Significance and Use
5.1 This practice allows the collection of a representative sample of crude oil and/or condensate that may contain trace volatile dissolved components such as methane, ethane, propane, and fixed gases that would normally be lost using conventional atmospheric sampling methods. These highly volatile components can result in vapor pressure conditions above atmospheric pressure. This practice is recommended whenever accurate determination of vapor pressure, flash point, or other properties are required and where loss of volatile components can affect the test results.
5.2 This practice is intended for capturing samples of crude oil and/or condensate for testing for the purpose of classification for transportation of dangerous goods as UN Class 3 Flammable Liquids, but is not limited to classification testing. Other test methods with sensitivities to light end loss may also utilize this sampling practice.
5.3 Practice D3700 using a floating piston cylinder is recommended whenever true vapor pressures greater than 300 kPa at 50 °C are anticipated.
Scope
1.1 This practice includes the equipment and procedures for obtaining a representative sample of “live” or high vapor pressure crude oils, condensates, and/or liquid petroleum products from low pressure sample points, where there is insufficient sample point pressure to use a Floating Piston Cylinder (FPC) as described in Practice D3700.
1.2 This practice is intended for use with sample types, such as UN Class 3 Flammable Liquids, that might have been collected and transported using open containers. The use of a manual piston cylinder in place of open containers is intended to prevent the loss of volatile (light end) components, which can impact subsequent test results.
1.3 This practice is suitable for sampling crude oils, condensates, and/or liquid petroleum products having true vapor pressures less than 300 kPa (43 psia nominal) at 50 °C. This practice applies to samples that will typically fall between Practices D4057 (API MPMS Chapter 8.1) and D3700. This practice shall not be used for materials classified as UN Class 2 Gases (“…having a vapor pressure greater than 300 kPa at 50 °C or is completely gaseous at 20 °C at 101.3 kPa.”).
1.4 This practice allows for sampling of crude oils that flow freely at the conditions of sampling.
1.5 It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the sampling point is located so as to obtain a representative sample.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.6.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
