---
title: Swagelok Sampling Systems Advice - Understanding Time Delay
description: Time delay can occur almost anywhere within an analytical instrumentation sampling system. This free article goes over four areas to check.
---

[**510-933-6200**](tel:510-933-6200)         [tel:510-933-6200](tel:510-933-6200)[Sales & Support](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/ask)         [Locations](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/locations)         [Login](https://products.swagelok.com/en/login)

[**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/2487715)     [**](https://twitter.com/swageloknorcal)     [**](https://www.facebook.com/109293642424443)     [**](https://www.instagram.com/swageloknorcal)

[![Swagelok Northern California | 2020](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ARCHIVE/Swagelok%20Template%20Assets/img/email-logo-swagelok-280x74.png?width=151&height=40&name=email-logo-swagelok-280x74.png "Swagelok Northern California | 2020")](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/)

- #### [Engineering Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services)
  
    - [Assembly Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly) 
          - [Analytical Subsystems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/analytical-subsystems)
          - [Fluid System Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/design)
          - [Gas Distribution Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/gas-distribution)
          - [Grab Sampling Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/grab-sampling)
          - [Hose Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/hose)
          - [Mechanical Seal Support](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/seal-support)
          - [Regulator Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/regulators)
          - [Tube Bending](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/tube-bending)
    - [Onsite Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite) 
          - [Compressed Gas Leak Detection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/leak-detection)
          - [Fluid System Evaluation](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/fluid-system)
          - [Gas Distribution Program](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/gas-distribution)
          - [Hose Advisory](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/hose)
          - [Sampling System Evaluation](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/sampling-system)
          - [Steam System Audit](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/steam)
          - [Virtual Option](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/virtual)
    - [Support Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support) 
          - [Choosing & Ordering](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/selection)
          - [Fulfilling & Implementing](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/fulfillment)
          - [Managing Inventory](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/managed-inventory)
          - [Renting Tools & Equipment](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/rentals)
    - [Training Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/events)
- #### [Product Lines](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/products)
  
    - [Fittings](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/fittings) 
          - [Gaugeable Preswaging Tool](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gaugeable-preswaging-tool-instructions)
    - [Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/valves) 
          - [Control Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/fugitive-emissions-control-valve-snc)
          - [High-Temperature Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/high-temperature-valve-northern-california-snc)
          - [Industrial Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industrial-valve-applications-california-refineries-snc)
    - [Hose](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hose) 
          - [Thermal Management Materials](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/thermal-management-materials-snc)
    - [Med/High Pressure](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-pressure-control-equipment-snc)
    - [Regulators](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/pressure-regulators) 
          - [Regulator Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/pressure-regulator-assemblies)
          - [Gas Regulator Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-regulator-design-snc)
          - [Types of Pressure Regulators](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/types-pressure-regulators-northern-california-snc)
    - [Gas Distribution](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-a-gas-distribution-management-system-snc) 
          - [Gas Panels](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/know-these-gas-panel-design-basics-to-choose-the-right-system-snc)
          - [Design Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-panel-design-guide-snc)
          - [Gas Panel Manufacturers](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-panel-design-manufacturers-serving-northern-california-snc)
    - [Quick Connects](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/quick-connects)
    - [Measurement](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/measurement)
    - [Seal Support](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-systems) 
          - [Seal Support Types ](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/understanding-mechanical-seal-support-types-suitable-for-petrochem-refineries-snc)
          - [Troubleshooting Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-troubleshooting-guide-bay-area-refineries-snc)
          - [Auxillary Plan](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-the-best-auxiliary-plan-for-centrifugal-pumps-start-with-the-right-seal-plan-snc)
          - [Brand Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-mechanical-seal-support-brands-snc)
    - [Tubing](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/tubing)
    - [Filters](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/filters)
    - [Grab Sampling](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gss_p1) 
          - [Panel Applications](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/grab-sampling-panel-application-guide-snc)
          - [Industrial Sampling Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industrial-gas-sampling-guide-snc)
    - [Sample Cylinders](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sample-cylinders) 
          - [Sample Bomb Options](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sample-bomb-cylinder-options-oil-gas-northern-california-snc)
    - [Subsystems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/subsystems)
    - [Welding](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/welding)
    - [Miniature](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/miniature)
    - [Leak Prevention](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sealants)
- #### [Resources](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/resources)
  
