Sampling Crude Oil for BS&W and Salt

Best Practice
SABP-A-059 26 April 2015

Sampling Crude Oil for BS&W and Salt
Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering
1 Introduction 2
1.1 Scope 2
1.2 Conflicts 2
1.3 Application 2
2 References 2
2.1 Saudi Aramco Documents 2
2.2 International Standards 2
2.3 Aramco GOSP Crude Oil Specification 3
3 Terminology 3
3.1 Accronyms 3
3.2 Definitions 3
4 HSE Precautions 5
5 Crude Oil Sampling 5
5.1 General Requirements 5
5.2 Sample Point Positioning 7
6 Pipeline Sampling 7
6.1 Design Guidelines 7
6.2 Operational Guidelines 11
7 Tank Sampling 15
7.1 Design Guidelines 15
7.2 Operational Guidelines 18
Primary Contact Mudaibegh, Saud H (mudaibsh) Page 1 of 23

Document Responsibility: Process Engineering and Standards Committee
Issue Date: 26 April 2015
Next Planned Update: 26 April 2020
1 Introduction
Sampling and testing are critical aspects of measuring/describing product quality. For a
laboratory to produce meaningful test measurement data it is essential that
representative sampling is performed.
The primary objective of sampling is to obtain a portion of material from the process
(stream, tank, vessel etc.), which is fully representative of the bulk material to be
sampled.
1.1 Scope
This document covers the best practices of sampling for the measurement of
BS&W and salt. It provides design and operational guidelines for manually
obtaining liquid samples of crude oil for analytical testing and addresses factors
to consider when obtaining representative sample of crude oil.
1.2 Conflicts
All MSAERs supersede this Best Practice. Any conflicts with this best practice
should be brought addressed with P&CSD.
1.3 Application
This Best Practice is applicable to all process operators and technicians working
in operating facilities (GOSP, Refinery and Terminals) and laboratory
technicians involved in sampling activities.
2 References
This Best Practice is based on the latest edition of the references below, unless
otherwise noted.
2.1 Saudi Aramco Documents
34-SAMSS Automatic sampling systems for hydrocarbon
liquids
SAES-Y-501 Dynamic sampling of hydrocarbon liquids for
royalty/custody transfer
AGE-304.02 Engineering Encyclopedia: Introduction to
manual liquid sampling
AC – 036045 Details vent, drain and sample connections
DA – 950266-00/003 Liquid sampling system
Aramco GOSP Product Specification
2.2 International Standards
ASTM D-4057 Standard practice for manual sampling of
petroleum and petroleum products
Sampling Crude Oil for BS&W and Salt Saudi Aramco: Company General Use Page 2 of 23
ASTM D-4177 Standard practice for automatic sampling of

petroleum and petroleum products
2.3 Aramco GOSP Crude Oil Specification
 Desalted Dry Crude for GOSPs without Stabilization
Salt-in-Crude to Pipeline: 10 PTB (Max)
BS&W to Pipeline: 0.2 Vol% (Max)
 Stabilized Crude (for Abqaiq Plants and GOSPs with stabilizers)
H2S in Crude: 60 PPM by weight (max)
30 PPM by weight (design conditions)
1-60 PPM by weight (operating range)
 True Vapor Pressure 13 psia (Max) at export or storage
temperature, (whichever is higher)
Since the sampling configuration and procedure has significant effect on the test
results, a consistent sampling practice must be followed across Saudi Aramco
facilities. Saudi Aramco has set maximum limits on basic sediment and water
(BS&W) and salt content in crude oil to prevent downstream problems for
pipelines and refineries.
3 Terminology
3.1 Accronyms
API American Petroleum Institute
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
H2S hydrogen sulfide
HSE health, safety, and environment
BS & W basic sediment and water
TVP true vapor pressure
3.2 Definitions
All-level sample A sample obtained by submerging a stoppered
beaker or bottle to a point as near as possible to
draw –off level, then opening the sampler and
raising it at a rate such that it is approximately
three- fourth full as it emerges from the liquid.
Bottom sample A spot sample collected from the material at the

