ASTM D887-13(2022)

Standard Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The goal of sampling is to obtain for analysis a portion of the whole that is representative. The most critical factors are the selection of sampling areas and number of samples, the method used for sampling, and the maintenance of the integrity of the sample prior to analysis. Analysis of water-formed deposits should give valuable information concerning cycle system chemistry, component corrosion, erosion, the failure mechanism, the need for chemical cleaning, the method of chemical cleaning, localized cycle corrosion, boiler carryover, flow patterns in a turbine, and the rate of radiation build-up. Some sources of water-formed deposits are cycle corrosion products, make-up water contaminants, and condenser cooling water contaminants.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices cover the sampling of water-formed deposits for chemical, physical, biological, or radiological analysis. The practices cover both field and laboratory sampling. It also defines the various types of deposits. The following practices are included:    
Sections  
Practice A—Sampling Water-Formed Deposits From Tubing
of Steam Generators and Heat Exchangers  
8 to 10  
Practice B—Sampling Water-Formed Deposits From Steam
Turbines  
11 to 14  
1.2 The general procedures of selection and removal of deposits given here can be applied to a variety of surfaces that are subject to water-formed deposits. However, the investigator must resort to his individual experience and judgment in applying these procedures to his specific problem.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.See Section 7, 9.8, 9.8.4.6, and 9.14 for specific hazards statements.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2022
• ICS: 13.060.30 - Sewage water
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.03 - Sampling Water and Water-Formed Deposits, Analysis of Water for Power Generation and Process Use, On-Line Water Analysis, and Surveillance of Water

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4412-19(2024) - Standard Test Methods for Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4412-19 - Standard Test Methods for Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1245-17 - Standard Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits by Chemical Microscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1293-12 - Standard Test Methods for pH of Water
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1245-11 - Standard Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits by Chemical Microscopy
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D512-10 - Standard Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3483-05(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Accumulated Deposition in a Steam Generator Tube
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4412-84(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2332-08 - Standard Practice for Analysis of Water-Formed Deposits by Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2331-08 - Standard Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D934-08 - Standard Practices for Identification of Crystalline Compounds in Water-Formed Deposits By X-Ray Diffraction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1245-08 - Standard Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits by Chemical Microscopy
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1245-84(2007) - Standard Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits by Chemical Microscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007

Overview

ASTM D887-13(2022) - Standard Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits provides comprehensive methodologies for sampling deposits that form in water systems, particularly in boiler tubes and steam turbines. Developed by ASTM International, this widely recognized standard ensures that water-formed deposit samples collected in the field or laboratory are representative, uncontaminated, and suitable for chemical, physical, biological, or radiological analysis. Following ASTM D887 enhances the reliability of deposit analysis, which is crucial for understanding system chemistry, diagnosing corrosion and erosion, and maintaining efficient power plant and industrial operations.

Key Topics

• Comprehensive Sampling Procedures: Covers both field and laboratory methods for collecting and preparing samples of water-formed deposits from tubing in steam generators, heat exchangers, and steam turbine components.
• Types of Deposits: Defines and addresses sampling for various deposit types, including scale, sludge, corrosion products, and biological deposits.
• Representative Sampling: Emphasizes the importance of selecting proper sampling areas and obtaining a sufficient number of samples to achieve results representative of the system as a whole.
• Sample Integrity: Details how to handle, seal, label, and ship deposit samples to maintain their condition before analysis, minimizing contamination or alteration.
• Special Cases: Provides practices for dealing with radioactive deposits, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Sample Documentation: Lists the essential background and contextual information that must accompany every sample, such as operating conditions, system history, and sampling procedures.

Applications

ASTM D887’s methodologies are applicable across various industries and facility types, including:

• Power Generation: For monitoring and troubleshooting boilers, heat exchangers, and turbines susceptible to water-formed deposits, enabling early detection of corrosion or operational inefficiencies.
• Industrial Water Treatment: Supports investigations into system failures, facilitates maintenance planning, and informs chemical cleaning decisions.
• Failure Analysis: When equipment exhibits unexpected deterioration or malfunctions, D887 sampling enables thorough root-cause and metallurgical analysis.
• Quality Assurance: During inspections, regularly sampling and analyzing deposits helps document system health and supports regulatory or safety compliance.
• Research and Development: Provides standardized sample collection for research into new materials, corrosion resistance, or improved chemical treatment protocols.

