scope:

Describes a mathematical method for assessing the overall uncertainty of automatic sampling systems for determining the water content in oil being transferred through pipelines. The model estimates the overall uncertainty (tolerance) by combining statistically the individual systematic and random uncertainties of a number of individual component variables defined in an automatic 'grab' type sampling system. The tolerances on water content determination as a function of the number of sampling grabs, the water content, and the number of water analyses performed are summarized in graphics form.