Recently, we had the chance to talk to SDMyers lab supervisor, Laura Berkta, for a chat about liquid sampling containers. Here’s what she had to say.

Q: Laura, tell us a little bit about the SDMyers analytical testing lab.

Laura: Well, over the last 50+ years, SDMyers has generated millions of test results from oil samples on thousands of high-voltage units. Our analytical lab can process a wide range of liquid types and help to identify virtually any transformer oil issue.

Q: Do you enjoy what you do?

Laura: Absolutely! It’s challenging, fun, and the people I get to work with make all the difference. Our lab at SDMyers is the world’s largest dielectric liquid testing operation that services electric power systems. We find a lot of pride in being able to provide effective, accurate test results for customers across the country and from dozens of countries around the world.

Q: Some customers pull, package, and ship their own samples. Is that correct?

Laura: That’s true, yes. A small percentage do their own sampling, and we provide them with containers, boxes, and instructions on how to do it properly.

Q: So, what is the right way to package oil samples for testing?

Laura: We have written instructions that are available, and we even have a video that shows them how to pack them in the boxes. Oil samples can become compromised if not handled correctly, so it’s important to follow the instructions. Based on a customer’s order, we provide them with SDMyers-approved containers: 4oz, 12oz, and 16oz containers and sampling syringes. Once the samples have been taken, they are packed in the SDMyers boxes with dividers and sealed for shipping.

Click to view and download the sampling instructions.

Q: Have you ever received samples that were packaged incorrectly?

Laura: Not very often, but yes! We’ve received some odd containers before.

Q: What’s an example of something “odd” you’ve received?

Laura: We’ve seen it all over the years, but one time we received an oil sample in a Gatorade bottle and a Wendy’s bag, one time in a mason jar, and one time there was a sample sent in an Elsa—from the movie Frozen—water bottle.

Laura: We do our best to test what we get, but that’s why we take the time to provide clear instructions and a set of standard, approved containers. If a customer ever has a question about how to pull or package a test sample, we are always here to help. Our transformer specialists love to talk with customers and get them what they need.

Thank you for your time, Laura!

Laura: You’re welcome!

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February 17, 2022