bottom of the tank, container or line at its lowest
point.
Composite sample A blend of spot samples mixed in proportion to
the volume of material from which the spot
samples were collected.
Core sample A sample of uniform cross sectional area taken at
a given height in a tank.
Drain sample A sample obtained from the water draw-off valve
on a storage tank.
Homogeneous When liquid composition is the same at all points
in the container, tank, and pipeline across section.
Lower sample A spot sample taken at a level of five-sixths of the
depth of liquid below the top surface.
Manual sampling system An assembly (pipe or tubing, valves and portable
receiver) used to manually collect a homogenized
sample of crude from a pipeline.
Middle sample A spot sample taken at a level of one-half of the
Power mixer A device which uses an external source of power
to achieve homogenized stream.
Probe/Quill The portion of the manual/automatic that sampler
extends into the pipe and directs a portion of the
fluid to the sample extractor.
Representative sample A portion extracted from a total volume that
contains the constituents in the same proportions
as are present in the total volume.
Sample loop A low-volume bypass diverted from the main
pipeline.
Sampling All the steps required to obtain a sample that is
representative sample of the contents of any pipe,
tank, or other vessel and to place that sample into
a container from which a representative test
specimen can be taken for analysis.
Basic Sediment and water Material that coexists with, but is foreign to,
petroleum liquid. Sediment and water may include
dissolved water, free water and sediment, and
emulsified and entrained water and sediment.
Static mixer A device that uses the kinetic energy of the

flowing fluid to achieve homogenized stream.
Stream condition The distribution and dispersion of the pipeline
contents, upstream of the sampling location.
Stream conditioning The mixing of a flowing stream so that a
representative sample can be extracted.
Tank composite sample A blend created from the upper, middle, and lower
samples from a single tank.
Tap sample A spot sample taken from a sample tap on the side
of a tank; also referred to as a tank-side sample.
Top sample A spot sample obtained 150 mm below the top
surface of the liquid.
Tube or thief sample A sample obtained with a sampling tube or special
thief as a core sample or spot sample from a
specific point in the tank or container.
Upper sample A spot sample taken at a level of one-sixth of the
Worst-case conditions The operating conditions for the sampler that
represent the most uneven and unstable
concentration profile at the sampling location.
4 HSE Precautions
All personnel performing sampling operations should be adequately trained and should
adhere to all safety measures.
Particular caution is necessary with crude oil as it may contain varying amounts of
dissolved toxic and flammable gases, e.g., hydrogen sulfide (sour crude) an extremely
toxic gas.
Extreme care and good judgment shall be taken to ensure that samples are obtained that
represent the general characteristic average condition of the material.
Since many petroleum vapors are toxic and flammable, avoid breathing them, igniting
them from an open flame, burning embers, or a spark produced by static electricity.
Never flush liquid samples (containing volatile hydrocarbon and H2S) to open drains or
to the ground.
As safety precaution, T-40 (H2S detector) and proper PPE should be used while
sampling crude oil.
5 Crude Oil Sampling

5.1 General Requirements
 The sampling process should address the factors to be controlled to

ensure the validity of test results. Those responsible for sampling
(operations or the laboratory) should have a sampling plan and
procedures for sampling.
 Sampling at a plant is an activity that is primarily undertaken by
operational personnel. However, the relevant testing knowledge resides
with laboratory personnel. Consequently, where operations perform
sampling tasks, it is essential that they liaise closely with the laboratory
to ensure that the technical sampling requirements of the testing methods
are understood, correctly documented and performed by staff responsible
for undertaking sampling.
 The sampling plan as well as the sampling procedure should be available
at the location where sampling is undertaken.
 When handling samples particular attention is required in the following
areas.
 Liquids containing volatile materials need to be protected from
evaporation loss.
 Liquids containing water and sediment need to be homogenized before
transferring out of the bottle since separation tends to occur within the
sample container.
 Liquids with potential wax deposition need to be maintained at sufficient
temperature to ensure suspension.
Note: When compositing the samples, take care not to lose light ends from the
volatile liquids and not to alter the sediment and water content. This is a very
difficult operation and should be avoided.
 Do not transfer samples of volatile materials to other containers at the
sampling location, but transport them to the laboratory in the original
container, cooled and inverted, if necessary
 If you are sampling liquids sensitive to light, such as gasoline containing
tetraethyl lead, use brown glass bottles if available.
 When sampling highly refined products, you can protect them from
moisture and dust by placing paper, plastic, or metal foil over the stopper
and top of the container.
 No matter what liquid you are sampling, never completely fill the sample
container. Take into consideration the temperature of the liquid at the
time you are withdrawing the sample and the probable temperature to
which the container may be subjected. Remember heat causes
hydrocarbon liquids to expand.
5.2 Sample Point Positioning