    - [Assembly](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/assembly)
    - [Blog](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog)
    - [Case Studies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/case-studies)
    - [Certifications](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/certifications)
    - [Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/design)
    - [Downloads](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/downloads)
    - [Events](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/events)
    - [FAQs](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/faqs)
    - [How-to Videos](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/tips)
    - [Sampling](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sampling)
    - [Steam](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/steam)
    - [Videos](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/videos)
    - [Webinars](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/webinars)
- #### [About](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/about-us)
  
    - [Contact Us](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/ask)
    - [Customer Reviews](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/feedback)
    - [Customer Survey](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/survey)
    - [Industries](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industries) 
          - [Alt Fuel & Transport](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/clean-energy)
          - [Chem & Petrochem](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/petrochemical) 
                  - [Grab Sampling Assembly Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/grab-sampling-system-assembly-services-for-the-petrochem-industry-snc)
                  - [Seal Support Assembly Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-assembly-services-petrochem-industry-snc)
                  - [Seal Support Replacement Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-replacement-services-for-california-refineries-snc)
                  - [API Seal Flush Plans](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-among-api-seal-flush-plans-for-petrochem-refineries-snc)
                  - [Sample Bomb Assembly](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sample-bomb-assembly-services-northern-california-refineries-snc)
          - [Oil & Gas](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/oil-gas)
          - [Power](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/power)
          - [Semiconductor](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor) 
                  - [Auto Changeover Gas Manifold](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/auto-changeover-manifold-semiconductor-northern-california-snc)
                  - [Components for Fab Equipment](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor-fab-equipment-snc)
                  - [Equipment Design & Fabrication](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor-manufacturing-equipment-design-fabrication-snc)
                  - [Fabrication Challenges](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor-fabrication-challenges-snc)
                  - [Gas Delivery Systems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor-gas-delivery-systems-snc)
                  - [New Technologies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/thermal-management-challenges-new-technologies-snc)
                  - [Orbital Welding Training](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor-orbital-welding-training-tips-snc)
                  - [Selecting Gas Delivery Systems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-delivery-system-semiconductor-northern-california-snc)
                  - [Thermal Management Solutions](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/thermal-management-solutions-snc)
    - [Join Our Team](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/jobs)
    - [Mission](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/commitment)
    - [Locations/Hours](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/locations)
    - [Service Area](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/area)
    - [Social](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/social)
    - [Swagelok for Everything](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/if-only)
    - [Why Swagelok?](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/quality)
- #### [Shop](https://products.swagelok.com/en/)
  
    - [Fittings](https://products.swagelok.com/en/fittings/c/100?clp=true)
    - [Valves](https://products.swagelok.com/en/valves/c/200?clp=true)
    - [Regulators](https://products.swagelok.com/en/regulators/c/300?clp=true)
    - [Hoses and Flexible Tubing](https://products.swagelok.com/en/hoses-flexible-tubing/c/700?clp=true)
    - [Quick Connects](https://products.swagelok.com/valves/quick-connects/c/206?clp=true)
    - [Filters](https://products.swagelok.com/en/filters/c/400?clp=true)
    - [Sample Cylinders](https://products.swagelok.com/en/sample-cylinders/c/1000?clp=true)
    - [Welding System](https://products.swagelok.com/en/welding-system/c/1200?clp=true)
    - [Leak Detectors, Lubricants, and Sealants](https://products.swagelok.com/en/leak-detectors-lubricants-sealants/c/900?clp=true)
    - [Tubing and Tube Accessories](https://products.swagelok.com/en/tubing-tube-accessories/c/800?clp=true)
    - [Analytical Instrumentation](https://products.swagelok.com/en/analytical-instrumentation/c/500)
    - [Measurement](https://products.swagelok.com/en/measurement-devices/c/600?clp=true)

[![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/98649/6075ca9e-2f86-4ec5-9ede-e047ed5df29a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/98649/6075ca9e-2f86-4ec5-9ede-e047ed5df29a)