Following ASTM D887 ensures that samples are suited for a variety of analyses, including chemical composition, physical structure, biological content, and radiological assessment, supporting both routine monitoring and forensic investigations.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards complement or are frequently referenced alongside ASTM D887 to provide a complete approach to water-formed deposit analysis:

• ASTM D1245: Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits by Chemical Microscopy
• ASTM D2331: Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of Water-Formed Deposits
• ASTM D1293: Test Methods for pH of Water
• ASTM D4412: Test Methods for Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• ASTM D934: Practices for Identification of Crystalline Compounds in Water-Formed Deposits by X-Ray Diffraction
• ASTM D3483: Test Methods for Accumulated Deposition in a Steam Generator Tube

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D887 sampling practices brings tangible benefits:

• Improved Equipment Lifespan: Early detection of deposit-related problems prevents costly downtime and repairs.
• Accurate Analysis: Standardized sampling methods ensure that subsequent analyses-whether chemical, biological, or radiological-yield actionable insights.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to internationally recognized standards simplifies regulatory reporting and quality audits.
• Enhanced Safety: Proper handling of samples, especially those potentially radioactive, safeguards worker health and environmental integrity.

For anyone tasked with maintaining, investigating, or optimizing industrial water systems, ASTM D887 is an indispensable standard for deposit sampling, leading to better understanding, management, and mitigation of water-formed deposit-related issues.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D887 − 13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practices for
Sampling Water-Formed Deposits
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D887; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 These practices cover the sampling of water-formed
D512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water (Withdrawn
deposits for chemical, physical, biological, or radiological
2021)
analysis. The practices cover both field and laboratory sam-
pling. It also defines the various types of deposits. The D934 Practices for Identification of Crystalline Compounds
in Water-Formed Deposits By X-Ray Diffraction (With-
following practices are included:
drawn 2022)
Sections
Practice A—Sampling Water-Formed Deposits From Tubing 8to10 D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
of Steam Generators and Heat Exchangers
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
Practice B—Sampling Water-Formed Deposits From Steam 11 to 14
D1245 Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits
Turbines
by Chemical Microscopy
1.2 The general procedures of selection and removal of
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
deposits given here can be applied to a variety of surfaces that
D2331 Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of
aresubjecttowater-formeddeposits.However,theinvestigator
Water-Formed Deposits
must resort to his individual experience and judgment in
D2332 Practice for Analysis of Water-Formed Deposits by
applying these procedures to his specific problem.
Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D3483 TestMethodsforAccumulatedDepositioninaSteam
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Generator Tube
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D4412 Test Methods for Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria inWater
and are not considered standard.
and Water-Formed Deposits
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 biological deposits, n—water-formed deposits of or-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ganisms or the products of their life processes.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.See
3.1.1.1 Discussion- The biological deposits may be com-
Section7,9.8,9.8.4.6,and9.14forspecifichazardsstatements.
posed of microscopic organisms, as in slimes, or of macro-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
scopic types such as barnacles or mussels. Slimes are usually
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
composed of deposits of a gelatinous or filamentous nature.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.2 corrosion products, n—a result of chemical or electro-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
chemical reaction between a metal and its environment.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.2.1 Discussion—A corrosion deposit resulting from the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
action of water, such as rust, usually consists of insoluble
material deposited on or near the corroded area; corrosion
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water
and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.03 on Sampling Water and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Water-Formed Deposits, Analysis of Water for Power Generation and Process Use, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
On-Line Water Analysis, and Surveillance of Water. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved the ASTM website.
in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D887 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/ The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
