Proper sampling of petroleum products is as impor- tant to quality surveillance as proper testing. Improper containers and poorly-drawn or mishandled samples can cause laboratory results to be meaningless, or worse, misleading.
Directions for sampling cannot be made explicit enough to cover all cases. Judgment, skill, and experi- ence should supplement any group of instructions. Consequently, the person assigned to take samples shall be trained, experienced, competent, and conscientious. The responsibility for taking and preparing samples shall not be lightly delegated.
This section provides general information on petro- leum sampling techniques and practices. For more detailed information and instructions including de- scriptions of the various types of samples (for example, all-levels, bottom, composite, etc.) consult ASTM Standard Practice D-4057.
3.3.1 General Rules
1. The sampler’s hands shall be clean.
2. Sample containers, clear glass quart bottles or LDPE/HDPE plastic bottles, shall be meticulously cleaned (washed with an appropri- ate laboratory detergent). Wipe bottles clean with lint-free cloths (i.e., MIL-C-85043 Type II).
Note
Alcohol shall not be used to clean sample bottles.
3. Samples shall be representative of the product being sampled. Samples shall be taken with the system operating at normal flow rates and steady state. Samples drawn during static (no flow) conditions are not representative of the full fuel flow and will give false results.
4. Samples shall be capped promptly, protected from light, and handled expeditiously.
5. Samples taken for shipment to shore laboratories shall be taken only in 1-quart glass sample bottles. Glass sample bottles for shipment to shore laboratories shall be filled to 1 inch below the cap.
6. LDPE/HDPE plastic bottles are authorized for use for the collection of particulate and free water fuel samples.
7. LDPE/HDPE plastic bottles shall be marked for the appropriate level (800 ml or 500 ml) and filled only to this mark.
8. Samples taken to test filter/separator efficiency shall be taken at the filter discharge.
9. Visual samples shall be taken in clear glass bottles only.
3.3.2 Sample Containers. The following fuel sampling bottles, containers, kits and safety cans are available through the supply system and are the only type authorized for the collection, retention, and submission of aviation fuel samples.
1. Kit, Fuel Sampling. A complete kit consisting of metal shipping container, cushioning material (inner-pack), and four 1-quart sample bottles, NSN 8115-00-719-4111.
2. Cushioning Material. Replacement top/bottom packing material for the above fuel sampling kit, NSN 8115-00-719-4825.
3. Replacement Kit. Replacement bottles and tags for the above fuel sampling kit, NSN 8115-00-717-8572.
4. Container, Fuel Sample. A 1-gallon, 24-gauge steel, epoxy resin lined fuel sample can suitable for the shipment or retention of fuel samples, NSN 8110-00-128-6819.
5. Drum, Shipping and Storage. A 5-gallon, 24-gauge steel, epoxy-lined fuel sample container suitable for shipment or retention of fuel samples, NSN 8110-00-400-5748.
6. Bottles, Glass, Clear. Six 1-quart clear glass bottles (without tags) suitable for taking visual samples and for shipping fuel samples to shore laboratories, NSN 8125-00-378-9994.
7. Bottles, LDPE/HDPE Plastic. Plastic bottles suitable for taking particulate and free water samples are available in two sizes:
a. 1000 ml, NSN 6640-01-300-3541 (6 bottles) b. 500 ml, NSN 6640-01-461-1016 (12 bottles) 8. Container, Safety Can. Containers for the safe storage and transport of used fuel are available in two sizes:
a. 1 gallon, NSN 7240-00-177-4999 b. 5 gallon, NSN 7240-00-178-8286
3.3.3 Identification of Sample. All samples sent to a fuel testing laboratory shall be individually tagged with a label (see Figure A-4) containing the following minimum information:
1. The originating ship’s name, address, and type (CV/CVN, LHA, LPD, FFG, etc.); a point of contact and phone number should be included (if possible).
2. Sample serial number (sampling activity’s desig- nation assigned to this particular sample)
3. Type fuel
4. Date sample was taken
5. Approximate time the sample was taken
6. The source of the sampling point (nozzle sample, filter/separator number, or tank number)
7. Name of the person who drew the sample 8. Classification of sample and tests required (see
paragraph 3.3.4).
a. ROUTINE Correlation (insert CCFD or B/2 results in space provided).
or
b. SPECIAL (list tests required and/or pertinent remarks. This is especially important when sending in special samples. The comments will assist the laboratory personnel in deter- mining additional tests that should be performed).
3.3.4 Sample Classification. All samples shipped to a fuel testing laboratory shall be classified either ROUTINE Correlation or SPECIAL.
3.3.4.1 Routine Correlation Sample. Routine correlation samples are the samples taken when no fuel problems or aircraft problems attributable to fuel are known or suspected (see paragraph 3.2.3). These samples and their test results serve two purposes:
1. Assist the activity in monitoring the performance of their local fuel testing equipment and methods. 2. Provide TYCOM and SYSCOM cognizant of- fices with information on the general quality of the fuel delivered to aircraft and the performance of the fleet’s quality surveillance equipment (CCFDs and B/2s).
At a minimum, routine correlation samples will be taken and hand delivered to the shore laboratory prior to departure on extended deployment. However, this does not preclude sending correlation samples more frequently if concerns regarding the results obtained with shipboard QA equipment arise.
3.3.4.2 Special Sample. Special samples are submitted for test because the quality of the fuel is suspect either as the result of aircraft malfunctions or for other reasons.
1. Special samples shall have the highest priority in handling, testing, and shipping.
2. Ships submitting special samples shall notify (via message traffic) TYCOMs and the laboratory to which the sample is being sent.
3.3.5 Shipping Instructions. Samples are to be forwarded to appropriate testing laboratories by the most expeditious means. A listing of military petro- leum laboratories is included in MIL-HDBK-844(AS). Wherever feasible, samples shall be delivered directly to the laboratory by special courier.
Samples to be shipped by military aircraft shall be packed in accordance with the requirements of the manual on Packaging and Handling of Dangerous Materials for Transportation by Military Aircraft (AFM 7l-4/TM 38-250/NAVWEPS 15-03-500/MCO P4030.19). The sampling kit listed in paragraph 3.3.2
above meets these requirements.
New sample bottle caps shall be used for all samples being shipped in this sample kit.
3.4 FUEL LABORATORY, TEST