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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4257

Second edition
2001-07-15

Liquefied petroleum gases — Method of

sampling
Gaz de pétrole liquéfiés — Méthode d'échantillonnage

Reference number
ISO 4257:2001(E)

© ISO 2001
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ISO 4257:2001(E)

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ISO 4257:2001(E)

Contents Page

Foreword.....................................................................................................................................................................iv
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................1
2 Term and definition .......................................................................................................................................1
3 Principle..........................................................................................................................................................1
4 General considerations for obtaining a representative sample ...............................................................1
5 Safety precautions.........................................................................................................................................2
6 Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................................3
7 Preparing the sample container ...................................................................................................................4
8 Procedure .......................................................................................................................................................4
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................7

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ISO 4257:2001(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.

Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard ISO 4257 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 28, Petroleum products and
lubricants, Subcommittee SC 3, Static petroleum measurement.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4257:1988), of which it constitutes a technical
revision.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4257:2001(E)

Liquefied petroleum gases — Method of sampling

WARNING — The use of this International Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and
equipment. This International Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health and
environment protection practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the procedure to be used for obtaining samples of unrefrigerated liquefied
petroleum gases (LPG). It is suitable for sampling from bulk containers, to provide samples for laboratory testing of
products covered by ISO 9162.

This International Standard is applicable for the provision of samples for compositional analysis by ISO 7941. It is
not applicable for the provision of samples for trace analysis of low-boiling components. If trace analysis of low-
boiling components is required, a variable-volume receiver such as that described in ASTM D 3700 should be
used.

2 Term and definition

For the purposes of this International Standard, the following term and definition applies.

2.1
liquefied petroleum gases
LPG
petroleum gases that can be stored and/or handled in the liquid phase under moderate conditions of pressure and
at ambient temperature

NOTE These gases consist predominantly of propane, propene, butanes and butenes, with small proportions of ethane,
ethene and/or pentanes and pentenes. They are normally described in terms of the predominant hydrocarbon, e.g. commercial
butane or commercial propane.

3 Principle
A liquid sample is transferred from the source into a sample container through a transfer line by purging the
container and filling it with liquid, then providing a liquid ullage so that 80 % (V/V) of the container volume remains
filled with liquid.

NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, the term "% (V/ V)" is used to represent the volume fraction.

4 General considerations for obtaining a representative sample

Great care is required to obtain a representative sample, especially if the material to be sampled is a mixture of
liquefied gases. The following factors shall be taken into account.

a) Take samples from the liquid phase only.

b) Avoid sampling from the bottom of a vessel.

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ISO 4257:2001(E)

c) The contents of tanks can be non-homogeneous. Homogeneity can be improved by circulating the contents
prior to sampling.

A waiting period of 30 min is recommended after circulation before sampling to permit settling of any aqueous
material and to allow dissipation of any static charge that may have developed.

d) When sampling from pipelines under flow conditions, the pressure in the line needs to be above vapour
pressure to avoid two-phase conditions.

5 Safety precautions

5.1 General

Because of the hazards involved, liquefied gases shall be sampled only by, or under the supervision of, persons
familiar with the necessary safety precautions. Three areas of safety shall be considered:

a) safety at the sampling point;

b) safety of the container;

c) safety during transport.

5.2 Safety at the sampling point

Care shall be taken to avoid contact by liquid LPG with the skin. Protective gloves and goggles shall be worn, and
care shall be taken to avoid breathing vapours.

Discharge of LPG can give rise to static electricity. Equipment shall be electrically grounded or bonded to the LPG
tank before commencing and throughout the sampling operations.

During purging and ullaging, safe means for disposal of waste vapours and liquids shall be provided. Compliance
with local safety requirements and environmental regulations is necessary.

5.3 Safety of the container

Sample containers for use under pressure shall have been pressure-tested and shall be in accordance with
national or local regulations, and the maximum safe operating pressure shall be marked on the container. Sampling
operators shall ensure that the pressure rating of the container is suitable for use with the product to be sampled
and the conditions under which it is to be handled. Containers shall have been checked for gas tightness.

Containers shall not be overfilled. There shall always be sufficient ullage space to allow liquid expansion under all
storage and transport conditions. Carefully follow the procedure in clause 8, especially 8.4.

Before use, check that the valves and pressure cylinder are not damaged. It is recommended that a frame collar,
preferably square-shaped, be fitted around each valve to protect it from accidental damage during use, transport
and storage.

Containers shall be placed in a cool location, shaded from direct sunshine, as soon as possible after taking the
sample. Keep the sample cool until testing is completed or provide a means of avoiding excessive variation in its
temperature.

5.4 Safety during transport

Precautions shall be taken to protect the integrity of the container by packing the container in a crate in accordance
with regulatory requirements and by using a protective cap on the valves so that accidental unseating of the valves
or tampering with them is prevented. It is recommended that valves should always be capped.

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