Particle size distribution

Particle size distribution plays an essential role in bulk material sampling, as it can affect the representativeness and accuracy of the samples. The grain size distribution refers to the different sizes of the particles in the bulk material and how they are distributed.

Problems can occur in the following situations:

1. Segregation: If the particle sizes in the bulk material vary greatly, separation or segregation can occur, in which larger particles tend to separate from smaller particles, for example by shaking or shaking during transport. As a result, samples taken from the surface may not be representative of the entire material.
2. Uneven sampling: If the sampling equipment is not properly adjusted, it may happen that larger particles are collected preferentially or vice versa. This can lead to a distortion of sampling and affect the accuracy of the subsequent analysis.
3. Sampling equipment blockage: Bulk materials with very large particles are at risk of blocking the sampling equipment, which can affect the efficiency and accuracy of sampling.

To minimize these problems, it is important to use appropriate sampling strategies and equipment. This could include, for example, taking samples from different depths and positions in the bulk material to account for segregation. The equipment should be configured to handle the specific grain size distribution of the bulk material, and appropriate cleaning and maintenance procedures should be in place to prevent blockages.