---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 3175.114"
title: "43"
number: "3175.114"
heading: "Spot samples—allowable methods."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3175.114"
---

# §3175.114. Spot samples—allowable methods.

- (a) Spot samples must be obtained using one of the following methods:
  - (1) **Purging—fill and empty method.** Samples taken using this method must comply with GPA 2166-05, [Section 9.1](/cfr/43/9.1.md) (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3175.30](/cfr/43/3175.30.md));
  - (2) **Helium “pop” method.** Samples taken using this method must comply with GPA 2166-05, [Section 9.5](/cfr/43/9.5.md) (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3175.30](/cfr/43/3175.30.md)). The operator must maintain documentation demonstrating that the cylinder was evacuated and pre-charged before sampling and make the documentation available to the AO upon request;
  - (3) **Floating piston cylinder method.** Samples taken using this method must comply with GPA 2166-05, [Sections 9.7.1 to 9.7.3](/cfr/43/9.7.1..9.7.3.md) (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3175.30](/cfr/43/3175.30.md)). The operator must maintain documentation of the seal material and type of lubricant used and make the documentation available to the AO upon request;
  - (4) **Portable gas chromatograph.** Samples taken using this method must comply with [§ 3175.118](/cfr/43/3175.118.md); or
  - (5) Other methods approved by the BLM (through the PMT) and posted at www.blm.gov.
- (b) If the operator uses either a purging—fill and empty method or a helium “pop” method, and if the flowing pressure at the sample port is less than or equal to 15 psig, the operator may also employ a vacuum-gathering system. Samples taken using a vacuum-gathering system must comply with API 14.1, Subsection 11.10 (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3175.30](/cfr/43/3175.30.md)), and the samples must be obtained from the discharge of the vacuum pump.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 81 FR 81609, Nov. 17, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396d and 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189, 306, 359, and 1751; and 43 U.S.C. 1732(b), 1733, and 1740.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 81421, Nov. 17, 2016, unless otherwise noted.