The final locations of the sample points should be governed by the following
considerations for personnel safety and accessibility.
The locations shall be convenient to normal operating locations as far as
practicable.
The sample points preferably should be accessible from ground level, if this is
not practical, then they should be accessible from permanent platforms.
At least two escape routes should be available for personnel taking sample.
The locations should allow personnel to stand upwind, based on the prevailing
wind pattern.
The sample locations are not be in the areas of possible contamination if a spill
of a hazardous material should occur (e.g., they shall not be in areas inside pump
area where there is no escape route).
6 Pipeline Sampling
6.1 Design Guidelines
 A manual sampling system should consist of the following;
 A stream conditioning system upstream of sampling location.
 A sampling probe inserted in the stream to collect sample from flowing
stream facing upstream
 Sample receiver to collect and store the sample.
 Piping between probe and sample reciever should be as short as possible
to enable location of sample receiver close to the sample probe.
 Process vents and drains should not be used as sample connections.
 All sample piping shall be hydrostatically tested as per ASME B31.3.
 The layout of the equipment should permit easy installation or removal
of the sample extractor from the main piping using any required
extraction tool.
 Sample piping should be as short as possible and should be adequately
supported and braced to minimize the possibility of damage by vibration,
accidental impact or reaction forces caused by valve operation.
 Sample heaters and coolers may be provided where necessary and shall
be designed for the pressure and temperature conditions of the stream
being sampled. Materials of construction shall be suitable for the process
fluid.
 Samples shall be taken only at the approved sampling point.
6.1.1 Sampling Probe/Quill Orientation

A sampling probe/quill is used to pick up and direct sample from the
main flowing stream. The probe should extend into the center of the
pipe’s cross-section area as shown in Figure 2 (see AC – 036045).
Figure 1: Sample Probe/Quill Location
The Sample probe inlet should be facing upstream direction. The

following probe designs are acceptable (see ASTM D 4057):
 A tube beveled at 45° (Figure 2C).
 A short radius elbow or pipe bends. The end of the probe
should be chamfered on the inside diameter to give sharp
entrance edge (Figure 2B).
 A closed-end tube with a round orifice spaced near the closed
end (Figure 2A)
Figure 2: Probes for spot manual samples (see ASTM D 4057).
The probe should always be oriented such that it lies in a horizontal

plane to prevent drain back of any part of the sample to the main stream.
The sampling probe should preferably be located in a vertical run of
pipe where such a vertical run can be provided. The probe may also be
located in a horizontal run of pipe. The flowing velocity must be high

enough to provide adequate turbulent mixing.
If sample probes are installed in horizontal lines, side entry (3 and 9
o’ clock position) is preferred for liquids and top entry for gases or
vapors.
The location, position, and size of the sampling probe should be such as
to minimize any separation of water and heavier particles that would
make their concentration different in the gathered sample than in the
main stream.
The critical feature of manual pipeline sampling is that the probe must be
located at a point in the stream where adequate mixing is occurring,
preferably on a vertical run.
Most pipes run along or parallel to the ground. In order to have a vertical
run, the pipe must be curved at 90-degree angles with a vertical run
going up and a straight run of pipe followed by a vertical run back to
level (see Figure 3, from ASTM D-4177).
Sample Probe
Figure 3: Manual Probe Located on Vertical Run of Pipe
Each time the stream passes an elbow, it becomes more turbulent.

