How long should you wait before taking samples after shifting service from tanks?

Waiting for a period of 5 minutes before taking samples after shifting service from tanks is generally recommended to ensure that the sample reflects the current conditions in the system. This waiting period allows time for any potential inconsistencies or transient conditions in the fluid to stabilize, ensuring that the sample taken is representative of the overall contents of the tank.

When service is shifted, there can be disturbances in the flow and settling of particulates or temperature variations, which may affect the integrity of the sample. By allowing a brief period, operators eliminate the risk of capturing an unrepresentative sample that could lead to inaccurate testing results or assessments of the tank's contents.

In certain contexts within gas turbine operations and handling of fuels, sampling too soon could yield results that misrepresent the actual state of the fuel or lubricant, so taking the time to pause before sampling is a standard best practice for accuracy and reliability.