We have recently discovered that there are two methods of collecting samples in our plant. Some samples are taken at the airwash separator (as I have always read was correct). Others are collected at the inlet to a screen separator where shot is continually diverted from the hopper for sorting.

In your opinion, would there be a signficant difference in test results based on location of sample collection? And, if so, how would you expect the results to differ?

Thanks

Sample collection can have tremendous influece on sample results. Whichever method you use should be documented. The teachings at our workshop describe taking a large container (bucket) and passing it under the airwash stream from end to end thereby collecting the widest possible range of media size. If you collect from the inlet to the screen separator be sure to collect a large amount of media. The media should then be split using either a commercial splitter (W.S. Tyler) or by pouring the media into a pile and quartering the pile several times until you are close to the 100 gram sample to be used for analysis.