D0887-13R22. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D887 − 13 (2022)
products may, however, be deposited a considerable distance all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
from the point at which the metal is undergoing attack. tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
3.1.3 scale, n—a deposit formed from solution directly in where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
place upon a surface. used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Scale is a deposit that usually will sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
retain its physical shape when mechanical means are used to accuracy of analysis.
remove it from the surface on which it is deposited. Scale, 6.1.1 Purity of Water—Reference to water that is used for
which may or may not adhere to the underlying surface, is reagent preparation, rinsing or dilution shall be understood to
usually crystalline and dense, frequently laminated, and occa- mean water that conforms to the quantitative specifications of
sionally columnar in structure. Type III reagent water of Specification D1193.
3.1.4 sludge, n—a water-formed sedimentary deposit.
6.2 Materials:
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The water-formed sedimentary depos-
6.2.1 The highest purity material available should be used
its may include all suspended solids carried by the water and
for removing the deposit samples.
trace elements which were in solution in the water. Sludge
6.2.2 Filter Paper may contain water leachable contami-
usually does not cohere sufficiently to retain its physical shape
nants (chloride, fluoride, and sulfur) which can be removed by
when mechanical means are used to remove it from the surface
pretreatment prior to sampling.
on which it deposits, but it may be baked in place and be hard
6.2.3 Polyester Tape may contain impurities of antimony
and adherent.
and cadmium which must be considered during analysis.
3.1.5 water-formed deposits, n—any accumulation of in-
soluble material derived from water or formed by the reaction 7. Hazards
of water upon surfaces in contact with the water.
7.1 Warnings:
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Deposits formed from or by water in
7.1.1 Special safety precautions are necessary in using
all its phases may be further classified as scale, sludge,
acetoneonawipematerialforremovingwater-formeddeposits
corrosion products, or biological deposit. The overall compo-
(see 9.8.4.6).
sition of a deposit or some part of a deposit may be determined
7.1.2 Special handling precautions may be required for
by chemical or spectrographic analysis; the constituents actu-
working with water-formed deposits containing radioactive
ally present as chemical substances may be identified by
nuclides (see 9.14).
microscope or x-ray diffraction studies. Organisms may be
7.2 Cautions:
identified by microscopic or biological methods.
7.2.1 Extreme care must be taken not to damage the
3.2 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in these
underlying surface when removing water-formed deposit
practices, refer to Definitions D1129.
samples from equipment in the field (see 9.8).
7.2.2 The selection of samples necessarily depends on the
4. Summary of Practices
experience and judgment of the investigator. The intended use
4.1 These practices describe the procedures to be used for
of the sample, the accessibility and type of the deposit, and the
sampling water-formed deposits in both the field and labora-
problemtobesolvedwillinfluencetheselectionofthesamples
tory from boiler tubes and turbine components. They give
and the sampling method.
guidelines on selecting tube and deposit samples for removal
7.2.3 The most desirable amount of deposit to be submitted
and specify the procedures for removing, handling, and ship-
as a sample is not specific. The amount of deposit should be
ping of samples.
consistent with the type of analysis to be performed.
7.2.4 The samples must be collected, packed, shipped, and
5. Significance and Use
manipulated prior to analysis in a manner that safeguards
5.1 The goal of sampling is to obtain for analysis a portion
against change in the particular constituents or properties to be
of the whole that is representative.The most critical factors are
examined.
the selection of sampling areas and number of samples, the
7.2.5 The selection of sampling areas and number of
methodusedforsampling,andthemaintenanceoftheintegrity
samples is best guided by a thorough investigation of the
of the sample prior to analysis. Analysis of water-formed
problem. Very often the removal of a number of samples will
deposits should give valuable information concerning cycle
result in more informative analytical data than would be
system chemistry, component corrosion, erosion, the failure
obtained from one composite sample representing the entire
mechanism, the need for chemical cleaning, the method of
mass of deposit.Atypical example is the sampling of deposits
chemical cleaning, localized cycle corrosion, boiler carryover,
from a steam turbine. Conversely, in the case of a tube failure
flow patterns in a turbine, and the rate of radiation build-up.
in a steam generator, a single sample from the affected area
Some sources of water-formed deposits are cycle corrosion
may suffice.
products, make-up water contaminants, and condenser cooling
water contaminants.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
6. Reagents and Materials listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
used in all cases. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that MD.