Withdrawing the sample on the vertical run after the third elbow helps
mix the stream and assists in obtaining a representative sample of
material passing at that instant. In addition to the probe being installed in
a vertical run of pipe, it should also be placed in the horizontal position.
Manual sampling point should be placed in close proximity to the online
analyzers (e.g., BS&W, salt-in-crude), preferably on the same spool
piece. This will help correct calibration of online analyzer using the lab
analysis results of manual sample.
Orientation and location of sampling probe should be identical both for
manual sampling and analyzer sampler.
6.1.2 Sampling non-Homogeneous Samples

Certain samples may not be homogeneous and therefore, particular
attention is required to ensure a representative sample is obtained. Where
the sample point is known to be at point where the process line velocity
and therefore turbulence is sufficient to ensure good mixing in the
process line.
Where adequate flowing velocity is not available, a suitable device for
mixing the fluid flow should be installed upstream of the sampling valve
to reduce stratification to an acceptable level. If flow has been vertical
for a sufficient distance, as in a platform riser, such a device may not be
necessary even at low flow rates. Some effective methods for obtaining
adequate homogeneity are,
 Flowing velocity – In a long, horizontal pipeline, if the flowing
velocity of the crude oil is approximately 7 to 8 ft/s, most of the
time the stream will be well mixed.
 Piping elements – Bends, elbows, tees, valves all add to the
mixing. A meter run is an excellent mixer. Systems have been
successfully proven, with the sample probe located
approximately 3 to 4 pipe diameters downstream of the outlet
header at flow velocities less than 2 ft/s.
 Piping loops are effective down to velocities of 4 to 5 ft/s, when
the sample is located on the down flow side of the loop.
 Pumps are excellent mixers. Proving tests haves shown that
centrifugal booster pumps can mix crude oil and water.
 Static mixers – Static or inline mixers are effective if the velocity
turndown is approximately 3:1 or less. Static mixers are effective
above velocity 2 ft/s.
 Powered mixers – Powered mixers are effective at all velocities.
Since they are designed for worse case conditions (lowest flow
rates normally encountered during operations).
 Based on tests Table 1 provides a guideline for minimum
velocities versus mixing elements for 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter
and larger.
Table 1: General Guidelines for Minimum Velocities Versus Mixing Elements (See ASTM D-4177).
Mixing Minimum Pipeline Velocity, meter per second

Element Piping 0 0.305 0.61 0.91 1.22 1.52 1.83 2.13 2.44
Power Horizontal
Mixing or Vertical Adequate at any velocity
Static Not
Mixing Vertical Stratified Predicable Adequately Dispersed
Static
Mixing Horizontal Stratified Not Predictable Adequately Dispersed
Piping
Element Vertical Stratified Not Predictable Adequately Dispersed
Piping Adequately
Element Horizontal Stratified Not Predictable Dispersed
Horizontal
None or vertical Stratified or Not Predictable
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum Pipeline Velocity, feet per second
6.2 Operational Guidelines

6.2.1 Conditions for Representative Sample
In order to determine the composition and quality of a liquid (such as
crude oil), samples that are representative of the stream or batch are
taken and analyzed.
Representativity of a sample depends on the following four conditions,
all of which should be observed, since failure to comply with any one of
them could affect the quality of the result.
 The samples that are taken from the pipeline should have the
same composition over the whole cross section of the pipeline at
the location and time of sampling.
 The representativity of a sample should persist throughout the
period of drawing of sample or transfer of the batch and the rate
of sampling should be proportional to the flow rate in the pipe.
 The sample should be maintained in the same condition as at the
point of extraction, without loss of liquid or vapor.
 The division of the sample into subsamples in such a way that the
sub sample has the same composition as the original sample.
6.2.2 Process Stream Sampling
The simplest form of manual pipeline sampling is represented in Figure
4. This is suitable for applications where the process material is
relatively non-hazardous and it’s vapor pressure is relatively low, i.e.,
<101 kPa. Where this option is employed the distance between the
sample outlet and the process line should be kept to a practicable
minimum such as to minimize the amount of material which will need to

run to waste to ensure the sample taken is representative of the process
stream to be sampled.
Process Stream
Waste
Sampling Container
Figure 4: Simple Stream Sampling Point for Horizontal Pipe
Alternatively, a closed loop and return system can be used (see Figure 5).
In this case, the loop purge line is continuously flowing and therefore
always representative of the process. The only waste will be that required
to purge the ‘dead volume’ of the system in the static line work
associated with the sampling valve. With this option, it may be necessary
to introduce a restriction in the process line (e.g., orifice plate) to ensure
the purge line continuously flows at an acceptable rate, i.e. where the
purge line has significant friction losses (e.g., long pipe runs with
multiple bends).
Process Stream
Waste Sampling Container
Figure 5: Continuous Loop Purge Sampling System for Horizontal Pipe
Consideration needs to be given to the run off of waste material. Options

