Abstract

Davies, Reg (E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc.). Sampling operations remove a portion of material from a free-flowing or stationary assembly. The ideal is that this sample is representative of the bulk material. Sampling has grown in importance in response to the emphasis on environmental control and quality assurance. For pure liquids and gases, and solids of uniform particle size, sampling is relatively easy. Once fluids contain particulates, however, the sampling situation becomes more difficult. Particles of nonuniform size tend naturally to segregate. Sampling methods must be employed that circumvent these obstacles to ensure representative sampling. Methods of sampling gases, liquids, and solids are outlined. A discussion of gaseous sample treatments is presented as is liquid sample storage and treatment. Sample efficiency is introduced. Vol. 21, pp. 626–650, 32 refs. to October 1996.