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: D1265 − 23

Standard Practice for

Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases, Manual Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1265; 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.

1. Scope* 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as

1.1 This practice covers equipment and procedures for
obtaining a representative sample of specification Liquefied
Petroleum Gas (LPG), such as specified in Specification
D1835, GPA 2140, and comparable international standards.
This standard is applicable to flow-through cylinders with two
valves and is not applicable to single valve cylinders or larger
LPG sample containers such as those utilized for barbecue
grills and/or forklift cylinders.
1.2 This practice is suitable for obtaining representative
samples for all routine tests for LP gases required by Specifi-
cation D1835. In the event of a dispute involving sample
integrity when sampling for testing against Specification
D1835 requirements, Practice D3700 shall be used as the
referee sampling procedure.
1.3 This practice may also be used for other Natural Gas
Liquid (NGL) products that are normally highly volatile, single
phase materials (NGL mix, natural gasoline, field butane, etc.),
defined in other industry specifications or contractual
agreements, where use of open sample containers would risk
the loss of volatile components. It is not intended for non-
specification products that contain significant quantities of
undissolved gases (N2, CO2), free water or other separated
phases, such as raw or unprocessed gas/liquids mixtures and
related materials. The same equipment can be used for these
purposes, but additional precautions are generally needed to
obtain representative samples of multiphase products (see
Appendix X1 on Sampling Guidelines in Practice D3700).
NOTE 1—Practice D3700 describes a recommended practice for obtain-
ing a representative sample of a light hydrocarbon fluid and the subse-
quent preparation of that sample for laboratory analysis when dissolved
gases are present. Use of Practice D1265 will result in a small but
predictable low bias for dissolved gases due to the liquid venting
procedure to establish the 20 % minimum ullage.
1.4 This practice includes recommendations for the location
of a sample point in a line or vessel. It is the responsibility of
the user to ensure that the sampling point is located so as to
obtain a representative sample.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D02.H0 on Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D1265 – 22. DOI:
10.1520/D1265-23.
standard.
1.5.1 Exception—Non-SI units are shown in parentheses for
information only.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D1835 Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases
D1838 Test Method for Copper Strip Corrosion by Liquefied
Petroleum (LP) Gases
D3700 Practice for Obtaining LPG Samples Using a Float-
ing Piston Cylinder
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
Fuels, and Lubricants
D6849 Practice for Storage and Use of Liquefied Petroleum
Gases (LPG) in Sample Cylinders for LPG Test Methods
2.2 Other Regulations:
Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations3
GPA 2140 Gas Processors Association Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Specifications & Test Methods4
IATA Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Air5
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Available from the Canadian General Standards Board, Sales Centre, Gatineau,
Canada K1A 1G6, http://www.ongc-cgsb.gc.ca/.
4
Available from Gas Processors Association (GPA), 6526 E. 60th St., Tulsa, OK
74145, http://www.gpaglobal.org.
5
Available from IATA Customer Care, 800 Place Victoria, PO Box 113,
Montréal, Quebec H4Z 1M1. www.iata.org.

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

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D1265 − 23
U.S. 49 CFR Transportation6
2.3 Other Publications:
API RP 2003 Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of
Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to
Terminology D4175.
3.1.2 high pressure sample cylinder, n—a container used for
storage and transportation of a sample obtained at pressures
above atmospheric pressure.
3.1.3 liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas, LPG), n—a narrow
boiling range mixture of hydrocarbons consisting of propane,
propylene, butanes and butylenes, individually or in specified
combinations, with limited amounts of other hydrocarbons
(such as ethane) and may contain naturally occurring,
petroleum-derived, non-hydrocarbons.
3.1.4 maximum fill volume (reduced fill volume), n—the
volume of a container that may be safely occupied by the liquid
sample, usually expressed as a percentage of the total capacity.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Some regulatory agencies use the ex-
pressions “maximum fill density” and “reduced fill density.”