include:
 Collect in a waste/slops tank/vessel for recycling,
 Waste may be collected in a suitable portable container (e.g.
sample container or drum). This is useful as a temporary measure
for temporary sample points (e.g. required during a test run),
 Aqueous samples may be run to drain where the drain system is
protected by a suitable interceptor and treating system.
6.2.3 Sampler Container
Sample containers must be clean and free from all substances, which
might contaminate the material being sampled (such as water, dirt, lint,
washing compounds, naphtha and other solvents, soldering fluxes, acids,
rust, and oil). Prior to further use, reusable containers such as cans and
bottles should be rinsed with a suitable solvent.
Each sample of crude petroleum shall be placed in a closed container.
The sample container shall be stored in a cool, dry place; long exposer to
direct sunlight shall be avoided.
Sample bottle should be labelled with a tag and following information
shall be mentioned on the label.
 Date
 Time
 Plant number
 Sample type and location

 Analysis type (BS&W & SALT)
 Collector’s name and badge
6.2.4 Sample Cooling
Sample cooling may be required for safety and/or product quality
reasons. Where a process stream is greater than 65°C (150°F), cooling
coils, water-jacketed pipe, or chillers should be used to reduce the
sample temperature to a safe handling value. Cooling the sample at
collection may also be required to reduce the possibility of loss of light
ends. A typical water-jacketed piping installation is shown in Figure 6.
PROCESS
DRAIN
COOLING
SAMPLE
WATER
STATION OR
CONTAINER
Figure 6: Spot Sampling Position with Cooling Option
6.2.5 Sample Point Identification

Sample points shall be identified with a permanent, corrosion-resistant
tag that is securely fastened (adhesive fastened is not acceptable), each
tag shall include the following information:
 Unit name
 Unit sample identification
 Physical state (liquid, vapor, or solid)
 Temperature range
 Pressure range
 Warning signs, if toxic substances are present, this shall indicate

if breathing apparatus should be worn.
7 Tank Sampling
7.1 Design Guidelines
Tank sampling is normally performed by using following primary techniques:-
 Spot sampling,
 Side (tap) sampling,
 Bottom Sampling
The requirements for the spot sampling are shown in Table 2. For sampling
location, see Figure 7.
7.1.1 Spot Sampling
The composite spot sample is a blend of several individual samples, each
of which is taken at a different level in the tank. To obtain a spot sample,
an instrument called a thief or core sampler is used.
The core thief spot sampling procedure may be used for sampling liquids
of 101 kPa (14.7 psia) RVP or less in storage tank, tank cars and tank
trucks.
The thief should be designed so that a sample can be obtained within 2.0
to 2.5 cm (¾ to 1 in.) of the bottom or at any other specific location
within the tank or vessel. The size of the core thief should be selected
depending upon the volume of the sample required. The thief should be
capable of penetrating the oil in the tank to the required level,
mechanically equipped to permit filling at any desired level, and capable
of being withdrawn without undue contamination of the contents. The
thief may include the following features:
 Uniform cross section and bottom closure.
 Extension rods for use in obtaining samples at levels
corresponding with requirements for high connections or for
samples to determine high settled sediment and water levels.
 Sediment and water gage for determining the height of sediment
and water in the thief.
 A clear cylinder that facilitates observing the gravity and
temperature of the oil during a gravity test; it also should be
equipped with a windshield.
 An opener to break the tension on the valve or slide at any
desired level.
 A thief cord marked so that the sample can be taken at any depth
in the vertical cross section of the tank.
Figure 7: Spot Sampling Position
The minimum number of samples shall be in accordance with Table 2.

