This practice covers procedures and equipment for manually obtaining samples of liquid petroleum and petroleum products, crude oils, and intermediate products from the sample point into the primary container are described. Procedures are also included for the sampling of free water and other heavy components associated with petroleum and petroleum products.

This practice also addresses the sampling of semi-liquid or solid-state petroleum products.

This practice provides additional specific information about sample container selection, preparation, and sample handling.

This practice does not cover sampling of electrical insulating oils and hydraulic fluids. If sampling is for the precise determination of volatility, use Practice D5842 (API MPMS Chapter 8.4) in conjunction with this practice. For sample mixing and handling, refer to Practice D5854 (API MPMS Chapter 8.3).

The procedures described in this practice may also be applicable in sampling most non-corrosive liquid industrial chemicals provided that all safety precautions specific to these chemicals are followed. Also, refer to Practice E300. The procedures described in this practice are also applicable to sampling liquefied petroleum gases and chemicals. Also refer to Practices D1265 and D3700. The procedure for sampling bituminous materials is described in Practice D140. Practice D4306 provides guidance on sample containers and preparation for sampling aviation fuel.