Episode 066 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 1

This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminants.

The episode covers specific sampling depths, proper port selection, and why dead bottom samples should be avoided. Bjornstad emphasizes that sampling technique directly affects the reliability of test results and their representation of the overall fuel quality in a tank.

Listen to the Full Episode:

What You'll Learn:

• The relationship between sampling technique and test result accuracy
• Optimal sampling locations within fuel tanks
• Why choosing the right sampling port matters
• Proper sampling depths for top, middle, and bottom samples
• Common pitfalls in fuel sampling
• How contaminants distribute throughout fuel tanks

Ideas Worth Sharing:

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Test results really are only true of the sample submitted for testing."
• "The bottom of the fuel tank is where most of the particulate and the microbial contamination... that's where most of those things are concentrated."
• "Bottom sample does not mean a dead bottom sample right at the very bottom."

Resources Mentioned:

• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[0:00] - Introduction and episode overview
[1:00] - Importance of proper sampling techniques
[2:00] - Sampling locations and their impact on test results
[3:00] - Bottom tank contamination considerations
[4:00] - Middle and top sampling implications
[5:00] - Port selection for sampling
[6:00] - Defining sample depths
[7:00] - Bottom sampling best practices
[7:30] - Closing remarks