**Swagelok Northern California**

**Menu**

** **

- [Home](https://northerncal.swagelok.com)
- [Customers](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industries) 
    - [Chem & Petrochem](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/petrochemical)
    - [Clean Energy](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/clean-energy)
    - [Oil & Gas](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/oil-gas)
    - [Power](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/power)
    - [Semiconductor](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/semiconductor)
    - [Customer Survey](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/survey)
    - [Simplifying Operations](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support) 
          - [Fulfilling & Implementing](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/fulfillment)
          - [Managing Inventory](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/managed-inventory)
          - [Renting Tools & Equipment](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/rentals)
- [Optimizing Your Systems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite) 
    - [Fluid System Evaluation](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/fluid-system)
    - [Compressed Gas Leak Detection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/leak-detection)
    - [Gas Distribution Program](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/gas-distribution)
    - [Hose Advisory](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/hose)
    - [Sampling System Evaluation](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/sampling-system)
    - [Steam System Audit](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/steam)
    - [Virtual Option](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite/virtual)
- [Assembling Your Equipment](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly) 
    - [Fluid System Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/design)
    - [Analytical Subsystems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/analytical-subsystems)
    - [Gas Distribution Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/gas-distribution)
    - [Grab Sampling Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/grab-sampling)
    - [Hose Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/hose)
    - [Mechanical Seal Support](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/seal-support)
    - [Regulator Assemblies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/regulators)
    - [Tube Bending](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/tube-bending)
    - [Equipment Assembly Resources](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/assembly)
- [Training Your Team](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/events)
- [Local Product Guides](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/products) 
    - [Choosing & Ordering](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support/selection)
    - [Fitting Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/fittings) 
          - [Gaugeable Preswaging Tool](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gaugeable-preswaging-tool-instructions)
    - [Valve Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/valves) 
          - [Control Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/fugitive-emissions-control-valve-snc)
          - [High-Temperature Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/high-temperature-valve-northern-california-snc)
          - [Industrial Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industrial-valve-applications-california-refineries-snc)
    - [Hose Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hose) 
          - [Thermal Management Materials](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/thermal-management-materials-snc)
    - [Med/High Pressure](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-pressure-control-equipment-snc)
    - [Regulator Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/pressure-regulators) 
          - [Regulator Assemblies ](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/pressure-regulator-assemblies)
          - [Gas Regulator Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-regulator-design-snc)
          - [Types of Pressure Regulators](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/types-pressure-regulators-northern-california-snc)
    - [Gas Distribution Optimization](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly/gas-distribution) 
          - [Gas Panels](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/know-these-gas-panel-design-basics-to-choose-the-right-system-snc)
          - [Design Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-panel-design-guide-snc)
          - [Gas Panel Manufacturers](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/gas-panel-design-manufacturers-serving-northern-california-snc)
    - [Quick Connect Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/quick-connects)
    - [Measurement Devices](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/measurement)
    - [Seal Support Optimization](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-systems) 
          - [Seal Support Types ](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/understanding-mechanical-seal-support-types-suitable-for-petrochem-refineries-snc)
          - [Troubleshooting Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/mechanical-seal-support-troubleshooting-guide-bay-area-refineries-snc)
          - [Auxillary Plan](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-the-best-auxiliary-plan-for-centrifugal-pumps-start-with-the-right-seal-plan-snc)
          - [Brand Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/choosing-mechanical-seal-support-brands-snc)
    - [Tubing](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/tubing)
    - [Filters](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/filters)
    - [Grab Sampling Optimization](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/grab-sampling-systems) 
          - [Panel Applications](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/grab-sampling-panel-application-guide-snc)
          - [Industrial Sampling Guide](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/industrial-gas-sampling-guide-snc)
    - [Sample Cylinder Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sample-cylinders) 
          - [Sample Bomb Options](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sample-bomb-cylinder-options-oil-gas-northern-california-snc)
    - [Subsystems](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/subsystems)
    - [Welding System Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/welding)
    - [MPC Selection](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/miniature)
    - [Leak Prevention](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sealants)
- [Resources](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/resources) 
    - [Blog](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog)
    - [Case Studies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/case-studies)
    - [Certifications](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/certifications)
    - [Design](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/design)
    - [Downloads](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/downloads)
    - [Events](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/events)
    - [FAQs](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/faqs)
    - [How-to Videos](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/tips)
    - [Sampling](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/sampling)
    - [Steam](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/steam)
    - [Videos](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/videos)
    - [Webinars](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/webinars)
- [Contact](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/about-us) 
    - [Capabilities Overview (NEW)](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/capabilities)
    - [Contact Us](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/ask)
    - [Join Our Team](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/jobs)
    - [Mission](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/commitment)
    - [Locations/Hours](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/locations)
    - [Service Area](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/area)
    - [Social](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/social)
    - [Swagelok for Everything](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/if-only)
    - [Why Swagelok?](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/quality)
- [Shop](https://products.swagelok.com/en/) 
    - [Fittings](https://products.swagelok.com/en/fittings/c/100?clp=true)
    - [Valves](https://products.swagelok.com/en/valves/c/200?clp=true)
    - [Regulators](https://products.swagelok.com/en/regulators/c/300?clp=true)
    - [Hoses and Flexible Tubing](https://products.swagelok.com/en/hoses-flexible-tubing/c/700?clp=true)
    - [Quick Connects](https://products.swagelok.com/valves/quick-connects/c/206?clp=true)
    - [Filters](https://products.swagelok.com/en/filters/c/400?clp=true)
    - [Sample Cylinders](https://products.swagelok.com/en/sample-cylinders/c/1000?clp=true)
    - [Welding System](https://products.swagelok.com/en/welding-system/c/1200?clp=true)
    - [Leak Detectors, Lubricants, and Sealants](https://products.swagelok.com/en/leak-detectors-lubricants-sealants/c/900?clp=true)
    - [Tubing and Tube Accessories](https://products.swagelok.com/en/tubing-tube-accessories/c/800?clp=true)
    - [Analytical Instrumentation](https://products.swagelok.com/en/analytical-instrumentation/c/500)
    - [Measurement](https://products.swagelok.com/en/measurement-devices/c/600?clp=true)