3.1.5 outage tube (internal), n—a “cut to length” tube
placed inside the cylinder used as a way to remove excess
liquid sample from the cylinder via manual evacuation after the
sample cylinder assembly is removed from the sample point.
3.1.6 outaging, n—practice of removing a portion of liquid
contents from a conventional sampling cylinder after filling to
provide expansion room.
3.1.7 ullage (outage), n—in LPG sampling, the volume in a
container after filling that remains as vapor phase above the
liquid contents to allow for thermal expansion of the liquid.
3.1.8 upright, adj—the vertical orientation of the cylinder
where the outage tube end is at the top.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 A liquid sample of LPG is transferred from the source
into a high pressure sample container by purging the container
and filling it with liquid, then providing a minimum 20 %
ullage by venting liquid, so that 80 % or less of the liquid
volume remains.
NOTE 2—When sampling under very cold conditions, where there is a
significant difference between original sample temperature and sample
temperature in a laboratory or shipping situation, an ullage volume greater
than 20 % may be required to safely account for the significant expansion
of LPG with a large rise in temperature.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Samples of liquefied petroleum gases are examined by
various test methods to determine physical and chemical
characteristics and conformance with specifications.
6
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, https://
www.ecfr.gov/.
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5.2 Equipment described by this practice may be suitable
for transportation of LPG samples, subject to applicable
transportation regulations.
6. General Information
6.1 Considerable effort is required to obtain a representative
sample, especially if the material being sampled is a mixture of
liquefied petroleum gases. Consider the following factors:
6.1.1 Obtain samples of the liquid phase only.
6.1.2 When it is definitely known that the material being
sampled is composed predominantly of only one liquefied
petroleum gas, a liquid sample may be taken from any part of
the vessel.
6.1.3 When the material being sampled has been mixed or
circulated until it is homogeneous, a liquid sample may be
taken from any part of the vessel.
6.1.4 Because of wide variations in the construction details
of containers for liquefied petroleum gases, it is difficult to
specify a uniform method for obtaining representative samples
of heterogeneous mixtures. If it is not practicable to homog-
enize a mixture to ensure uniformity, obtain liquid samples by
a procedure which has been agreed upon by the contracting
parties.
6.1.5 Directions for sampling cannot be made explicit
enough to cover all cases. They must be supplemented by
judgment, skill, and sampling experience. Extreme care and
good judgment are necessary to ensure samples which repre-
sent the general character and average condition of the mate-
rial. Because of the hazards involved, liquefied petroleum
gases should be sampled by, or under the supervision of,
persons familiar with the necessary safety precautions.
6.1.6 Control hydrocarbon vapors vented during sampling
to ensure compliance with applicable safety and environmental
regulations. Do not vent near ignition sources.
6.1.7 This standard is applicable to flow-through double-
ended cylinders with two valves. It is not applicable to
single-ended (single valve) cylinders or larger LPG sample
containers such as those utilized for barbecue grills and/or
forklift cylinders. Additional pertinent information for these
applications can be found in Practice D6849.
6.1.8 Elimination of potential static charge accumulation
and discharge is critical for safety. Provisions for grounding/
bonding shall be in place for the sample station and sample
cylinders. Having continuous electrical contact to dissipate
charge is required, including the transfer lines. Non-conductive
materials cannot be utilized unless special grounding provi-
sions are applied. More information on static charge accumu-
lation and grounding/bonding can be obtained from API RP
2003.
7. Interferences
7.1 Certain properties of interest can be affected by the
material making up the sampling system and sample cylinder
assembly. Two examples of analytes commonly associated
with adsorption (and desorption) at lower concentrations (for
example, <100 ppm by mass) are active sulfur compounds and
water. Without the use of properly treated equipment, there is
 D1265 − 23
potential for lower response from analytes than actually present
in the sample due to adsorption (or, in the case of desorption,
higher response).