Table 2: Sample Requirements
Required Samples
Liquid Level
Upper Middle Lower
<3m X
<3m and <4.5m X X
<4.5m X X X
7.1.2 Tap Sampling

The tap sampling procedure is applicable for sampling liquids of 101 kPa
(14.7 psia) RVP or less in tanks that are equipped with suitable sampling
taps. This procedure is recommended for volatile stocks in tanks of the
breather and balloon-roof type, spheroids, and so forth. (Samples may be
taken from the drain cocks of gage glasses, if the tank is not equipped
with sampling taps.)
Typical sample tap assembly is shown in Figure 8. Each tap should be a
minimum of 1.25 cm (1/2 in.) in diameter. Taps 2.0 cm (3/4-in.) may be
required for heavy, viscous liquids (for example, crude oil of 0.9465
density (18° API) or less). On tanks that are not equipped with floating
roofs, each sample tap should extend into the tank a minimum of 10 cm
(4 in.). Normally, a sample tap should be equipped with a delivery tube
which permits the filling of the sample container from the bottom.
For tanks having a side outlet, a tap for obtaining a clearance sample
may be located 2 cm (4 in.) below the bottom of the outlet connection.
Other requirements for sample taps are outlined in Table 3.
Clean, dry glass bottles of convenient size and strength to receive the
samples are required.
Figure 8: Tank Side Sampling Point
Table 3: Sample Tap Specification (see ASTM D-4057)
1590 m3(10,000 bbls) Greater Than 1590

Tank Capacity m3(10,000 bbls)
Or less
Number of Sets 1 2*
Number of taps per set, min 3 5
Vertical Location
Upper tap 45 cm (18 in.) from top of shell
Lower tap Even with bottom of outlet
Middle (taps) Equally spaced between upper and lower tap
Circumferential location
From inlet 2.4 m (8 ft), min
From outlet/drain 1.6 m (6 ft), min
* The respective sets of taps should be located on opposite sides of the tank
7.1.3 Bottom Sampling
In addition to the above methods, a bottom sample should also be

collected to determine the height of the settled S&W to make sure at
least 4-inches of sellable product are below the tank outlet.
The core thief sampling procedure is applicable for obtaining bottom
samples or for obtaining samples of semi-liquids in tank cars and storage
tanks. The core thief is also widely used in sampling crude petroleum in
storage tanks. In this application, it may be used for taking samples at
different levels, as well as for bottom samples of nonmerchantable oil
and water at the bottom of the tank. The thief can be used in some cases
to obtain a quantitative estimate of the water at the bottom of a tank.
The thief shall be designed so that a sample can be obtained within 2 to
2.5 cm (3/4 to 1 in.) of the bottom of the car or tank. The core type thief
is shown in Figure 9. This type is lowered into the tank with the valve
open to permit the hydrocarbon to flush through the container. When the
thief strikes the bottom of the tank, the valve shuts automatically to trap
a bottom sample.
Figure 9: Core-Type Sampling Thief (see ASTM D-4057)
7.2 Operational Guidelines

Tank sampling is commenced when the contents of the tank are at rest, i.e.,
when run down and mixing (where applied) is complete and the tank contents
have been allowed to settle.
UML Sampling: Upper, middle and lower samples, or, upper, middle and
suction-level (outlet) samples.
Samples should not be obtained from within solid stand pipes as the material is
normally not representative of the material in the tank at that point. Stand pipe
samples should only be taken from pipes with at least two rows of overlapping
slots. See Figure 10.
Figure 10: Stand Pipe (with Overlapping Slots)
When sampling crude oil tanks with diameters in excess of 45 m (150 ft),
additional samples should be taken from any other available gaging hatches
located around the perimeter of the tank roof, safety requirements permitting.
All the samples should be individually analyzed using the same test method and
the results should then be averaged arithmetically.
Composite Sample Preparation: A composite spot sample is a blend of spot
samples mixed volumetrically proportional for testing. Some tests may also be
made on the spot samples before blending and the results averaged. Spot
samples from crude oil tanks are collected in the following ways:
Three-way – On tanks larger than 159 m3 (1000 bbls) capacity, which
contain in excess of 4.5 m (15 ft) of oil, equal volume samples should be
taken at the upper, middle, and lower or outlet connection of the
merchantable oil, in the order named. This method may also be used on
tanks up and including a capacity of 159 m3 (1000 bbls).
Two-way – On tanks smaller than 159 m3 (1000 bbls) capacity, which
contain in access of 3 m (10 ft) and up to 4.5 m (15 ft) of oil, equal
volume samples should be taken at the upper and lower, or outlet
connection of merchantable oil, in the order named. This method may
also be used on tanks up to and including a capacity of 159 m3 (1000
bbls).
7.2.1 Spot Sampling
1. Inspect the thief, graduated cylinder, and sample container for
cleanliness and use only clean, dry equipment.
2. Obtain an estimate of the liquid level in the tank. Use an
automatic gage or obtain an outage measurement, if required.
3. Check the thief for proper operation.

