43 CFR § 3175.114 - Spot samples—allowable methods.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t43/s3175.114"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "43 CFR § 3175.114 - Spot samples—allowable methods."
title_number: 43
title_name: "Public Lands: Interior"
section_number: "3175.114"
section_name: "Spot samples—allowable methods."
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MINERALS MANAGEMENT (3000)"
part_number: "3170"
part_name: "ONSHORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
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."
regulatory_source: "81 FR 81421, Nov. 17, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "3170"
---


# 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 (incorporated by reference, see § 3175.30);

(2) *Helium “pop” method.* Samples taken using this method must comply with GPA 2166-05, Section 9.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 3175.30). 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 (incorporated by reference, see § 3175.30). 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; 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), and the samples must be obtained from the discharge of the vacuum pump.