Best Practice for sampling on barges 1 Final Version: May 2019
Best Practice for sampling on barges
1Final Version: May 2019
Best Practice for sampling on barges
2
Elaboration: Working Group „Sampling on barges“
Members: VCI Germany, CEFIC, EBU, ESO, MWV, Fuels Europe,
UTV e.V.
Editor: Kurt Ackermann BASF SE
with support of the companies SGS, Shell, Interterminal
Pictures: The following pictures are provided by the editor, the
companies: SGS, Shell, Interterminal, Honeywell, Biar and the code
of practice Nr. T026 from BG Chemie
Preamble / legal details
Best Practice for sampling on barges
Table of contents:
1 Provisions for sampling according to ADN
2 Consequences of incorrect sampling
3 Basic principles for sampling
4 Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
5 Approaches
6 Responsibilities
7 Conclusions
8 Questionnaire for the selection of a sampling device / system
9 Documentation on board
10 Well-known problems and possible solutions
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1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
1.2.1 Connection for a sampling device:
Means a connection allowing the installation of a closed-type or partly closed-type
sampling device. The connection shall be fitted with a lockable mechanism resistant
to the internal pressure of the cargo tank. The connection shall be of a type approved
by the competent authority for the intended use
1.2.1 Closed-type sampling device:
Means a device penetrating through the boundary of the cargo tank or through the
piping for loading and unloading but constituting a part of a closed system designed
so that during sampling no gas or liquid may escape from the cargo tank. The device
shall be of a type approved by the competent authority for this purpose
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1.2.1 Partly closed-type sampling device:
Means a device penetrating through the boundary of the cargo tank or through the
piping for loading and unloading such that during sampling only a small quantity of
gaseous or liquid cargo can escape into the open air. As long as the device is not
used it shall be closed completely. The device shall be of a type approved by the
competent authority for this purpose
1.2.1 Sampling opening:
Means an opening with a diameter of not more than 0.30 m.
When the list of substances on the vessel according to
1.16.1.2.5 contains substances for which protection against
explosion is required in column (17) of Table C of Chapter 3.2, it shall be fitted with a
flame arrester plate stack, capable of withstanding steady burning and so designed
that the opening period will be as short as possible and that the flame arrester plate
stack cannot remain open without external intervention. The flame arrester plate stack
shall be of a type approved by the competent authority for this purpose
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1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
7.2.4.1 Limitation of the quantities carried
7.2.4.1.1 The carriage of packages in the cargo area is prohibited. This prohibition
does not apply to:
– residual cargo, washing water, cargo residues and slops contained in not more
than six approved receptacles for residual products and receptacles for slops having
a maximum individual capacity of not more than 2 m³. These receptacles for residual
products shall meet the requirements of international regulations applicable to the
substance concerned. The receptacles for residual products and the receptacles for
slops shall be properly secured in the cargo area and comply with the provisions of
9.3.2.26.4 or 9.3.3.26.4 concerning them;
– to cargo samples, up to a maximum of 30, of substances accepted for carriage in
the tank vessel, where the maximum contents are 500 ml per receptacle.
Receptacles shall meet the packing requirements referred to in Part 4 of ADR and
shall be placed on board, at a specific point in the cargo area, such that under normal
conditions of carriage they cannot break or be punctured and their contents cannot
spill in the hold space. Fragile receptacles shall be suitably padded.6
1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
7.2.4.1.2 On board oil separator vessel receptacles with a maximum capacity of 2.00
m3 oily and greasy wastes resulting from the operation of vessels may be placed in
the cargo area provided that these receptacles are properly secured.
7.2.4.1.3 On board supply vessels or other vessels delivering products for the
operation of vessels, packages of dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods may
be carried in the cargo area up to a gross quantity of 5,000 kg provided that this
possibility is mentioned in the certificate of approval. The packages shall be properly
secured and shall be protected against heat, sun and bad weather.
7.2.4.1.4 On board supply vessels or other vessels delivering products for the
operation of vessels, the number of cargo samples referred to in 7.2.4.1.1 may be
increased from 30 to a maximum of 500.
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1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
7.2.4.16.11
The connection closure referred to in 9.3.1.21.1 (g), 9.3.2.21.1 (g) or 9.3.3.21.1 (g)
can be opened only after a gastight connection has been made to the closed or partly
closed sampling device.
7.2.4.22.2
Opening of sampling outlets is only permitted for sampling and
control or cleaning of empty cargo tanks.
7.2.4.22.3
Sampling shall be permitted only if a device prescribed in column (13) of Table C of
Chapter 3.2 or a device ensuring a higher level of safety is used.