4. Open the bottom closure, and set the trip hook in the trip rod.
5. Lower the thief to the required location. See Table 4.
6. At the required location, close the bottom closure on the thief
with a sharp jerk of the line.
7. Withdraw the thief.
8. If only a middle sample is required, pour the entire sample into
the sample container. If samples are required at more than one
location, measure out a specified amount of sample with the
graduated cylinder, and deposit it in the sample container.
Note: The amount of sample measured will depend upon the size
of the thief and the tests to be performed but should be consistent
for the samples taken at different levels.
9. Discard the remainder of the sample from the sampling thief as
required.
10. Repeat steps to obtain a samples) at the other sampling
location(s) required by Table 5 or to obtain additional sample
volume, if only middle sample is required.
11. Install the lid on the sample container.
12. Return the sample container to the laboratory or other facility for
mixing and testing.
Table 4: Weighted Sampling Bottle or Beaker (see ASTM D-4057)
Diameter of Opening
Material
cm In.
Light crude oil less than 43 cTs to 40° 2 ¾
Heavy crude and fuel oils 4 1.5
7.2.2 Tap Sampling
1. Inspect the sample container(s) and graduated cylinder for
cleanliness. If required, obtain clean equipment or clean the
existing equipment with a suitable solvent and rinse with the
liquid to be sampled prior to proceeding to next step.
2. Obtain an estimate of the liquid level in the tank using the Varec
Gauge or other automatic level gauging device.
3. If the material to be sampled is 101 kPa(14.7 psia) RVP or less,
connect the delivery tube directly to the sample tap as required.
4. Flush the sampling taps and piping at least 15 seconds until they
been completely purged.
Note: As a general rule, the total flushed volume should be three times
the volume of the sample piping. This total volume should be calculated
and displayed at the sampling point for reference.
Caution: To prevent vapor ignition, caused by the accumulation of static
electricity, ground your body by touching your bare hands to the steel
tank shell or sample line before opening the sample tap valve. Be sure
the sample containers are grounded during flushing and filling to prevent
static sparking.
Table 5: Tank Sampling Requirements (see ASTM D-4057)
Tank Capacity/Liquid Level Sampling Requirements

Tank capacity less than or equal to:
1590 m3 (10000 bbls)
Level below middle tap Total sample from the lower tap
Level above middle tap – closest to Equal amount from the middle and lower
middle tap taps
Level above middle tap – closest to 2/3 of total sample from the middle tap and
upper tap 1/3 of total sample from the lower tap
Level above upper tap Equal amount from the upper, middle, and
lower tap.
Tank capacity greater than 1590 m3 Equal amounts from all submerged taps. A
(10 000 bbls) minimum of three taps are required
representing different volumes.
5. Collect the sample in a sample container or a graduated cylinder

