Get a Fuel Sample from Large or Small Tanks

TS-SS Tank Sampler

TS-SS Tank Samplers
Hand Sample Pump

Hand Vacuum Pump (Pictured with Sampling Bottles and Hose Sold Separately)

Frequently Asked
Questions

It is common for tanks to be built into equipment making them difficult to access.  Although the Hand Vacuum Pump can be inserted into a fuel filler inlet and extract a sample of fuel, it sometimes is not possible to know where this fuel sample is coming from:  the top of the fuel, middle or bottom.

It is possible at times to remove an inspection panel where the fuel float is located.  The fuel float is connected to the fuel tank gauge and the float is the source of the signal that tells the gauge how much fuel is in the tank.  Removing the float can sometimes be easy or difficult.

If obtaining a fuel sample on a regular basis as part of a Fuel Management Program is required, consider creating a tank access port that can be used for obtaining fuel samples as well as for performing periodic fuel polishing and tank cleaning.  Visit the Fuel Tank Access page on this web site for additional information.

Liqui-Cult Fuel Test Kits

Liqui-Cult Fuel Test Kits are used to detect microbial growth in fluids, in the laboratory and in the workplace.  Areas of application include metalworking fluids, circulating cooling and process water, hydrocarbons (diesel fuel), and other liquids such as cleaners, cosmetics, liquid soaps, detergents, etc.

Liqui-CultTM testing determines the type and degree of infestation usually measured by the more expensive plate count system. To use, simply fill the 5 cc syringe (included in your kit) with the fluid to be tested. Inject the complete 5 cc’s through the rubber cap of the test bottle containing the liquid agar and shake it vigorously. Incubate for 30 hours for bacterial growth or 72 hours for fungal growth and compare it to the appropriate photo charts to determine the degree of contamination.

FuelStat Test Kits

FUELSTAT® technology provides in-the-field, rapid screening of fuel samples (water in fuel or just fuel), giving a quick and accurate assessment of microbial contamination in real time and shows whether you have low or high levels of contamination in aviation and diesel fuels. Most importantly, it gives results within 10 minutes unlike current growth-based tests which must be incubated and monitored for a minimum of 72 hours to provide any results.

Fuel testing kits currently available, which involve total microbial counts, simply tell us that there are micro organisms present in the fuel and that they are alive. FUELSTAT® resinae diagnostic test goes beyond this. Because it detects only active H. res., bacteria and fungi. It tells us not only that the fungus is present and alive but also that it is growing and, therefore, the potential for damage is real.

Two Types of Sampling Equipment to Chose From

There are two types of Fuel Sampling Devices available.  The TS Series Tank Samplers are best suited for larger fuel tanks that provide a top-of-tank access and are over four feet tall.

For shorter tanks and those that do not offer top-of-tank access, a Hand Vacuum Pump is available go grab a fuel sample.

Sample Bottles are sold Separately.  We offer sample bottles in 4-oz. and 16-oz. size for saving and transporting your fuel sample.

TS Series Tank Sampling Devices

TS Series Tank Samplers are Stainless Steel, Industrial Strength devices that are designed to remove liquid samples from storage tanks. The small diameter of the TS Series Tank Sampler permits insertion of the Tank Sampler into a storage tank through a port as small as 1.5 inches in diameter (2.5 inches for 16-oz. sampler).  Be careful to order the TS Series Tank Sampler that will fit through the access port or filler opening of your fuel tank.

The TS Series Fuel Tank Sampler can take liquid samples from any level in the storage tank.

