Sampling of Particulate Materials Theory and Practice

Book excerpt: Developments in Geomathematics 4: Sampling of Particulate Materials: Theory and Practice reviews the theory and practice of sampling particulate solids, such as ores and concentrates. With examples borrowed from the mining, metallurgical, and cement industries, the book examines particulate materials of vegetable and mineral origin, including cereals, oil seeds, sugar beets, granulated drosses or slags, bars, plates, and ingots. Organized into nine parts encompassing 34 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the theory of sampling and sampling-error generating mechanisms. It then discusses the continuous selection and discrete models of the increment sampling process and the materialization of punctual increments. It explains the splitting process and its practical implementation in sampling. Lot and sample preparation, resolution of sampling problems, and problems associated with commercial sampling are also discussed. The book also describes the detection of measurement or sampling biases and inconspicuous losses of material, and the design of automatic sampling plants. This book is a valuable resource for geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, and analysts.