Always Pull Samples From Turbulent Zones
The main objective when taking a fluid sample is to collect as much information as possible. To do this, it is imperative that the sample be representative of normal operating conditions. The proper equipment and method are necessary considerations, but equally important is the location from which the sample is pulled.
Avoid sampling from “dead zones.” Always try to pull samples from turbulent zones – any point on a unit or system at which the fluid changes direction – for example, pipe elbows and joints. Sample points should also be located upstream of any filtration. If sampling must be done from a dead zone, measure the volume of that zone and flush three to five times that amount of fluid from the system before sampling.
| Suggested Flush Volume in ml per Pipe Length |
Pipe |
ID (inches) |
1 in. |
2 in. |
3 in. |
4 in. |
5 in. |
6 in. |
12 in. |
| 1/2"
Sched 40 |
0.622 |
50 |
100 |
150 |
200 |
250 |
300 |
600 |
| 3/8"
Sched 40 |
0.493 |
32 |
64 |
96 |
128 |
160 |
192 |
384 |
| 1/4"
Sched 40 |
0.364 |
16 |
32 |
48 |
64 |
80 |
96 |
192 |
| 1/8"
Sched 40 |
0.269 |
9 |
18 |
27 |
36 |
45 |
54 |
108 |
| Steel Tube |
| 1/2"
0.049 Wall |
0.402 |
21 |
42 |
63 |
84 |
105 |
126 |
252 |
| 3/8"
0.049 Wall |
0.277 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
120 |
| 5/16"
0.049 Wall |
0.215 |
6 |
12 |
18 |
24 |
30 |
36 |
72 |
| 1/4"
0.049 Wall |
0.152 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
18 |
36 |
| 3/16"
0.032 Wall |
0.124 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
24 |
| 1/8"
0.032 Wall |
0.061 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
12 |
| Microbore Hose |
| 2mm Bore |
0.0786 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
12 |
| Sample Hose |
| 1/2"
0.062 Wall |
0.376 |
18 |
36 |
54 |
72 |
90 |
108 |
216 |
| 5/16"
0.037 Wall |
0.2385 |
7 |
14 |
21 |
28 |
35 |
42 |
84 |
| 1/4"
0.037 Wall |
0.176 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
48 |
| 3/16"
0.025 Wall |
0.1375 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
24 |
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