7.2 Adsorption and desorption can result from physical
attraction or chemical attraction.7 Due to adsorption, tubing
and cylinder components exposed to a sample may need
surface treatment (that is, with an inert surface material) in
order to collect a representative sample to be analyzed for the
property of interest.
7.3 Tubing that is rough on the inside results in a larger
surface area than expected. In order to reduce the surface area,
the tubing needs to be smooth. Additionally, a surface treat-
ment on the internal wall is needed to reduce the potential for
polar molecules to adsorb. For stainless steel tubing and
cylinders (which have a high potential for adsorption of polar
molecules), this may be achieved by electropolishing and fused
silica coating.
7.3.1 This inerting treatment aids in reducing the potential
for adsorption of the analyte of interest.
7.3.2 Samples to be tested for the presence of corrosive
compounds or sulfur compounds should be taken in containers
made inert to such compounds and equipped with valves
compatible with chemical, pressure, and temperature require-
ments; otherwise, determinations of mercaptans and hydrogen
sulfide, for example, can be misleading. Internal surfaces of
sample containers, valves, outage tubes, and associated lines
and fittings may be surface coated to reduce bare metal
surfaces reacting with trace reactive components.
NOTE 3—Adsorption is not passivation. With adsorption, molecules are
both adsorbing and desorbing. Since each individual action can occur at
any time, there is potential for an analysis to see less or more of an analyte
than actually present in the sample. Passivation is a permanent or
long-term surface treatment that minimizes adsorption of polar com-
pounds.
8. Apparatus
8.1 High Pressure Sample Cylinder—Use corrosion resis-
tant metal sample containers certified by the authority having
jurisdiction for pressure vessels with adequate pressure rating
for the product being sampled. Suitable materials include
stainless steel, Monel, and possibly other materials. Protective
internal coatings or surface treatments to render the internal
surface inert are acceptable. The size of the container depends
upon the amount of sample required for the laboratory tests to
be made. If the container is to be transported, it shall also
conform to specifications published in transportation legisla-
tion such as U.S. 49 CFR or Canadian Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Regulations, and their supplements,
reissues, or similar regulations in other jurisdictions.
NOTE 4—It has been common practice to refer to LPG sample
containers as “sample bombs.” Use of this term is discouraged because of
obvious misunderstanding by many people. Alternate names such as
“pressurized sample container” or “high pressure sample cylinder” are
recommended.
NOTE 5—DOT 3E cylinders are exempt from requalification in some
jurisdictions. Other cylinders may need to be requalified according to local
7
Waters, T., Industrial Sampling Systems, Reliable Design & Maintenance for
Process Analyzers, Swagelok Company, 2013.
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regulations. See 49 CFR 180.209 for information on requalification
requirements for cylinders.
NOTE 6—This standard is not applicable to single valve cylinders or
larger LPG sample containers such as those utilized for barbecue grills
and/or forklift cylinders.
8.1.1 The sample container should be fitted with an internal
outage (ullage) tube to permit release of a minimum 20 % of
the container capacity as a liquid. The end of the container
fitted with the outage (ullage) tube shall be clearly marked.
Typical sample containers are shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
8.1.2 The use of sample containers without internal outage
(ullage) tubes may be prohibited at some locations. Where
sample containers without internal outage (ullage) tubes are
acceptable, alternative purging and venting procedures to
obtain a minimum 20 % ullage in the container, as described in
11.2.1, are required.
8.1.3 Leak checks are to be performed prior to first use, after
any maintenance, and at the very least annually by pressurizing
the cylinder to a minimum of 2758 kPa (400 psig) with inert
gas, followed by immersing the cylinder fittings in a bucket of
water.
8.1.4 Regulatory and/or local site compliance may require
sample cylinder assemblies to incorporate a pressure relief
device. The two common types of pressure relief devices are
the spring relief valve and the rupture disc.
8.1.4.1 The spring relief valve (also known as a “poppet
valve”) is a reclosing device. It is designed to open at a preset
pressure, where a minimal amount of sample material is
released to the immediate vicinity until the pressure drops to a
level when the valve re-seats (recloses).
