ISO 29945:2016

Overview

ISO 29945:2016 provides a standardized method for the manual sampling of refrigerated liquefied Dimethylether (DME) at onshore terminals. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard focuses on ensuring representative sampling at both loading and unloading ports. Special attention is given to critical precautions due to DME’s unique chemical and physical properties, which set it apart from other liquefied gaseous fuels like LPG. The standard is also applicable, with appropriate modifications, for sampling DME on board liquefied gas tankers and for other non-petroleum-based, refrigerated liquefied gases with similar properties.

Using ISO 29945:2016 helps maintain fuel quality, supports environmental protection measures, and upholds safety across industrial and commercial applications involving DME.

Key Topics

• General Characteristics of DME:

  • Non-corrosive, effective solvent, hydrophilic
  • Small coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Distinct boiling point and vapor pressure

• Safety Precautions:

  • Use of protective clothing, helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety footwear
  • Procedures to minimize operator exposure, including standing upwind and shortening sampling time
  • Static electricity grounding and applying in-house safety directives
  • Sampling to be performed by skilled personnel

• Sampling Apparatus and Methods:

  • Sampling lines and cylinders primarily constructed of stainless steel and compatible polymers
  • Types of sample cylinders: two-valve, with or without ullage/siphon tubes, or single-valve cylinders
  • Floating-piston cylinders as an alternative

• Sampling Procedures and Adjustments:

  • Procedures for taking samples during loading and unloading operations
  • Steps for cylinder filling, pressure management, and leak checking
  • Methods for adjusting sample volume to maintain correct cylinder fill (typically 85% volume)

• Sample Identification and Retention:

  • Accurate labeling for traceability: content, date, sampler identity, cylinder/sample numbers, source, and any special observations
  • Retention protocols for analysis and archiving under safe, controlled conditions

Applications

ISO 29945:2016 is primarily applicable in:

• Energy Sector Terminals and Depots:

  • Ensuring batch conformity during DME transfer in large-scale terminals and storage facilities

• Maritime and Bulk Transportation:

  • Sampling DME cargo aboard specialized tankers to assess quality after long-haul transport

• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:

  • Laboratory and field verification for DME purity, supporting contractual obligations and regulatory standards

• Development of Alternative Fuels:

  • Facilitating the safe adoption of DME as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based fuels by allowing accurate, repeatable sampling

Adoption of ISO 29945:2016 assures stakeholders of consistency in sampling practices, supporting international trade, safety, and environmental goals.

Related Standards

• ISO 4257: Liquefied petroleum gases - Method of sampling
  A referenced standard for LPG sampling, offering additional context for handling liquefied gases.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and 2:
  Framework for the development and drafting of international standards.

Professionals responsible for the handling, transport, and analysis of refrigerated liquefied DME, or similar fuels, should also consult relevant ISO standards to ensure harmonized and safe operations across the energy supply chain.

Keywords: ISO 29945:2016, Dimethylether (DME), manual sampling, refrigerated liquefied gaseous fuels, onshore terminals, DME safety, DME sampling procedure, non-petroleum-based fuels, gas terminal standards, DME quality assurance.