Sampling from the containment area, for example for quality purposes, poses major challenges for users. On one hand, the system must always remain closed due to the toxic substances it contains, and on the other hand, a sample must be able to be taken.

The "bulk material experts" of REMBE® Kersting GmbH are specialists in the field of sampling toxic powders and bulk materials. For corresponding containment applications, the automated inline sampler - Containment Sampler with OEB level - was developed. To avoid cross-contamination, sterile disposable samplers - so-called disposables - are used. The automated inline sampler ensures maximum safety and comfort to optimize efficiency in process management.

The sampling system consists of a cup sampler, which is adapted directly to the process via a welding flange. Appropriate seals prevent material from escaping between the flange and the sampler. For sampling, the cup moves into the drop tube and collects material. When the cup is subsequently retracted, it is automatically rotated or tilted.

From the sampler, the material falls into an intermediate sample chamber. This is separated from the process and the environment by the pneumatically operated pinch valve. A filter system consisting of a filter, pressure monitoring, and pinch valve adjusts the pressure in the intermediate chamber to the ambient pressure. Meanwhile, valves and remain closed. The filter system is designed for the toxicity of the sampled substance. This prevents particles from escaping into the environment or, in the case of negative pressure in the intermediate chamber, particles from the environment from contaminating the sample.

Only when a pressure balance has been achieved in the intermediate chamber via a filter system does the valve at the lower area of the intermediate chamber open. The sample falls into a continuous collection hose. This is designed to hold several samples. The individual sections can be separated from each other using clamps or by welding. In addition to the pinch valves, there is an air pressure tank as an additional safety system. In the event of a pressure drop within the process, this ensures that no material can escape and the valves remain closed.

The sampler is designed for a sample volume of up to 150 ml per cycle. In the high-temperature version of the cup sampling, it can be used up to 125 °C and a pressure of 10 bar. As a screw sampler, versions up to 300 °C are possible to take representative samples even at extreme temperatures.

Conclusion Through the collaboration of customers, plant planners, and engineers from REMBE® Kersting GmbH, safe sampling points in the containment environment are designed and constructed for continuous use.

This way, employees can be protected while working with toxic substances. Automated and representative sampling in the containment area with maximum safety for humans!

Note: The translation aims to convey the meaning of the original text as accurately as possible, but some nuances or specific terms might be slightly different in English.