Diesel Sample Collection Process from Vessel (Tanker) by SGS

Preparation and Boarding

  • Vessel Notification and Access: SGS inspectors coordinate with the vessel’s master or chief officer to board the tanker at the port or terminal. They verify the vessel’s identity (e.g., IMO number, name) and review cargo documentation (e.g., Bill of Lading, tank layout).

  • Safety Protocols: Inspectors wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including flame-resistant coveralls, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, and life vests. They follow vessel safety protocols, such as gas-free certifications or confined space entry permits for accessing tanks.

  • Grounding: To prevent static discharge, inspectors ground themselves by touching a metal part of the vessel away from the sampling point, using non-sparking tools.

  • Equipment Setup: Spill containment measures (e.g., absorbent pads, drip trays) are placed around sampling points. Inspectors carry sampling devices, clean containers (e.g., 1-liter glass bottles or metal cans), and tamper-evident seals.

Sampling Process

  • Tank Identification: Inspectors confirm the specific cargo tank(s) to be sampled (e.g., “1P” for Port Tank 1 or “Slop Tank”) using the vessel’s tank plan and cargo manifest. Tank levels, temperature, and pressure are measured using calibrated gauges (e.g., UTI tapes for ullage, temperature, and interface).

  • Sampling Methods:

    • Types of Samples: Depending on requirements, samples are collected as:

      • Upper, Middle, Lower: Taken at specific depths to assess stratification.

      • Composite (All-Level): A mix from multiple depths for an overall representation.

      • Bottom (Dead Bottom): To check for water, sediment, or microbial contamination, common in diesel with FAME blends.

    • Equipment Used:

      • Weighted Bottle Sampler: A bottle attached to a cord or chain is lowered through the tank hatch to the desired depth, filled by pulling a stopper, and retrieved without agitating the diesel.

      • Bacon Bomb Sampler: A plunger-valve device lowered to the tank bottom, filled, and sealed upon retrieval, ideal for bottom samples.

      • Running Sampler: A tube or bottle with an open valve is lowered through the cargo, collecting a continuous sample across depths.

    • Procedure:

      • Access tank via ullage hatch or sampling port on the deck.

      • Lower the sampler slowly to the target depth (e.g., upper: 10% from top, middle: 50%, lower: 90%, or bottom: 10-15 mm above tank floor).

      • Fill the sampler completely until bubbles stop, ensuring no air entrapment.

      • Retrieve carefully to avoid contamination or spillage.

      • For water detection, apply water-finding paste to a gauge tape, dip to the tank bottom, and check for color change indicating free water (removed if exceeding limits, e.g., 25 mm for diesel).

  • Sample Transfer: Transfer diesel to clean, vapor-tight containers (e.g., glass bottles or metal cans, filled to ~80% to allow expansion). Containers are pre-labeled with sample ID, tank number, vessel name, date/time, and inspector’s initials.

  • Frequency: Samples are typically taken per tank, with multiple samples (e.g., 3-5 per tank) for large cargoes or regulatory compliance. For bunkering, samples may be taken during loading/unloading via manifold drip sampling.

Sealing and Labeling

  • Sealing: Immediately after collection, containers are capped tightly and secured with tamper-evident seals (e.g., numbered plastic or metal seals, unique to each sample, such as “SGS-789123”).

  • Labeling: Labels include:

    • Vessel name and IMO number.

    • Tank number (e.g., “2S” for Starboard Tank 2).

    • Sample type (e.g., bottom, composite).

    • Date/time of collection.

    • Sample ID and seal number.

    • Inspector’s name and SGS branch.

  • Chain of Custody: Samples are logged in a sampling report, placed in secure carriers, and transported to an SGS laboratory for analysis (e.g., per ASTM D975 or ISO 8217 for diesel quality).

Safety and Compliance

  • Safety Measures: Non-sparking tools (e.g., brass or aluminum samplers) are used to prevent ignition. Spills are contained, and excess diesel is disposed of as hazardous waste per MARPOL regulations.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Sampling adheres to international standards (e.g., IMO, SOLAS) and local port regulations. A visual check for diesel clarity/brightness (per ASTM D4176) is performed on-site.

  • Documentation: Inspectors complete a time log, noting boarding time, sampling duration, and any discrepancies (e.g., water content, tank anomalies).

Reporting Seal Number and Tank Number

  • SGS Report Structure: The final report (e.g., Certificate of Analysis, Quantity & Quality Report) includes:

    • Tank Number: Listed in sections like “Sample Source,” “Cargo Tank Data,” or “Vessel Measurement.” Example: “Vessel: MT Example, Tank: 3P, Ullage: 2.5 m, TOV: 10,000 m³.”

    • Seal Number: Noted in “Sample Report” or “Analysis Report” to ensure traceability. Example: “Sample ID: SGS-D123, Tank: 4S, Seal No.: SGS-789123, Collected: 13-Aug-2025.”

  • Report Details: Includes analysis results (e.g., sulfur content, flash point), photos of seals or sampling, and certifications. Reports are issued to clients for trading, bunkering, or regulatory purposes.

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