8.1.4.2 The rupture disc is a non-reclosing device. This is
often called a burst disc. It contains a bulged disc that is
designed to burst or fail when a specified pressure range is
reached. The disk is destroyed in the process of relieving
pressure, and the entire contents of the sample cylinder will be
released to the immediate vicinity.
8.1.4.3 The user is cautioned to understand the hazards
associated with the type of relief device being used. Both
release sample material when a design pressure is reached.
However, a rupture disc releases all contents of the cylinder,
thereby creating potentially more risk of exposure or larger
incident if an ignition source is encountered. While a spring
relief device does not release the entire content, if activated to
release some pressure, the sample has been compromised and
should be discarded just as if the cylinder had leaked (refer to
15.1).
8.2 Sample Transfer Line made of stainless steel or other
compatible metal hose, impervious to the product being
sampled, is required. The line can include a flexible hose made
of material that is compatible with the chemical, pressure, and
temperature encountered during use. The most satisfactory line
is one equipped with two valves on the sample-container end,
Fig. 1, a sampling valve, A, and a vent valve, B.
8.3 Sample System—Consists of sampling line, cylinder, and
vent valve. Electrical continuity should be established and
maintained across the sample system to decrease risk of static
discharge while sampling.
 D1265 − 23
FIG. 1 Typical Sample Container and Sampling Connections (Upright)
PROCEDURE
9. Purging Sample Transfer Line
9.1 Connect the ends of the sample transfer line securely to
the product source and to Valve C (inlet) (Fig. 1) of the
container. Close Valve A (sampling), Valve B (vent), and Valve
C (inlet). Open the valve at the product source and purge the
transfer line by opening Valve A (sampling) and Valve B (vent);
capture the vented LPG for safe disposition when possible.
10. Purging the Sample Container
10.1 If the history of the sample container contents is not
known, or if traces of the previous product could affect the
analysis to be carried out, or both, use one of the following two
purge procedures:
10.1.1 Ensure that Valve C (Fig. 2) and Valve D on the high
pressure sample cylinder are closed. Connect a sample transfer
line (with closed Valves A and B) to the cylinder at Valve D and
to the sample source. Maintain the cylinder in an upright
position such that Valve C is at the top.
10.1.2 Fill sample container by opening Valve A followed
by Valve C and Valve D until liquid issues from Valve C. At
that time, close Valve C, followed by Valve D and Valve A on
the sample transfer line. Vent the sample transfer line by briefly
opening Valve B.
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10.1.3 Loosen the connection joining the sample container
to the sample line and turn container through 180° such that
Valve D is at the top. Open Valves C and D and drain out liquid
as dictated by environmental requirements.
10.1.4 Return the sample container to position Valve C at
the top. Tighten connection to sample transfer line and repeat
the purging operation at least three times.
10.2 In a flowing system or a suitable sample loop, the
sample cylinder may be flushed inline by connecting the
cylinder to allow material to flow from the higher pressure
point back to the lower pressure point. Keep the cylinder
vertical during flushing. Flush the cylinder with at least 10
times the cylinder volume in a time of less than 5 min to ensure
a sufficient flow velocity to obtain turbulent mixing and
flushing of the ullage volume area. The sample line shall be
equipped with a suitable flow indicator to ensure an adequate
flow rate throughout the flushing period.
10.2.1 This procedure is particularly applicable in areas
where excessive venting of LPG to the atmosphere is not
allowed.
10.3 If the history of the sample container contents is known
and would not affect the analysis, use the following purge
procedure:
 D1265 − 23
FIG. 2 Typical Sample Container and Alternate Purging Connections (Inverted)
10.3.1 With the container in an upright position (Fig. 1) and
its Valve D (outlet) at the top, close Valve B (vent) and Valve
C (inlet) and open Valve A (sampling). Open Valve C (inlet)
and partly fill the container with sample by slowly opening the
Valve D (outlet). Close the Valve A (sampling) and allow part
of the sample to escape in the vapor phase through Valve D
(outlet). Close Valve D (outlet) and release the remainder of the
sample in the liquid phase by opening Valve B (vent). Repeat
the purging operation at least three times.
