Samplers


Sample Thieves

Koehler offers a full selection of sample thieves for obtaining samples from storage tanks, tank cars, etc. These thieves conform to a range of standard test methods. Please refer to the following brief descriptions for determining which thief is best suited for your particular application.


Sample Thief (Bacon Bomb)
Obtains samples from storage tanks, tank cars and drums. When the thief strikes the bottom of the tank, a plunger assembly opens to admit the sample. The plunger closes again when the bomb is withdrawn, forming a tight seal. Samples can be taken at any depth with the use of a secondary trip line, or extension rods may be added for obtaining samples at levels of up to 18"(46cm) off the bottom. Equipped with plunger locking cam for tight closure during transport (except for 4 oz 11⁄8" dia. model). Special models include a 4 oz (118mL) ‘pencil’ model for sampling through small diameter pipes and openings, and clear acrylic samplers with plated brass plunger and end pieces. Modified samplers can be supplied for special applications – we invite your inquiries.

  • Obtains bottom samples or samples from any level
  • Four different capacities
  • Plated brass, stainless steel or acrylic construction
  • Standard Viton O-ring seal
  • Optional metal-to-metal seal
Catalog No. Capacity oz (mL) Construction
& Seal
Outside Diameter
O.D. - in. (cm.)
Overall Length
in. (cm.)
K27700 32 (946) Plated Brass
Viton O-ring
3⅜ (8.6) 15⁵⁄₃₂ (38.5)
K27701 32 (946) Stainless Steel
Viton O-ring
3⅜ (8.6) 15⁵⁄₃₂ (38.5)
K27790 16 (473) Plated Brass
Viton O-ring
2¾ (7) 12¹⁄₃₂ (30.6)
K27795 16 (473) Plated Brass
Metal Seat
2¾ (7) 12¹⁄₃₂ (30.6)
K27791 16 (473) Stainless Steel
Viton O-ring
2¾ (7) 12¹⁄₃₂ (30.6)
K27792 16 (473) Acrylic
Viton O-ring
2¾ (7) 12¹⁄₃₂ (30.6)
K27780 8 (237) Plated Brass
Viton O-ring
2⁵⁄₁₆ (5.9) 10⁵⁄₃₂ (25.8)
K27785 8 (237) Plated Brass
Metal Seat
2⁵⁄₁₆ (5.9) 10⁵⁄₃₂ (25.8)
K27781 8 (237) Stainless Steel
Viton O-ring
2⁵⁄₁₆ (5.9) 10⁵⁄₃₂ (25.8)
K27782 8 (237) Acrylic
Viton O-ring
2⁵⁄₁₆ (5.9) 10⁵⁄₃₂ (25.8)
K27770 4 (118) Plated Brass
Viton O-ring
1⅞ (4.7) 9¹¹⁄₁₆ (24.6)
K27771 4 (118) Stainless Steel
Viton O-ring
1⅞ (4.7) 9¹¹⁄₁₆ (24.6)
K27772 4 (118) Plexiglass
Buna N O-ring
1⅝ (4.01) 9¹¹⁄₁₆ (24.6)
K27760 4 (118) Plated Brass
Viton O-ring
1⅛ (2.8) 13¼ (33.7)
K27761 4 (118) Stainless Steel
Viton O-ring
1⅛ (2.8) 13¼ (33.7)
K27762 4 (118) Acrylic
Viton O-ring
1⅛ (2.8) 13¼ (33.7)


Sample Thief Extension Rods
Installs in sample thief plunger assembly. Stainless steel with threaded end.

