Sampling for Particulate Bulk Processes – That's easy, isn't it ?

Representative and accurate sampling is important in all process industries where a bulk product is sold and final performance is linked to specific physical and/or chemical properties.  Inaccurate sampling can have a major impact on bottom line profit linked to customer disputes on quality. When a mining company sells precious metal ores to a refining company, agreeing on the true amount of gold in a particular shipment is extremely profit related. Or when a washing powder is used in the home, a lower than designed level of bleach would lead to dissatisfaction and possible complaints or lack of repurchase which is also ultimately impacting bottom line profit.

How to sample ? The fundamental principle is simple, “every particle must have an equal probability of being sampled“. Simple theory but surprisingly difficult to implement in practice. Particularly in bulk flows at many tons/hr. There are many examples of badly designed auto samplers and manual sampling practices. The application of the correct principles of sampling to bulk industrial processes is a complex subject. The inclined chute sampler illustrated left is an example of a correctly designed in line sampler.

Want to know more about industrial sampling ? David J Smith (Director, DJS Process Consulting Ltd.) is presenting at the University of Leeds on 10th May. See below link for full details of content and how to attend – University of Leeds – Powder Characterisation Training