11. Transfer of Sample
11.1 Position the sample container securely in an upright
position with Valve D (outlet) at the top (Fig. 1) and both
Valves C and D closed.
11.1.1 Close Valve B (vent), open Valve A (sampling), open
Valve C (inlet), and fill container with the sample. Close Valve
C (inlet) and the valve at the product source. Open Valve B
(vent). After the pressure is fully reduced, disconnect sample
container from the transfer line. Discard the sample if a leak
develops or if either valve is opened during subsequent
handling of the sample container before performing the outage
(ullage) operations outlined in Section 12.
11.2 The transfer of a sample from one container to another
is sometimes desired for a test method (for example, Test
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Method D1838). For these transfers, the user needs to consider
the physical properties of the sample and ensure the transfer
setup maintains the sample’s integrity.
11.2.1 For these transfers, connect cylinders together by a
suitable system/apparatus, with proper grounding and bonding
of the system to prevent static discharge (Fig. 3). The empty
secondary cylinder (for example, corrosion cylinder, LPG
vapor pressure apparatus, etc.) shall be clean and free of any
residues (including moisture) or any solvents that could con-
taminate the sample.
11.2.2 Cylinder A may need to be pressurized to maintain
sample integrity and ensure transfer of liquid sample amount
required for testing to the secondary cylinder. Cylinders and
associated equipment for transfer should be maintained at the
same temperature to aid in preventing flashing of liquid to
vapor.
11.2.3 After confirming proper ullage by procedure or by
weight, ensure homogeneity with mixing by repeated inverting
and uprighting cylinder position several times before transfer-
ring sample. Ensure all valves are closed to begin. Workers
should also ground and bond themselves when performing the
transfer. 6.1.8 contains additional information on grounding/
bonding.
 D1265 − 23
FIG. 3 Typical Setup of Sample Transfer from Cylinder-to-Cylinder
11.2.4 Cylinder A contains the sample to be transferred to
secondary cylinder (empty, but might be pressurized with inert
or noble gas, depending on application). Once electrical
continuity is confirmed across all components of the system,
open Valve C (cylinder A outlet), then open Valve B (secondary
cylinder inlet). Allow needed amount of sample to pass from
Cylinder A to secondary cylinder. Once sample amount has
been transferred, close Valve B (secondary cylinder inlet), then
close Valve C (cylinder A outlet). Ensure proper ullage was
maintained. The secondary cylinder can be either a double-
ended cylinder assembly (for example, LPG Corrosion Cylin-
der) or single-ended cylinder assembly (for example, LPG
Vapor Pressure Cylinder).
11.2.4.1 When transferring samples in a laboratory
(cylinder-to-cylinder), due to the limited amount of sample
material in Cylinder A, purges of the secondary cylinder are
typically not an option due to loss of material needed for
testing. Confirm that sample amount is transferred before
testing.
12. Sample Outage (Ullage)
12.1 Immediately after obtaining the sample, place the
container in an upright position with the outage (ullage) tube at
the top.
12.1.1 Open Valve D (outlet) slightly. Allow excess liquid to
escape and close the valve at the first sign of vapor, as indicated
by the first “sputtering” and change in flow behavior of the
vented liquid. If no liquid escapes, discard the sample and refill
the container.
12.1.1.1 The cylinder shall not be stored/transported beyond
80 % of its capacity with sample. Liquid sample shall be
vented out to the required “reduced fill density” (typically
80 % or less) prior to transport.
NOTE 7—Consult the authority having jurisdiction for LPG cylinder
ullage requirements for transport of LPG sample cylinders. Transportation
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legislation such as U.S. 49 CFR, Canadian Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Regulations, and IATA regulations limit the percent fill of
containers used for shipping LPG and may quote this requirement as a
reduced fill density or maximum fill density (normally 80 % maximum
liquid fill at 15 °C). A lower percent fill (lower fill density) may be
required if sampling at lower temperatures.
