Above: Cubitainers are used to collect a sample
The figure shows the position of the bunker sampler with the minimum working clearance required. It should be noted that the sample is collected in a cubitainer. This is a consumable item of typically 5 litre capacity which is attached to the needle valve.
Below: Bunker Sampler in position
Info Centre >> Fuel and Lube Oil Technical Manual >> 3. Fuel Oil - Delivery & Sampling >> 3.6 Sample Position
Fuel Oil Sampling: Sample Postion
There is no single perfect location for obtaining a representative fuel oil sample but the optimal location is at either end of the bunker delivery hose.
It should be noted that the ISO 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. The following points should also be appreciated.
In most countries, the Customs Authority imposes duty on the product blended on shore, while the bunker fuel remains duty free if blended over the ship’s rail.
The maintenance of fuel quality in the distribution system is not totally predictable, not only because of occasional deliberate malpractice but mainly due to the fact that genuine accidents can occur. In view of the fact that in many cases the bunkers are blended shortly prior to the delivery, the place of custody transfer is the last point of checking the actual quality of the product delivered. 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.”