A GUIDE TO FUEL PERFORMANCE - Virginia Clean Cities

Operatinu Drip SamplerThe tube within the sampler and sample valve should always be cleaned before use. This canbe done by removing the tube, simply flushing it with a clean distillate fuel (such as kerosene) andallowing it to drain thoroughly before installing. The tube should always be installed with the holesfacing the direction of the incoming fuel.When fuel transfer starts, place a container under the sampler, open the sampler valve fully andflush the sampler with fuel. Close the valve and attach a cubitainer onto the valve as shown. If thesample is required only for testing on site, then it is possible to substitute a single sample bottle inplace of the cubitainer.Adjust the needle valve to give a slow and steady drip. Time the fill rate to estimate that it willprovide for sufficient sample over the expected delivery period. Place an empty cubitainer on thesampler and continue to draw a sample. -On completion of the bunkering, remove and seal thecubitainer, fully open the sampler valve and allow the sampler to drain.Always close the sampler valve before blowing through the fuel lines on completion ofbunkering.Close the sampler valve if pumping stops, to prevent the sample being drawn back, undervacuum, into the fuel line.Always get the barge operator to witness removal and sealing of the cubitainer. If this request isrefused, or if no witness is provided, then note this in the delivery log.Specification TestinqSection 3 on purchasing fuels lists the fuel properties and tests that should be done for thesesamples. Private testing laboratories that specialize in analyzing petroleum samples can performtests for fuel properties specified in ASTM D 396 for burner fuels. ASTM International maintainsa Directory of Testing Labs on-line with full text search for services and locations of testinglaboratories. The information on the types of tests performed, specific tests performed, materialsanalyzed, or other services offered has been provided by the laboratories. Refer to this most usefulwebsite,http://astm.365media.com/astm/la bshndex. htmlA GUIDE TO FUEL PERFORMANCE 37