NOTE 8—Extreme low temperature sampling. LPG has a larger coeffi-
cient of thermal expansion than gasoline or distillate fuels. Sampling at
extremely low ambient temperatures or from cryogenic sources may
require additional precautions to prevent sample cylinders from becoming
liquid full (liquid locked, hydraulically locked) from warming the sample
to high ambient temperature.
12.1.1.2 Where immediate venting is not possible, for
example inside hazardous locations or with toxic materials
(especially H2S), provisions shall be made to prevent tempera-
ture increase prior to venting in a safe location, transfer to a
larger cylinder or immediate analysis or other disposition in
accordance with the authority having jurisdiction. It is the
responsibility of the user to establish safe procedures for use in
permitted facilities that are regulated by site permits or
equivalent, separate from transportation regulations.
NOTE 9—Improperly venting LPG vapor to establish the minimum
20 % outage will result in large changes in composition of the remaining
liquid due to fractional distillation. It is important that only liquid be
vented from the cylinder, and that venting be stopped at the first indication
of vapor. Use of proper liquid venting technique will result in only very
small changes in composition to the remaining liquid which will not affect
product specification results required for compliance with Specification
D1835.
NOTE 10—It is important to understand that the ullage tube alone does
not create the proper vapor phase. It is a tool to assist, along with other
protocols to achieve the desired ullage.
12.2 For sampling containers without an internal ullage
tube, the procedure in 11.2.1 may be used.
12.2.1 One acceptable alternative procedure to use is weigh-
ing the sample container immediately after filling, and creating
the ullage before analysis. The procedure is to completely fill
the sample container using slight overflow indication to ensure
 D1265 − 23
complete filling. Without warming the sample, immediately
weigh the container plus sample on a balance, and record gross
weight. Carefully drain off liquid from the bottom of the
vertically oriented container in an environmentally approved
manner. Then weigh the vented container, and using the tare
weight of the container, estimate the ullage of the sample in the
container. Repeat the venting and weighing procedures to
obtain 22 % 6 2 % ullage of the sample. When utilizing this
procedure, it is important that the scale used for weighing is
calibrated and working properly.
13. Closed-Loop Sample Stations
13.1 It is often desired to keep the entire collection process
as a closed-loop system.
13.1.1 There are multiple designs employed as closed-loop
systems, with two common designs being the Sight Glass
Sample Station and the Expansion Chamber Sample Station.
Closed-loop sample stations can be of standard design but are
often designed locally, with both intended to allow for the safe
collection of a representative sample from a given sample
point.
13.1.1.1 Each sample station shall have explicit written
directions to describe all steps required to safely collect a
representative sample. If possible, the directions should be
affixed to a plate on the mounting panel for the sample station.
13.1.2 Closed-loop systems are typically designed to allow
for purging, filling, and creating the proper ullage via proce-
dural steps.
13.1.3 They typically include a bypass line to keep material
flowing to/from the sample point to the return point. As this
constant flow keeps the sample lines purged, this reduces the
amount of purging needed to the tubing/connections that are
not part of the sample line directed to the bypass line and the
sample cylinder. This can reduce the amount of time required
for purging.
13.2 Sight Glass Sample Station:
13.2.1 For this design, the cylinder is connected in the
upright position, and the material is purged through the
cylinder as referenced in Section 10.
13.2.2 The valving is usually lined up with the stream on
bypass. When the cylinder is purged, the valve can be
positioned according to the procedural step to start the purge
and liquid begins flowing through the system and can be
observed with a flow indicator, which can also be part of the
sight glass.
13.2.3 The sight glass becomes completely filled during the
purging and sampling steps.
13.2.4 Once purging is complete, the cylinder is essentially
filled liquid full, meaning it has no ullage after filling.
