What is Fuel Oil Sampling

What is Fuel Oil Sampling

One of the most important work during any bunkering is taking the bunker fuel sample & fuel oil transfer quantity calculation. The Bunker fuel sampling includes the method of taking the sample, the location of sampling and witnessing it.

Fuel Oil Sampling

The sample should be obtained by one of the following methods:

1.manual valve-setting continuous-drip sampler; or

2.time-proportional automatic sampler; or

3.flow-proportional automatic sampler.

All these equipment should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or guidelines, as appropriate. The common and economic means of obtaining a representative sample is by using a drip type sampler.

Position of Sampling Point

According to IMO Resolution MEPC 182 (59) – 2009 Guidelines & MARPOL Annex VI for the sampling of fuel oil requires that a fuel sample delivered to the ship should be obtained at the receiving ship’s inlet bunker manifold and should be drawn continuously during the bunker delivery period.

It should be also noted that the ISO 8217 fuel specification refers to “the required properties of the fuels at the time and place of custody transfer”. This point of custody transfer is normally at the ship’s manifold. Many bunker suppliers state in their General Terms and Conditions that:

“The delivery shall be deemed completed when the oil has passed the flange connecting the seller’s delivery facility with the receiving facilities provided by the buyer, at which point the seller’s responsibility shall cease and the buyer shall assume all risks.”

Fuel Oil Sample Collection

The tube within the sampler and sample valve should always be cleaned before use, with a clean distillate fuel(normally diesel oil) and allowing it to drain thoroughly before installing

Connect this sampler between ship’s manifold and bunker barge/shore hose or chickson. When bunkering starts, place an empty container under the sampler, open the sampler valve fully and flush the sampler with fuel. Close the valve and attach a cubitainer at bottom of the sampler.

Adjust the sampler’s needle valve to give a slow and steady drip. The drip rate should be adjusted in such manner that it will provide for sufficient sample over the expected delivery period. If the cubitainer fills during the bunkering period, remove it and add the next one and also replace the tamper seal. Place an empty cubitainer on the sampler and continue to draw a sample. On completion of the bunkering, remove and seal the cubitainer, keep sampler valve full open and allow the sampler to drain. After finishing bunkering duty engineer must follow these steps:

*Close the sampler valve before blowing through the fuel lines on completion.

*Close the sampler valve (if bunker pumping stops), to prevent the sample being drawn back, under vacuum, into the fuel line

*Always get the barge operator to witness removal and sealing of the cubitainer. (If this request is refused, or if no witness is provided, then note this in the delivery log)

Storage of  Fuel Oil Sample

According to MARPOL Annex VI, details of fuel oil that is delivered to and used onboard a ship to be recorded on a Bunker Delivery Note. It should be accompanied by a representative sample of the fuel, solely to be used for determination of compliance with MARPOL Annex VI. The quantity must not be less than 400 ml and it must be retained for a minimum of 12 months.

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