This practice describes general procedures and equipment for automatically obtaining samples of liquid petroleum and petroleum products, crude oils, and intermediate products from the sample point into the primary container. This practice also provides additional specific information about sample container selection, preparation, and sample handling. If sampling is for the precise determination of volatility, use API MPMS Chapter 8.4 (ASTM Practice D5842) in conjunction with this practice. For sample mixing and handling, refer to API MPMS Chapter 8.3 (ASTM Practice D5854). This practice does not cover sampling of electrical insulating oils and hydraulic fluids.