UK Sampling’s latest kit

GAUGING THE MARKET

ATEX/IECEX SAMPLING • ACCURATE AND WELL-DOCUMENTED CARGO SAMPLING IS VITAL THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN, SOMETHING THAT UK SAMPLING GAUGES AIMS TO ENSURE

CONTAMINATED OR ‘OFF-SPEC’ liquid cargoes are a perennial problem for oil tankers and terminals. The source of such a problem can vary, with contamination occurring anywhere from the shore tank at the load port to the shore pipeline during loading or on board the vessel itself. When cargo is found to be off-spec on arrival at the discharge port, the vessel could face a claim if no evidence of contamination from the loading port is available to present. Understandably, this can be very frustrating and has led to shipowners and terminals seeking defences against such claims, usually in the form of samples.

UK Sampling Gauges Ltd is a leading manufacturer of sampling equipment for liquids. Extra attention has been paid to enable reliable, accurate sampling, such as spot, running, all-level and bottom. In particular, its running samplers (RNS versions) and all-level samplers have data proving their superior accuracy and reliability compared with conventional systems. Hence, they enjoy strong support from oil companies’ oil loss departments.

MEETING REQUIREMENTS The company offers three closed sampling systems in order to meet industry applications and requirements. All of these have the following unique features: • Stainless steel tapes (tested up to 175 kg) • Mechanical counter enabling constant reading of sampler depth • Samples transferred through a special spout without sample contamination • Unique sampler design enables MK10 and 14 systems to use samplers fitted

with bottles that achieve better results than manual sampling, without sample decanting, thus the standard is maintained even in closed conditions • During sampler retrieval, ‘fall-out’ cannot enter the sampler • Incredible accuracy and reliability • The unique bottom sampler ensures oil/ water interface sampling, even at depths of 1-2 cm of water • Highly secure and safe sampler/tape connection • Ergonomic winding systems are more operator-friendly • More environmentally friendly

The MK7 system uses 0.5-litre capacity samplers and is based on two-inch (50-mm) connections.

The MK10 four-inch (102-mm) system uses 1-litre capacity samplers or optional bottle cage sampling and is provided with flange connection, as required. The MK14 five-inch (127-mm) system uses 1-litre glass bottles in special cages enabling universal sampling and is provided with flange connection, as required.

All of UK Sampling Gauges’ equipment has been tested in the field and shows that no gas is emitted into the atmosphere when compared to conventional sampling equipment. The company has stated its aim is to ensure that the accuracy of its sampling equipment remains of the highest standard for its customers.

The company will be showcasing its latest closed sampling range at this year’s StocExpo exhibition and conference in Rotterdam this month, previewing the MK7, MK10 and MK14 range of equipment. Each system – including samplers and adaptors – benefits from ATEX and IECEx approval for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. HCB www.samplinggauges.com