in accordance with the requirement set forth in Table 5. If
samples are to be obtained from different taps, use a graduated
cylinder to measure the appropriate sample quantity. Otherwise,
collect the sample directly in the sample container. If delivery
tube is used, ensure the end of the delivery tube is maintained
below the liquid level in the graduated cylinder or sample
container during the withdrawal of the sample.
6. If the sample was collected in a graduated cylinder, deposit the
sample in the sample container.
7. Disconnect the delivery tube and cooler as applicable.
8. If further sampling from additional taps is required, repeat steps
1-7.
9. Install the lid on the sample container.
10. Return the sample container to the laboratory or other facility for
mixing and testing.
Caution: Open the taps with care when sampling under pressure. Make
no attempt to clear a blocked connection by rodding through an opened
valve. If the contents of a tank fail to reach the upper or middle sample
connections on a tank equipped with three connections, take the sample
for the tank as follows:
If the level of the contents is nearer the upper sample connection than the
middle one, take two-thirds of the sample from the middle connection
and one-third from the lower one,
If the level is nearer the middle connection than the upper, take one-half
of the sample from the middle connection and one-half from the lower
one. If the level of the contents is below the middle sample connection,
take all the sample from the lower connection
7.2.3 Bottom Sampling
Lower the clean, dry thief slowly through the dome of the tank car or
tank hatch until it gently bumps the bottom.
Allow the thief to fill and settle, gently raise 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) and
then lower the thief until it strikes the bottom and the valve closes.
Remove the thief from the tank and transfer the contents to the sample
container.
Close and label the container immediately and deliver it to the
laboratory.
7.2.4 Safety
All safety precautions shall be taken when gauging and sampling from
tanks. The gauger should maintain a firm bare-hand grip on the handrail
when opening the hatch cover in order to establish a good bond/ground
contact. This will minimize the potential for static sparks.
Spot checks should be periodically made by the departmental personnel
designated to ensure that proper operating procedures are followed and
all records are appropriately kept of each transfer.
Records of all tank gauging, temperature data and the corresponding
gauge figures shall be maintained for each tank. Records shall be kept
for a minimum of one year from the date of delivery.
Only clean and dry containers shall be used. The sample shall be tightly
stoppered to prevent evaporation.
Samples shall normally be taken as soon as possible after tank has
completed filling, allowing a minimum of 30 minutes of settling time.
Samples shall be taken from the top, middle and bottom side taps on
tanks. Side taps shall be flushed thoroughly before taking samples. If
side taps are not provided, samples shall be taken by means of a

recognized thief sampler from the mid-point of the top, middle and
bottom thirds of the tank content.
If bottle samples are taken, only brown bottles shall be used for gasoline
and kerosene for protection from sunlight. All samples shall be kept in a
shaded area.
Each sample shall be plainly marked with the product name, date and
time sample taken, tank number and particular section of the tank from
which the sample is taken (i.e., top, middle or bottom) and name or
initial of sample taker.

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Best Practice

SABP-A-059 26 April 2015

Primary Contact Mudaibegh, Saud H (mudaibsh) Page 1 of 23

ASTM D-4177 Standard practice for automatic sampling of

Bottom sample A spot sample collected from the material at the

Static mixer A device that uses the kinetic energy of the

5 Crude Oil Sampling

 The sampling process should address the factors to be controlled to

5.2 Sample Point Positioning

6.1.1 Sampling Probe/Quill Orientation

Figure 1: Sample Probe/Quill Location

The Sample probe inlet should be facing upstream direction. The

Figure 2: Probes for spot manual samples (see ASTM D 4057).

The probe should always be oriented such that it lies in a horizontal

located in a horizontal run of pipe. The flowing velocity must be high

Figure 3: Manual Probe Located on Vertical Run of Pipe

Each time the stream passes an elbow, it becomes more turbulent.

6.1.2 Sampling non-Homogeneous Samples

Mixing Minimum Pipeline Velocity, meter per second

6.2 Operational Guidelines

minimum such as to minimize the amount of material which will need to

Figure 4: Simple Stream Sampling Point for Horizontal Pipe

Waste Sampling Container

Figure 5: Continuous Loop Purge Sampling System for Horizontal Pipe

Consideration needs to be given to the run off of waste material. Options

 Sample type and location

Figure 6: Spot Sampling Position with Cooling Option

6.2.5 Sample Point Identification

 Warning signs, if toxic substances are present, this shall indicate

Figure 7: Spot Sampling Position

The minimum number of samples shall be in accordance with Table 2.

7.1.2 Tap Sampling

Figure 8: Tank Side Sampling Point

Table 3: Sample Tap Specification (see ASTM D-4057)

1590 m3(10,000 bbls) Greater Than 1590

Number of taps per set, min 3 5

7.1.3 Bottom Sampling

In addition to the above methods, a bottom sample should also be

Figure 9: Core-Type Sampling Thief (see ASTM D-4057)

7.2 Operational Guidelines

Figure 10: Stand Pipe (with Overlapping Slots)

3. Check the thief for proper operation.

Tank Capacity/Liquid Level Sampling Requirements

5. Collect the sample in a sample container or a graduated cylinder

side taps are not provided, samples shall be taken by means of a

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