TS-SS Tank Sampler Features

  • 304 Stainless Steel throughout
  • Available in three sizes:
    • TS4-SS:
      • 4 oz. (120 ml) sample size
      • 1.375 inch (3.5 cm) outside diameter
      • 10.375″ (26.3 cm) length
      • 1.6 lbs (.8 kg) weight
    • TS8-SS:
      • 8 oz. (240 ml) sample size
      • 1.375 inch (3.5 cm) outside diameter
      • 17.375″ (44 cm) length
      • 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) weight
    • TS16-SS:
      • 16 oz. (480 ml) sample size
      • 2.0″ (5.1 cm) outside diameter
      • 14.5″ (36.8 cm) length
      • 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) weight
  • Plunger is top-vented to rapidly scavenge the fuel sample
  • Tank bottom samples are taken from the bottom 1/8th inch of the tank due to the unique design of the Tank Sampler
  • The mass of the 0.5 inch diameter plunger promotes a more positive seal than competing products
  • Replaceable Viton “O” Ring

Securing Samples from the Bottom of the Tank:

TS-SS Cutout

Attach a light-gauge chain or wire cable to Hole “A” on the TS Tank Sampler to support the weight of the sampler.  Lower the tank sampler on the chain or cable until the bottom of the plunger (Point “C”) comes in contact with the bottom of the tank. This will open the plunger allowing the liquid sample to be received through the bottom of the Tank Sampler. Remove the tank sampler by lifting the chain or wire connected to Hole “A.” The tank sampler now contains the sample.

Note: Hole “A” is threaded with 8-32 threads so that a shoulder bolt can be used as an attachment fitting if desired.

Securing Samples from a Particular Depth Level in the Tank:

Attach separate light-gauge chains or wire cables to both Hole “A” and Hole “B.” Mark the chain or wire cable attached to Hole “A” so the bottom of the Tank Sampler will be at the desired depth. Lower the tank sampler into the tank by the chain or cable attached to Hole “A” so that the weight of the Tank Sampler is supported by Hole “A”. At the desired depth, pull the chain or cable that is attached to Hole “B” just enough to lift the plunger and receive the sample. Release the tension on the chain or cable attached to Hole “B” and withdraw the tank sampler by the chain or cable attached to Hole “A.”

Note: Holes “A” and “B” are both threaded with 8-32 threads so that shoulder bolts can be used as attachment fittings if desired.
Alternate Sampling Method for More Precise and Accurately Repeatable Sample:

Point “C” is threaded with 10-24 threads. Using a threaded rod (obtained locally) of the desired length for obtaining samples a given distance from the tank bottom, thread the threaded rod into Hole “C.” Lower the Tank Sampler until the threaded rod hits the tank bottom and the plunger will open.

Hand Vacuum Pump Tank Sampling

Obtains fluid samples from hard to reach spots with flexible 1/4″ tubing and the FS 100 Fluid Sampling pump. The durability, simplicity, versatility and operating ease bring a new level of performance of fuel sampling.

No cross contamination — Fluids can be drawn through tubing (FS 120) and the fluid is deposited directly into sampling bottle (FS 110) without coming into contact with the pump.  Cut the tubing to the desired length.   The pump will stay completely clean.  Dispose of tubing after obtaining each sample to prevent cross-contamination when obtaining multiple samples.

The Hand Vacuum Pump system can be used for fuels, oil, hydraulic fluids, coolant, water, etc.

A sample may be extracted from either the bottom of the tank or at some predetermined level within the tank.  If the tank is 4 feet high, and you wish to obtain a sample from the tank bottom, cut a piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe to a length of about 5 feet.  Before inserting the hose or pipe into the tank, feed the 1/4″ tubing (Product FS120)  into the pipe to the opposite end of the pipe and use duct tape on the end not going into the tank to secure the tubing.

If you want a sample from the center of a four foot high tank, make marks on the PVC pipe to show how far to insert the pipe into the tank to reach the center of the tank in relation to the tank access opening.

Cut the tubing to a length allowing sufficient length to enter the front of the Hand Vacuum Pump and extend into the area where the sample bottle is attached.  Screw a sample bottle in place.  Lower the PVC tube to the bottom of the tank or the level desired and pump the fuel up into the bottle.

Note the FS100 Hand Vacuum Pump Tank Sampler does not come with hose or sample bottles.  The 1/4″ hose (FS120) is available in a 100 foot long roll  and the sample bottles are available in two sizes:  4 oz. (FS-100) and 16 oz. (FS-116) bottles (note the 16 oz. bottle package includes a shipping container for each sample bottle).  Bottles are available in packages of five bottles.