What is EN ISO 3170:2014?

Introduction

EN ISO 3170:2014 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the extraction of petroleum and liquid petroleum products. It specifies the manual and automatic methods for taking samples of liquid hydrocarbons in order to determine their composition and physical properties.

Scope and Application

This international standard applies to all types of crude oils and liquid petroleum products, including those that are stored and transported in bulk. It is especially relevant for quality control and inspection purposes, as well as in research and development activities related to petroleum products.

The techniques described in EN ISO 3170:2014 can be used for obtaining representative samples during the custody transfer process, where accurate measurement and testing of the product’s characteristics are crucial.

Main Requirements

The standard outlines several key requirements for sample extraction, such as:

Sample Containers: Properly cleaned containers made of suitable materials should be used to avoid any contamination or alteration of the sample.

Sampling Methods: Different techniques, such as manual or automatic samplers, may be employed depending on the specific application and product being sampled.

Sampling Locations: The sampling points need to be selected carefully to ensure they are representative of the entire batch or storage tank.

Sampling Procedures: The procedures should be clearly defined, documented, and followed consistently to minimize errors and ensure repeatability.

Conclusion

EN ISO 3170:2014 is an essential standard for the petroleum industry as it defines reliable methods for collecting samples and determining the properties of liquid hydrocarbons. Compliance with this standard ensures accurate quality control and reliable measurement during custody transfer, which ultimately contributes to the overall efficiency and safety of the industry. Implementing these guidelines is crucial for maintaining the integrity and consistency of the petroleum products throughout their lifecycle.