D887 − 13 (2022)
TABLE 1 Selection of Samples
7.2.6 Most deposits are sampled at least twice before being
submitted to chemical or physical tests. The gross sample is Tube 1 Tube 2
first collected from its point of formation in the field and then Principal Adjacent Adjacent
Area Area Tube1or
this sample is prepared for final examination in the laboratory.
Related
7.2.7 A representative sample is not an absolute prerequi-
Tube
site. The quantity of deposit that can be removed is often
Preferred selection procedure X X X
limited. In such cases, it is better to submit a single mixed Alternative selection procedure 1 X X
Alternative selection procedure 2 X
sample (composite) and to describe how the sample was
Alternative selection procedure 3 X
obtained. For radiological analysis all samples should be
Alternative selection procedure 4 X
checked for activity levels before preparing a composite since
wide variations in radioactive content may occur in samples of
similar appearance and chemical composition.
7.2.8 It is good practice for deposits to be taken and
9.1.1 Preferred Selection Procedure—Select one or more
analyzed every time a turbine is opened for repairs or inspec-
separate tube samples containing the area of failure, heaviest
tion. Deposit history can then supplement chemical records of
deposition,orprincipleconcern(primaryarea)andincludeany
a unit, and deposit chemistry of units with and without
adjacent or closely related areas of these tube samples that
corrosion and other problems can be compared. Enough
might contain deposits significantly different from the primary
information on deposits has been published(1,2) that a com-
area.Also, one or more tube samples is selected from adjacent
parison between different types of boilers and different water
rows or other related areas that might contain deposits signifi-
treatments, as well as an assessment of deposit corrosiveness,
cantly different from the primary area.
are possible. It has been a general experience that about 0.2 %
9.1.2 AlternativeSelectionProcedure1—Selectoneormore
of a corrosive impurity, such as chloride, in a deposit, is a
separate tube samples containing the area of failure, heaviest
division between corrosive and noncorrosive deposits.
deposition,orprincipleconcern(primaryarea)andincludeany
7.2.9 Deposits taken after a turbine is open do not exactly
adjacent or closely related areas of these tube samples that
represent chemical composition of deposits in an operating
might contain deposits significantly different from the primary
turbine. Chemical thermodynamic data on steam additives and
area. Use this procedure when it is impractical to remove the
impurities,suchasvaporpressuresofsolutions,ionization,and
samples from adjacent rows or other related areas or when it is
volatility data are needed to reconstruct chemistry of environ-
improbable that the information gained by such sampling will
ment during operation.
justify the additional work involved.
7.2.10 Typical changes which occur after the hot turbine is
9.1.3 AlternativeSelectionProcedure2—Selectoneormore
shut down and air is admitted are: (1) reactions with oxygen
separate tube samples containing the area of failure, heaviest
and carbon dioxide, (2) drying of some deposits and water
deposition, or principle concern (primary area). Use this
absorption by others, (3) leaching and recrystallization where
procedure when only the tube section containing the primary
moisture is allowed to condense, and (4) formation of iron
area can be removed or when it is impractical to remove
hydroxide and hematite.
adjacentorcloselyrelatedareas,ortubesamplesfromadjacent
rows or other related areas, or when it is improbable that the
PRACTICE A—SAMPLING WATER-FORMED
information gained by such sampling will justify the additional
DEPOSITS FROM TUBING OF STEAM
work involved.
GENERATORS AND HEAT EXCHANGERS
9.1.4 AlternativeSelectionProcedure3—Selectoneormore
8. Scope
tube samples containing an area adjacent or closely related to
the primary area. Use this procedure only when it is not
8.1 This practice covers the sampling of water-formed
possible to obtain a tube section containing the primary area.
deposits from tubing of steam generators and heat exchangers.
9.1.5 AlternativeSelectionProcedure4—Selectoneormore
It covers both field and laboratory sampling of water-formed
separate tube samples from adjacent rows or other related
deposits. It gives guidelines on selecting tube samples for
areas. Use this procedure only when it is not possible to
removalandspecifiestheprocedureforremovingtubesamples
remove a tube section from the primary area, adjacent to the
from the unit.
primary area, or closely related to the primary area.
9. Field Sampling
9.2 Taking the Tube Sample—Mark the tube that is to be
9.1 Selection of Tube Samples—Whenever feasible, remove
removed (sampled) with a crayon.Along arrow can be used to
the tube containing the water-formed deposit. The length of
show: (1) the ligament that is facing into the furnace, and (2)
tubing removed depends on the amount of deposits present and
whichendofthetubeisup.Markthetubebeforeitisremoved.
the type of analyses to be performed. As a guideline, 3 ft (0.9
The marking should not involve the use of a hammer and die
m) of tubing is suggested. Table 1 contains a summary of the
or paint.
various procedures for selection of samples in the order of
9.2.1 Whenever possible, remove the tube samples by
preference.
sawing. The tube should be dry-cut (no oil). Grinding wheels
and cutting torches can be used to obtain tube samples which