Opening of sampling outlets and ullage openings of cargo tanks loaded with
substances for which marking with one or two blue cones or one or two blue lights is
prescribed in column (19) of Table C of Chapter 3.2 shall be permitted only when
loading has been interrupted for not less than 10 minutes
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1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
7.2.4.22.4
The sampling receptacles including all accessories such as ropes, etc., shall consist
of electrostatically conductive material and shall, during sampling, be electrically
connected to the vessel´s hull
7.2.4.22.5
Opening of the housing of the flame arresters is permitted only for the cleaning of the
flame arrester plate stack or replacement by flame arrester plate stacks of the same
design.
Opening is permitted only when the relevant cargo tanks are empty and the
concentration of flammable gases in the cargo tank is less than 10 % of the lower
explosive limit of the cargo/previous cargo.
The results of the measurements shall be recorded in writing.
Cleaning and replacing of the flame arrestor plate stack shall be carried out only by
trained and qualified personnel. 9
1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
9.3.2(3).21.1
Cargo tanks shall be provided with the following equipment
(g) A connection for a closed-type or partly closed-type sampling device, and/or at
least one sampling opening as required in column (13) of Table C of Chapter 3.2;
If the list of substances on the vessel according to 1.16.1.2.5 is going to include
substances that require explosion protection in accordance with column (17) of Table
C of Chapter 3.2, then the flame arrester plate stack capable of withstanding steady
burning of the sampling opening shall be selected according to the explosion
groups/subgroups of the substances foreseen for inclusion in the list of substances on
the vessel (see column (16) of Table C of Chapter 3.2).
9.3.3.21.9
A flame arrester plate stack in sampling openings is not required on board of open
type N tank vessels
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1. Provisions for sampling according to ADN
SAMPLE OFFSPEC - Reasons
❑ Adequate purging of the partly closed-type
or closed-type sampling device with adequate
product is not possible.
❑ The quantity of purging liquids is far too
small to purge the entire system.
❑ New cargo, worst-case the cargo tank, is
contaminated via the return pipe.
❑ Contamination and/or material of the sample
bottle.
Prior to renewed sampling, it is crucial to
purge the sampling device with the cargo to
be sampled.
2. Consequences of incorrect sampling
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SAMPLE OFFSPEC – Actions
❑ Re-sample using closed or semi closed system
❑ Flush sampling line with sufficient liquid
❑ Obtain consecutive samples and mark accordingly
❑ Analyze each sample taken and report
❑ Off-spec due to sampling system if off-spec concentration is reduced over the
consecutive samples
Lower Middle Upper
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Water ρ=1g/ml Product ρ<1g/ml
2. Consequences of incorrect sampling
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3. Basic principles for sampling
OBJECTIVE OF SAMPLING
❑ Establish the specific cargo properties
❑ Confirm compliance with specifications
❑ Investigate subsequent claims against the carrier for
admixture or contamination
❑ Reliable samples to avoid give-away on final blends
❑ Avoid off-spec situation on final blends
❑ Contractual reasons (e.g. reject a cargo, quantity
issues because of different density vs bill of loading density) Sampling for class 3 not allowed -
no flame arrester is installed
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PRINCIPLES
❑ With the use of an uncleaned sampling device, it is not possible to obtain a representative
sample
❑ After sampling it is essential to clean the sampling device and the
connection points with appropriate solvent, etc.
❑ It is also essential after sampling to clean or blow the sampling line with air, etc.
❑ It is necessary to flush the cleaned sampling device and the sampling line with enough cargo
which has to be sampled
❑ It is an advantage to flush this liquid in the cargo tank; if not, in a slop tank or in a can.
❑ It is important to use clean sample bottles every time
3. Basic principles for sampling
TYPES OF SAMPLING
❑ Manifold sampling
❑ First foot sampling
❑ Sampling of loaded vessel tanks
- Running sample
- Ship’s composite sample
- Bottom sample
- Level sample (upper, middle , lower)
❑ Discharge Ails (Automatic In-Line sampler)
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3. Basic principles for sampling
Pros:
❑ All kinds of samples available
❑ Representative samples
❑ Free water detection possible
Cons:
❑ Emission
OPEN SAMPLING
4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
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Example for a open sampling system
SEMI CLOSED SAMPLING
Pros:
❑ Easy sample handling
❑ Minimal product loss by flushing
Cons:
❑ Easily blocked with solidifying products
❑ No representative samples, only spot
samples, point of suction
❑ Slight emission
❑ Cleaning is not possible
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4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Example for a semi closed sampling system
CLOSED SAMPLING
Pro:
❑ Minimum emission/fully closed
❑ Safe sample handling
❑ No emission
Con:
❑ Difficult to clean
❑ Easily blocked with solidifying
products
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4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Example for a closed sampling system
Sampling with deepwell-pumps
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CLOSED SAMPLING
Pros:
❑ Minimum emission/fully closed
❑ Safe sample handling
❑ No emission
Cons:
❑ Difficult to clean
❑ Easily blocked with solidifying
products
❑ No representative samples, only spot
samples, point of suction
4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Example for a closed sampling system
Pros:
❑ Minimum emission
❑ All kinds of samples available
❑ Representative samples
❑ Free water detection possible
❑ All kinds of samplers can be used
❑ Can be used for quantity measurement
as well
Cons:
❑ Cleaning samplers necessarily, can be
difficult
❑ The weight of the equipment (>25 kg)
CLOSED SAMPLING
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4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Sampling with Vapourlock
Example for a closed sampling system
CLOSED SAMPLING
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4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Minimum emission: only when
transferring the product from
sampler to bottle.