13.2.5 Procedural steps are then followed to position valves
to allow for venting part of the liquid to flare or approved safe
location until the liquid level in the sight glass drops to the
location of the bottom of the ullage tube in the cylinder. This
results in creating the proper ullage.
13.2.6 Once the proper ullage is reached, close the valves on
the cylinder. Vent the rest of the system to flare or other
designated safe location to remove material and pressure from
the lines before disconnecting.
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13.2.7 The system is typically set to bypass mode after
sampling is complete.
13.3 Expansion Chamber (Displacement Vessel) Sample
Station:
13.3.1 Often referred to as an expansion chamber design, it
is more of a displacement vessel to create the required ullage.
This system contains another cylinder as part of the system.
The size of this second cylinder shall be sized to provide the
required ullage amount. The size should take into consideration
both the volume of the sample cylinder and the volume of
certain pieces of tubing in the system.
13.3.2 The expansion chamber sample station is appropriate
when the sample material is not compatible with the sight glass
material, rendering the sight glass station unusable.
13.3.3 For this design, position the valve according to the
cylinder as referenced in Section 10.
13.3.4 When the cylinder is purged, position the valve
according to the procedural step to start the purge and liquid
begins flowing through the system and can be observed with a
flow indicator.
13.3.5 Once purging is complete, the cylinder is essentially
filled liquid full, meaning it has no ullage after filling.
13.3.6 Procedural steps are then followed to position valves
to allow for displacement and expansion of liquid material to
create a vapor space in the sample cylinder for the required
ullage.
13.3.7 Once the proper ullage is reached, close the valves on
the cylinder. Vent the rest of the system to flare or other
designated safe location to remove material and pressure from
the lines before disconnecting.
13.3.8 The system is typically set to bypass mode after
sampling is complete.
NOTE 11—When the term “expansion room” is used, this is synony-
mous with ullage, as it refers to the vapor space to allow for thermal
expansion. When “expansion chamber” is used, this refers to a vessel that
is part of a certain closed-loop sample station design.
14. Checking for Leaks
14.1 After eliminating the excess liquid sample so that only
80 % or less of the liquid sample remains, if leaks are
suspected, immerse in a water bath and check the sample
cylinder for leaks. If a leak is detected at any time during the
sampling operation, discard the sample. Repair or replace the
leaky container before obtaining another sample. Alternate
procedures such as use of soap/water leak detection fluid, leak
detection instruments or recording of total cylinder weights
may also be used to detect leaks.
14.1.1 Leak checks are to be performed prior to first use,
after any maintenance, and at a minimum annually by pressur-
izing the cylinder to a minimum of 2758 kPa (400 psig) with
inert gas, followed by immersing the cylinder fittings in a
container of water.
15. Care of Samples and Sample Containers
15.1 Place samples in a cool location as soon as possible.
Keep them there until all tests have been completed. Discard
any samples in containers which develop leaks. Protect the
valves on the sample container, either by packing the container
 D1265 − 23
in a crate in an approved manner or by using a protective cap, 16. Keywords
so that accidental unseating of the valve or tampering with it is 16.1 liquefied petroleum gases; LPG; sampling
avoided.
15.2 When shipping cylinders that contain LPG materials
within the U.S., metal pressure relief devices are required per
U.S. 49 CFR. Cylinders must be plugged on each end for
shipping.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.H0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D1265 – 22) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March 1, 2023.)

(1) Updated Section 1. (7) Updated Figs. 1 and 2, and added Fig. 3.
(2) Updated U.S. 49 CFR and associated footnote, and added (8) Revised Section 10.
Practice D6849 and API RP 2003 (Section 2). (9) Added to and updated Section 11.
(3) Added terms to Terminology Subsection 3.1. (10) Updated Section 12.
(4) Updated 4.1. (11) Added Section 13.
(5) Updated and added additional subsections to Section 6. (12) Updated Section 14.
(6) Added Interferences Section 7. (13) Added 15.2 to Section 15.

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