Catalog No. Length in. (cm) Application
K277-EXT1
K277-EXT2
K277-EXT3
K277-EXT6
K277-EXT12
K277-EXT18
1 (2.5)
2 (5.1)
3 (7.6)
6 (15.2)
12 (30.5)
18 (45.7)
32, 16, and 8 oz models
K277C-EXT1
K277C-EXT2
K277C-EXT3
K277C-EXT6
K277C-EXT12
K277C-EXT18
1 (2.5)
2 (5.1)
3 (7.6)
6 (15.2)
12 (30.5)
18 (45.7)
4 oz models


All-Levels Sample Thief
Similar to the standard 16 oz (473mL) Sample Thief (Bacon Bomb), but equipped with an adjustable needle valve opening instead of a plunger to control rate of flow during ‘all-levels’ and ‘running’ sampling from storage tanks. Plated brass construction.

Catalog No. Product Name
K27800 All-Levels Sample Thief


Adjustable-Level Sample Thief
Takes samples at depths up to 12" (30.5cm) from bottom. Similar to the standard 16 oz (473mL) Sample Thief (Bacon Bomb), but with built-in graduated extension rod adjustable between 0-12" (30.5cm). Plated brass construction.

Catalog No. Product Name
K27900 Adjustable Levels Sample Thief


Drum Thief (Sampling Tube)
Choice of plated brass or stainless steel construction. For tube sampling from barrels and drums. Takes bottom samples or all-levels samples. 40" Long x 11⁄4" dia. (102x3.2cm). Maximum sample capacity of 24 oz (710mL). Shipping Weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg).

Catalog No. Product Name
K27400 Drum Thief, Plated Brass
K27401 Drum Thief, Stainless Steel


Weighted Beaker
For beaker sampling from tank cars, tank trucks, shore tanks, ship tanks and barge tanks. Copper or stainless steel construction with weighted bottom. Includes handle and chained cork. Takes all level samples, running samples, and top, upper, middle, lower and outlet samples. Select 3⁄4" (19mm) opening for light crude oils, light lubricating oils, kerosenes, gasolines, transparent gas oils, diesel fuels, and distillates, or 11⁄2" (38mm) for heavy crude and fuel oils, heavy lubricating oils and nontransparent gas oils. Shipping weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg).

  • Capacity 32 oz. (946mL)
  • Choice of 3⁄4" or 11⁄2" (19 or 38mm) opening
Catalog No. Product Name
K27600 Weighted Copper Beaker, with 3⁄4" opening
K27601 Weighted Stainless Steel Beaker, with 3⁄4" opening
K27610 Weighted Copper Beaker, with 11⁄2" opening


LPG Sample Containers
Welded stainless steel cylinders for obtaining representative samples of liquefied petroleum (LP) gases. Two-valve type (1⁄4 IPS), with 20% outage tube and built-in pressure relief valve factory preset between 540 to 600psi (38-42 kg/cm2).

  • Two-valve type with 20% outage tube
  • Built-in pressure relief valve
  • Conforming to ASTM D1265 and GPA 2140 specifications
Catalog No. Product Name
K27851 LPG Sample Cylinder, 150mL
K27852 LPG Sample Cylinder, 300mL
K27853 LPG Sample Cylinder, 500mL
K27854 LPG Sample Cylinder, 1000mL
K27856 LPG Sample Cylinder, 3000mL


Core-Type Sampling Thief (Tulsa Oil Thief)
The K28100, Core-Type Sampling Thief is used to manually obtain samples of a liquid, semi-liquid or solid state whose vapor pressure at ambient conditions is below 101kPa (crude oil, etc.)

  • Obtains bottom samples or samples from any level
  • Butterfly valve on bottom for easy sampling
  • Stainless steel and brass construction
  • Three Petcocks for draining at different levels
  • Conforms to the specifications of: ASTM D4057
  • Capacity: 33oz.
  • Empty Weight: 6.187 lbs.
  • Sample Container Material: Polycarbonate
  • Markings: Every inch from 3" to 14"
  • Distance from tank bottom to inlet valve: 1.729"
  • Max height: 21"
  • Max length: 4.7"
  • Max width: 4.2"
Catalog No. Product Name
K28100 Core-Type Sampling Thief