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Sample
containers must be clean and, in the case of petroleum products, should
be flushed with the product prior to drawing the sample.
Sample
containers must meet the requirements of MPMS Ch. 8.1.
Containers
and packaging that are used for transport and storage of samples must
meet appropriate regulatory requirements.
If
manual sampling is required, it is strongly recommended that samples be
taken at multiple levels in the tank and individually tested prior
loading for any evidence of stratification. All concerned
parties
should be notified if the material is deemed to be stratified, and each
party should agree on further actions before proceeding. The
inspection report should state whether the tank was equipped with
mixers, a circulating system, or aerators and should note the extent of
mixing that was performed on the tank.
- Automatic Sampler
Automatic
sampling is the preferred method of sampling a marine cargo
transfer. If the automatic sampling system is installed, it
should be proved and operated in conformance with MPMS Chapter
8.2. If an automatic sampler is used, it must be properly set
up
and clean in preparation for taking the sample and a visual inspection
of the sample container must be made. Check with shore
personnel
to ensure that the grade rate is proper to collect a sufficient sample
to meet requirements without overfilling the container. On at
least three occasions during the transfer, observe by non-intrusive
means whether the sampler is operating properly.
Observe
and note down the start time for the sampler and the amount of oil in
the sample receiver at the halfway point during loading and near the
completion of loading. Indicate whether the automatic sampler
used for flow was flow proportional or time proportional. Any
deficiencies should also be noted.
METERS
Terminal
operators are responsible for the operation of their meter provers and
are expected to submit appropriate meter proving data to measurement
personnel. A meter measurement ticket should be provided for
each
custody transfer and should include the information required in MPMS
Chapter 12.2. Terminal operators or inspector who are aware
of
meter difficulties that could affect accuracy should report the problem
immediately to all parties involved in the custody transfer.
The
incident and resolution must be recorded in the inspection report.
Prior
to loading, record the opening meter readings. It is
recommended
that meters be proved during loading in accordance with MPMS Chapters 4
and 12.2. A completed Meter Prover Report and meter
measurement
ticket for each meter used should be attached to a completed Metered
Quantity Report.
If a manual and/or automatic
shore tank measurements are taken, show a comparison with metered
volumes. If both measurements are taken, record the results
in the inspection report.
Sections
of text taken from API - MPMS Chapter 17 Marine Measurement
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