A: QCEC offers several different models to meet a variety of dry applications. 

RT – Retractable Tube: for granules, pellets and powders (air driven)

TS – Tube and Screw: for powders (electric and air driven) 

GFR - Gravity Flow Retractable: for grains, granules and pellets (electric or air)

DC and DD2 – Direct Cut: for grains, large granules and pellets (electric or air)

SG – Slide Gate: for grains, pellets and powders (air driven)

*Note: Most Models listed have design variations to meet different application needs.

A: Potential users for automatic sampling include companies which:

Receive raw materials in bulk

Blend raw materials prior to processing

Manufacture by continuous process 

Manufacture by batch process

Are subject to government or industry standards

Are subject to customer or corporate standards

Process toxic or hazardous materials

A: Most typical sampling areas include: 

Raw Materials in Transfer 

• Trucks or rail car loading or unloading 
• Silo filling systems
• Pipeline
• Conveyor belt 

Raw Materials in Process 

• Screens 
• Grinders
• Dryers
• Granulators
• Hoppers
• Blender or mixer 

Raw Materials in Packaging and Shipping 

• Bagging and weighing operations
  

A: You need to know Why, What and Where so we can select the right unit for your sampling application needs.

Why you are sampling? - reasons include analyzing your material’s particle size, chemical, moisture or maybe its volatile content for process and quality control. You may need to control appearance or retain a sample for future inspection and shipping authorization.

What you are sampling? – the physical properties of the material dictate SamplingMode and Operating Type. Things to consider are flow ability, particle size and density, moisture content, temperature and distinct material qualities (Is it sticky, abrasive or hazardous? Is it homogeneous or does it segregate?) for materials of construction or optional equipment needed.

Where you are going to locate the sampler? – intended location affects the selection process. Some things to consider are is it a vertical or sloped gravity discharge chute, a straight or sloped hopper, horizontal conveying lines, screw, belt or drag conveyors. You need to know the space restrictions for selection.

A: There are three basic sampling modes:

Spot sampler – enters the material stream and only takes a sample at the point it stops.

Strip sampler – enters the stream and takes a sample from a narrow portion of the stream all the way across the stream and back.

Cross-cut sampler – takes a sample from the stream’s entire cross-section. This one gives you the most representative sample of your
material.

A: Operating Type describes the automatic sampler’s material-collecting mechanics. The three most common types are:

Tube sampler – is the most common and simplest and is basically a tube with a hole or opening near one end. The hole end of the tube moves into the stream and the material flows into the hole then the tube
retracts from the stream. (there are variations of these)

Tube and Auger sampler – is the second most common type. It has a tube with a hole in it and an auger in the tube that helps direct the flowing material into the sampler. (These are also referred to as Screw samplers)

Pelican sampler – is called this because the sample cutter resembles a pelican’s beak. The sample cutter is the component that passes through the material stream and cuts out the sample moving from one
side to the other. (These are also referred to as Cross-cutting samplers and also come in variations)