Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D6063-11 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Purpose
This guide provides comprehensive information, including flow charts, for field personnel to collect samples from drums and similar containers. It aims to assist in planning and obtaining samples using equipment and techniques that ensure the objectives of the sampling activity are met. Additionally, it can be used as a training tool for field personnel. The standard emphasizes that it does not address all safety concerns, and users must implement appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, with specific warnings in sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4. This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
⚙️ Sampling Equipment and Techniques
The standard references several ASTM practices for sampling from drums. Practice D5451 guides sampling with a composite liquid waste sampler (COLIWASA) for liquid wastes. Practice D5358 covers sampling with a dipper or pond sampler for liquids, while D5495 addresses composite liquid waste sampling. For solid materials, Practice C783 covers core sampling of graphite electrodes, and D5451 is applicable for sludges. Proper decontamination per Practice D5088 is critical to avoid cross-contamination. The guide emphasizes selecting the right sampler based on waste matrix, whether liquid, sludge, or solid.
🔍 Tip: For sludges, use a trier sampler as per D5451 to obtain a representative core without disrupting the settled solids.
📊 Key Definitions and Specifications
Understanding key terminology is essential for accurate sampling. Below are important definitions from Section 3 of the standard.
| 🟦 Term | 📏 Definition | 🎯 Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bung | Usually a 2-in. (5-cm) or 3/4-in. (1.3-cm) diameter threaded plug designed to close a bung hole. | Seals drum openings for transport and storage. |
| Bung Hole | An opening in a barrel or drum through which it can be filled, emptied, or vented. | Primary access point for sampling. |
| Drum | Any drum, barrel, or non-bulk container of 5 to 110 gal (19 to 400 L) capacity. | Sampling container capacity range. |
| Consolidated Solid | A compact solid not easily compressed or broken into smaller portions. | Requires specialized sampling techniques. |
| Unconsolidated Solid | Uncemented or uncompacted material easily separated into smaller portions. | Can be sampled with simpler tools. |
| Representative Sample | A sample reflecting one or more characteristics of interest defined by project objectives. | Ensures data quality. |
| Sludge | Any mixture of solids settling out of solution, with liquids not apparent as free liquids. | Often sampled with COLIWASA or trier. |
| Sampler | The device used to obtain a sample. | Various types for different matrices. |
⚡ Warning: Always follow regulatory requirements and use appropriate PPE. Refer to safety warnings in sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4 for handling hazardous materials.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the capacity range for drums defined in D6063-11?
The standard defines a drum as any container with a capacity of 5 to 110 gallons (19 to 400 liters).
💡 How should bung holes be handled during sampling?
Bung holes are openings closed with threaded plugs (bungs) of 2-in. (5-cm) or 3/4-in. (1.3-cm) diameter, used for filling, emptying, or venting.
⚡ What is a representative sample according to this guide?
A representative sample reflects one or more characteristics of interest as defined by the project objectives.
📌 What practices are referenced for decontamination and chain-of-custody?
Practice D5088 is referenced for decontamination of field equipment, and Guide D4840 for sample chain-of-custody procedures to ensure data integrity.