility, use Practice D5842 (API MPMS Chapter 8.4) in conjunction with this practice. For sample mixing and handling, refer to Practice D5854 (API MPMS Chapter 8.3). This practice does not cover sampling of electrical insulating oils and hydraulic fluids.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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