Overview
ISO 8563:2023 - "Propylene and butadiene for industrial use - Sampling in the liquid phase" specifies procedures, precautions and apparatus for drawing representative liquid-phase samples of propylene and butadiene for analysis. The second edition updates apparatus guidance, safety requirements and adds two closed-sampling arrangements. Informative annexes include a disposal system diagram (Annex A) and step‑by‑step filling sequences for non‑closed and closed sampling apparatus (Annexes B, C, D).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Sampling methods to obtain representative liquid samples of propylene and butadiene intended for laboratory analysis.
- Safety precautions: Emphasises grounding/bonding of containers, explosion‑protected electrical equipment, good ventilation (low and high levels), and compliance with ISO 3165:1976 for safe sampling. Operators should minimise skin exposure and use eye/hand protection.
- Sampling cylinders: Preferably stainless steel, fitted with two stainless‑steel valves and a dip pipe leaving about 20% vapour headspace. Cylinders should meet pressure ratings: e.g., capable of withstanding 3.4 MPa (for propylene) or 1.4 MPa (for butadiene) as indicated, and be regularly pressure‑tested. Fluorocarbon‑lined or specially passivated cylinders are recommended when measuring trace polar components.
- Cleaning and preparation: Procedures such as purging with superheated steam followed by dry nitrogen, and inert‑gas purging to make cylinders air‑free, are described to avoid contamination from oil, water or solvents.
- Sampling apparatus types:
- Non‑closed sampling apparatus: Open‑air systems with passivated stainless‑steel connecting pipes; Annex B shows the filling sequence.
- Closed sampling apparatus: Two designs provided. Closed No.1 uses stainless tubing with a three‑way sampling valve and pressure gauge; Closed No.2 uses stainless tubing plus metal hose with three two‑way valves. Annexes C and D show operation sequences.
- Ancillary requirements: Guidance on connecting pipes, valve arrangements, disposal of unused sample portion (Annex A), and recording sampling reports.
Practical applications and users
ISO 8563:2023 is intended for:
- Petrochemical producers and terminals performing routine quality control sampling.
- Laboratory analysts and QA/QC teams ensuring representative samples for compositional or impurity analysis.
- Health, safety and environmental officers overseeing safe handling, transport and disposal of volatile liquid olefins.
- Equipment manufacturers and testing service providers designing or validating sampling systems for propylene and butadiene.
Using this standard helps reduce sampling bias, protect personnel and facilities, and ensure traceable, consistent sample collection for analytical comparability.
Related standards
- ISO 3165:1976 - Sampling of chemical products for industrial use - Safety in sampling (normative reference in ISO 8563:2023).
