What can a Mechanical Sampling System do?

Proper sampling is the first critical step in determining the quality of a bulk commodity. Risk associated with inaccurate sample results are minimized by utilizing a well-designed and constructed mechanical sampling system. A well designed, properly operated and maintained mechanical sampling system will consistently provide accurate quality data. Mechanical sampling is generally preferred over manual sampling.

There is no human discretion involved, and the mechanical sampling system has the opportunity to collect increments from any part of the lot. Use of a mechanical sampling system must include an on-going quality assurance program, including monitoring of the sampling ratio, and the system should be periodically bias tested to assure bias-free performance.

What technical standards do you apply?

With respect to the sampling process, SGS uses the latest versions of applicable sampling standards. SGS is experienced in using ISO, AS, ASTM, JIS and other sampling standards as relevant to your project. For many years, our staff has been and continues to be active members of various committees for sampling of coal and other bulk commodities.

In addition, we comply with the requirements of your technical specifications. Where you do not have specific specifications, SGS offers standard technical specifications for your sampling system.

What other services can SGS offer in relation to mechanical sampling?

SGS can operate and maintain (outsourced operations) a mechanical sampling system. This will ensure that the clients sampling system is operational when needed.

SGS can compile, maintain and report data that monitors the sampling systems performance. This ensures the systems we created, installed and operate for you continue to operate in a manner that produces representative results consistently.

What kind of commodities can your systems sample?

SGS can provide a mechanical sampling solution for most bulk commodities and slurries. Please refer to the extensive list of materials that SGS has experience in sampling.

What is systems bias testing?

A bias test of a sampling system is a process in which the statistical difference between test results for reference samples (usually stopped belt samples) and samples produced by a sampling system are compared. A consistent difference between the test results is known as a sampling bias. The presence of a significant sampling bias is undesirable and can be very costly to producers, sellers and buyers of coal and minerals.

SGS is the clear leader in bias testing of mechanical sampling systems, both in number of tests conducted annually and in the superiority of techniques employed. Technicians come to the job site fully prepared and equipped with the proper tools, collect the test samples with minimal disruption to client operations and issue a report with the test results without delay.

How long before I get a reply to my inquiry?

Initially, all enquiries are acknowledged within two business days. Once we have all necessary information available, we are usually able to reply to an inquiry within a period of a few days to two weeks. The average is about one week. The time varies depending upon the extent of information that is initially provided, the complexity of the project and extent of detailed technical specifications.

How long does it take from contract to delivery?
The time period between award of a contract and delivery of a sampling system depends upon the complexity of the project and current work in hand.  

Typically, a single component such as a cross belt primary sampler is ready for delivery within about 8 weeks. More complex systems usually require a period of between 18 to 24 weeks. Some projects may require periods of up to 30 or more weeks.

What guarantee do you provide for your equipment?

All goods supplied by SGS are guaranteed for a period of 18 months from the date of dispatch or 12 months from the date of commissioning, whichever occurs first.  SGS’ liability is limited to the materials and goods that we supply.

Are you certified with any Quality Systems?

Our quality management system is ISO 9001 certified.

Who are your major clients?

Refer to Our Experience for a list of major national and international clients.