Guidelines for Sampling System

1. Guidelines for Sampling Systems The substantial increase in the global crude oil prices in the past decade has compelled oil refineries and companies to work on using the latest technological innovations for reducing measurement errors. Even the slightest of change in the composition of the crude oil causes a drastic change in its value, and an error in measurement will conceal such change ultimately having a substantial effect on the profits earned by the company. To tackle this issue, a majority of companies have begun to invest generously in improving quality and transfer measurement systems like Jiskoot sampling system. Here are the six steps that are necessary to acquire a test sample of crude oil as prescribed by the International Sampling Standards (API 8.2) which are followed by Jiskoot sampling system. The position of the sampling system: The location of the sampling system in relation to the transfer location has a significant impact on the accuracy of the sampling system. When possible the system should be installed in the proximity of the custody transfer point. Oil and Gas System International

2. Mixing and dispersion: The presence of water in the crude oil affects the concentration of the oil across a pipeline, causing variations due to fluid properties and velocity. That is why it is essential to ensure that the fluids are adequately mixed when the sample is taken so that they accurately represent the whole pipeline. The sample should be taken from the center of the pipeline from a single point. The size of the inlet for extracting sample has a proportional effect on the accuracy of the measurement. Correct sampling: Level of water content and the rate of flow vary a lot. To ensure that the sample is representing the whole lot correctly the samples should be of a smaller volume so that multiple samples can be taken. The inlet should also have a pitot so that there is no bias in sampling. The equipment performance should also be validated by the control system throughout the volume and should create an alert if there is an error so that corrective actions can be taken Handling and mixing: Acquired samples are transferred into a batch sample receiver, which should be functioning correctly. For maintaining homogeneity, the content of the receiver is mixed again before a sub-sample is extracted from the receiver. Receivers should not have any fluid-traps or dead pockets. Laboratory analysis: Analysis is the crucial part of the whole sampling process as a failure to do so correctly can nullify all of the previous steps. There are separate standards set internationally to provide proper derectives for laboratory analysis of the samples. Proving the performance of the sampling system: The performance of a sampling system should always be validated by 'proving' methods with the use of water injection once the system is installed. Proving certificates can then be provided to customers, supplier or officials as it will establish the quality of the crude oil and improve the companies’ authenticity. Oil and Gas System International