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REMBE® Kersting GmbHREMBE® Kersting GmbH

Sample preparation

Sample preparation is a critical step in bulk sampling to ensure that the sample is representative of the entire material and suitable for subsequent analysis. The exact steps in sample preparation may vary depending on the type of bulk material and the specific method of analysis, but they can typically include the following phases:

  1. Sampling: This step involves taking the sample from the bulk material. It is important that the sample is taken in such a way that it is representative of the entire material. This may involve taking multiple samples from different parts of the bulk material or using a special sampling technique to obtain a representative cross-sectional sample.
  2. Crushing and/or grinding: If the bulk material consists of larger particles or pieces, it may be necessary to crush or grind them to obtain a more uniform sample. This can be done by various methods, depending on the type of material, including mechanical crushing, grinding or sieving.
  3. Homogenization: This step aims to produce a uniform sample in which the different components of the bulk material are evenly distributed. This can be achieved by thoroughly mixing or stirring the sample.
  4. Division: Splitting is the process of splitting a larger sample into smaller parts, which can then be used for analysis. It is important that the division is carried out in such a way that each subsample is representative of the original total sample.
  5. Preservation and storage: Depending on the type of bulk material and the planned analysis, it may be necessary to preserve the sample or store it in special conditions in order to preserve its properties. This could include cooling, drying, or storing the sample in a special container.
  6. Transport: The prepared sample is then transported to the laboratory or analysis center. It is important that the sample is properly handled and protected during transport to avoid contamination or alteration.

Each of these steps requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the sample is representative and provides accurate and reliable analytical results. The specific requirements may vary from case to case, depending on the specific properties of the bulk material and the requirements of the analysis method.