cannot be sawed. Grinding wheels and cutting torches can
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the references at the end of these
practices. produce sufficient heat to alter the composition of the deposit
D887 − 13 (2022)
near the cutting point. If a grinding wheel or cutting torch is 9.4.1.13 Operating temperature, pressure, and rate of flow
used, make the cut a minimum of 6 in. (152 mm) from the area of liquid or vapor in the tube sample.
of concern.
9.4.1.14 Type of treatment applied to the water and a
9.2.2 Usually it is impractical and inconvenient to remove
chemical analysis of the water that formed the deposit or
short sections of tubes from a water-cooled furnace wall in
furnished steam to the affected zone.
order to obtain deposits from the waterside surfaces. Several
9.4.1.15 Description of why the sample was taken; that is,
convenient ways can be used to remove such surfaces. Avoid
the problem involved.
torch burning whenever possible, since original sample envi-
9.4.1.16 Description of discrepancies in operating condition
ronment is often destroyed and a valid metallographic exami-
that could have contributed to the problem.
nation cannot be made of the specimen because of the effects
9.4.1.17 Results of field tests made on the sample or related
of burning.
equipment.
9.2.3 If a tube cannot be removed, trepan (hole-saw cutting)
9.4.1.18 Type of analysis necessary to solve the problem.
above and below the affected area harboring the deposits to
9.4.1.19 Signature of sampler.
remove “window section” from the tube. The window section
9.4.2 Provide other background information that may be
is removed by connecting the holes with longitudinal cuts
necessary for the specific problem. A few of these are date of
usinganabrasivewheel.Inmostcases,theoriginaldepositcan
unit startup, dates of chemical cleanings, type and location of
be retained or collected from the affected area on the waterside
water purification equipment, and direction of flow of fluid in
surfacesofthetube.Also,ametallographicexaminationcanbe
the sample.
made because the original area is not altered or destroyed.
9.2.4 Penetratethetubeonthecasingsideorcoldsideofthe 9.4.3 When numerous samples are collected, forward a
diagram of the unit or affected zone to show the precise
tube if entrance on the furnace side is impractical from a time
and cost standpoint. The deposit can be removed readily and a location of where the samples were removed.
local examination of the waterside surfaces of the tube can be
9.5 Sample Shipping Container—Use a clean wooden box
made.
havingaseparatecompartmentforeachsampleastheshipping
9.2.5 Remove “window sections” only from tubes which
container. Line the compartment with corrugated paper, an
have not failed. It is difficult to remove “window sections”
elastic packing material, or other suitable material. Place each
from small diameter, thick-walled tubes.
sample in a plastic bag or wrap in heavy paper and place in a
9.3 Sealing the Sample—After removing the tube sample,
compartment in the container. Seal the container properly to
allowtheendstocool.Drythetubesampleassoonaspossible.
protect the samples during transit.
Seal the tube ends with rubber stoppers or cardboard and
9.6 Shipping Label—Print the addresses of consignee and
secure the seal with tape.
consignor plainly upon two sides of the outer container, or
9.4 Sample Label—Affix a label or a cardboard or linen tag
attach firmly thereon by cards or labels. Attach warning and
to the sample.
descriptive labels to the outer container.
9.4.1 Note the following information on the label or tag as
9.7 SelectionofDepositSamples—Whenitisnotpossibleto
soon as it becomes available. If this information is too
remove the tube containing the water-formed deposit, remove
voluminous for inclusion on the tag, it can be forwarded in a
the deposit directly from the tube surface in the field. The
separate letter or report, properly identified with the samples
selection of sampling points will be somewhat limited and
concerned.
depend mainly on accessibility. Representative samples of
9.4.1.1 Name of organization supplying sample.
water-formed deposits on tubes usually can be obtained near
9.4.1.2 Name and location of plant.
steam and mud drums, handholes, and manways. These
9.4.1.3 Name and other designation of unit from which
samplescanprovideusefulinformationuponanalysis,depend-
sample was removed.
ing on the specific problem involved.Aphotograph of the area,
9.4.1.4 Number of sample.
before and after removal of the deposit, could be a valuable aid
9.4.1.5 Date and time of sampling.
in studying the problem and planning the analysis of the
9.4.1.6 Precise location occupied in service.
sample.Thecompositionnexttotheunderlyingsurfacemaybe
9.4.1.7 Appearance of sample (note failures, bulges, pits,
different from that which was in contact with the water. If
cracks, etc.).
possible, separation of these two different surfaces should be
9.4.1.8 Type of deposit (whether scale, sludge, or corrosion
made to ascertain this possibility. At times, the quantity of
products).
depositthatcanberemovedislimited.Insuchcases,itisbetter
9.4.1.9 Appearance of deposit (note the color, uniformity,
to submit a single mixed sample (composite) and to describe
texture, odor, and oily matter).
how the sample was obtained, than to collect no sample. If the
9.4.1.10 Exact procedure that was used in removing the
deposit weight per unit area is to be determined, Test Methods
sample and notes concerning any contamination that might
D3483 should be reviewed prior to removal of the deposit.
have occurred
...