plans for the manual sampling of liquid crude oil and petroleum products relating to shore tank, road tanker, railcar, drum container sampling, and ship loading and discharge operations. There is always a local context to consider so please do not judge any sampling instruction or recommended plan as absolute. Whilst it is important to obtain all samples requested by our principals and also reference documents such as Energy Institute HM 92 to assist with product specific sampling plans, please consider that these sampling models may not be adequate and should be considered as the minimum number and type of samples to be obtained. Additional samples should be taken where we consider appropriate, particularly to manage our own risk exposure. When considering what samples should be taken on a specific job, ask yourself the following: • Does the sample plan consider both retain and analysis requirements? o Will there be adequate sample volume drawn from all sources? o Does the sample plan meet the test method requirements? o Do specific tests requested stipulate special samples ( e.g. H 2 S in fuel oil, particulate matter in aviation fuels etc) One type of sample that is often overlooked and is very important is vessel tank dead bottom samples. This can be vital when considering fuel oil metal content.
• In the event of a quality issue, will the samples drawn be sufficient for investigative purposes? o Do we have enough samples to defend ourselves in case of claim without needing to breach the sealed, retained ones? o Does the plan incorporate samples to be taken at different periods and places throughout the operation? (e.g. first foots, manifold samples etc.). A successful quality related investigation will hinge on having the necessary samples available for analysis and review purposes. When quality issues arise and appropriate samples haven’t been obtained, it is not always possible to perform a comprehensive investigation and come to any tangible conclusion. Samples are typically viewed as a requirement for our clients, but there are instances where samples also protect SGS’ interests. When establishing the samples to collect on a specific job, always endeavour to draw a sample from all significant sample point locations throughout the operation. A specific sample which may seem insignificant at the time of drawing the sample could be vital in a quality investigation scenario.
9.1 Sample Plans Have you ever heard the phrase ‘you can’t take too many samples?’. Whilst in theory this could be true, the most important aspect of any load/discharge sample plan is to ensure that sufficient samples are taken from both the vessel and shore to protect: a) The clients (and this must track back to both their standing instructions and the standards for the industry for sampling and analysis) b) Ourselves – this is where duplicate sampling is important, as the primary samples are always at the disposal, legally of the client. If sufficient samples are taken, they should allow us to establish if any off-spec material exists, and hopefully the possible source, in the event of a quality issue. This requires samples to be taken at various locations during the operation. It is very important that we draw all of the necessary samples on all jobs. In many cases we only get one shot at taking a specific sample. If a particular sample is not taken, we cannot turn back the clock and the opportunity has been lost. When we receive nominations from our clients, these may or may not include explicit sampling instructions. Some clients will dictate the number and type of samples that must be taken on a job, and other will leave it our professional judgement. Additionally, the Energy Institute has published ‘HM 92 – Model sampling plans for crude oil and liquid hydrocarbon products’ which provides sampling
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