Sampling with Vapourlock
CLOSED SAMPLING
❑ All kinds of (representative) samples available
❑ Running samples
❑ Spot samples
❑ Absolute bottom samples
❑ Free water detection possible using the
sampler tubes or MMC / UTI systems
❑ Measurement systems can be connected to
same connection
❑ Vapourlock must be installed at reference
point (calibration needed)
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4. Pros and Cons of different sampling methods
Sampling with Vapourlock
Example for a closed sampling system
1 Connection for sampling device
2 Pump
3 Sample bottle
4 Active carbon filter
5 Sampling device
6 Return pipe
7 Tank with dome
8 Bottom sample pipe
9 Middle sample pipe
10 Top sample pipe
11 Shutoff valves
Connection for a closed sampling device on the cargo tank
5. Approaches
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Red: portable
Black: fixed
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Sample lines with different
depths in the cargo tank
Example for a portable
sampling device
5. Approaches
Piping and Connection for a closed sampling device on the cargo tank
6. Responsibilities
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Safety
➢ Personal protective equipment All
➢ Compliance with the ADN-regulations All
➢ Compliance with local special provisions All
Assessment if correct sampling is possible All
(correct equipment in use, cleanliness of devices, etc.)
Flushing of devices and sampling lines All (Assessment)
Barge operator (to do)
Cleaning of equipment after sampling Barge Operator
Surveyor (by use of
Vapourlock system)
Drying of equipment after sampling Barge Operator
Surveyor (by use of
Vapourlock system)
Sample bottles Normally, the land
facility or the surveyor is
responsible to deliever
the sample bottles
7. Conclusions
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❑ Cleaning after sampling and flushing before sampling are the basic requirements
for obtaining a representive sample
❑ Draining of pipes and sample lines is indispensable
❑ Stagnant zones in the sampling system and the sampling lines must be avoided
❑ Installation on board should be discussed with the manufacturers to find weak
points
❑ Training for the operators on board is necessary to have success
❑ The collaboration of all employees who are involved in sampling on board is
important
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Refeed of non-representative
sampling amounts - principle
Sampling in pipes
7. Conclusions
8. Questionnaire for procuring a sampling device
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1: Selection criteria of sampling devices:
❑ Piping horizontal or vertical
❑ Manual control
❑ Dead man´s control
❑ Piping in bypass
❑ No stagnant zone
❑ Heated
❑ Max. pressure
❑ Max. temperature
❑ Ventilation
❑ Flushing
❑ Liquified gases (Vapour pressure)
❑ Filter
❑ Ex-protection
❑ Exhaustion
❑ Grounding
2: Optional possibilities:
❑ Pressure controller with manometer
❑ Flowmeter
❑ Needle flushing
❑ Shipping lock
❑ Permanent System flushing before
Sampling
3: Heating / Cooling of the sampling
cylinder
❑ Heating / cooling liquid
❑ Temperature
4: Use of quick connection possible
❑ Which manufacturer
❑ Max. pressure during coupling
❑ Max. pressure during uncoupling
General Question: Are all components of the system material-resistant to the substances?
Still to deliver: system description, operating instructions, dimension sheet
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9. Documentation on board
Why do we need consistent documentation of the transported cargoes ?
❑ In case of off-spec sampling, documentation is required for analysis of error
Which documentation do we need ?
❑ List of carried cargoes in all cargo tanks
❑ Date and time of product changes
❑ Date and time of procedures (washing the tanks, efficient stripping, etc.)
❑ List of sampling procedures
❑ Date and time of sampling
❑ Product which was sampled
❑ Confirmation of cleaning the sampling device/system
❑ Cleaning liquid which was used
❑ Remarks
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10. Well-known problems and possible solutions
Handling of purging water from the sampling device/system
❑ Purging liquid can be directed into the emptied cargo tanks or slop tanks
❑ Purging liquid from the sampling device/system can be added to the washwater of
the cargo tanks
❑ The land facility accepts the purging liquids, which were transferred into clean cans,
after case-by-case examination
❑ The allocated point of acceptance according to CDNI accepts the can with the
purging liquid
❑ Approval and correct labelling of the can is mandatory
❑ Surveyors could coordinate this task – therefore, ADR knowledge
Liquid for the purging of the sampling device/system
❑ The land facility can make available the liquid for purging
❑ A sufficient quantity of liquid for purging is on board
❑ Surveyors could bring the liquid for purging on board