[![Message Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/98649/684819c2-6ac5-4c91-b6e6-06e56420f872.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/98649/684819c2-6ac5-4c91-b6e6-06e56420f872)

# Understanding Time Delay

## Four Main Areas to Inspect

#### ![Sampling-UnderstandingTimeDelay (1)](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2020%20-%20Resources%20thumbs%20(compressed)/Sampling-UnderstandingTimeDelay%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Sampling-UnderstandingTimeDelay%20(1).jpg)Time delay can occur almost anywhere within an analytical instrumentation sampling system. Get this article to review four key areas to inspect for time delay.

In a process analyzer sampling system, there is always a delay between the moment you grab the sample and the time you obtain a reading. This time delay may be longer than you think. Underestimating it can lead to inferior process control. If you’re assuming your time delay is one minute, but in fact it’s two hours, your analyzer readings may no longer be relevant or purposeful.

Time delay is cumulative, accounting for the total amount of time it takes for a sample to travel from the tap in the process line to the analyzer and be analyzed. You want to minimize this delay, with a common goal of one minute or less from the tap to the analyzer reading.

For the full article, please fill the form then check your email.

### Get this article

Swagelok Northern California

Swagelok Northern California is a locally owned sales and service center of Swagelok, a company celebrating 75 years in business. We have locations in Fremont and Sunnyvale, CA (USA). Phone: [**510-933-6200**](tel:5109336200).

[Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services)

- [Assembly Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/assembly)
- [Onsite Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/onsite)
- [Support Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/services/support)
- [Training Services](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/events)

[Catalogs](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/products)

- [Fittings](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/fittings)
- [Valves](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/valves)
- [Hose](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hose)
- [All](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/products)

[Resources](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/downloads)

- [Case Studies](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/case-studies)
- [FAQs](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/faqs)
- [Videos](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/videos)
- [All](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/resources)

[About](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/about-us)

- [Contact Us](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/ask)
- [Locations](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/locations)
- [Services Area](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/area)
- [All](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/about-us)

Copyright © 2011-2025 Swagelok Northern California. All Rights Reserved.

[Login](https://products.swagelok.com/en/login)      [Locator](https://www.swagelok.com/en/locate-a-sales-service-center)      [Safety](https://www.swagelok.com/en/Safe-Product-Selection)      [Legal](https://www.swagelok.com/en/Legal-notice)      [swagelok.com](https://products.swagelok.com/en)