Introduction to sampling tools

Tools for sampling: general information and requirements

All sampling tools must be designed and manufactured so as to serve their intended purpose and preserve the original characteristics of the sampled goods.

Sampling tools must meet these general requirements:

they must be robust enough to withstand handling operations;
they must be easy to clean;
all parts must be made of materials resistant to:
- the effects of the goods being sampled (e.g. fruit acid or chemicals);
- the cleaning agents (e.g. bleach or surfactants);
they must also conform to safety requirements.

You must always check their cleanliness before use. After use, you must clean the sampling tools according to specific instructions.

Sampling liquids: The following tools may be used: vacuum pumps, dipping vessels, pipette-type samplers, sampling scoops, piston-tube samplers etc.

Sampling solids in powder or granulated form: The following tools may be used: spear samplers, tube-type samplers, zone samplers, sampling trowels, spiral samplers, samplers for frozen goods, hand-drill samplers, etc.

Sampling gases: Sampling require a metal cylinder (sample cylinder) for collection and transport. Sample cylinder is an assembly that includes a pressure rated cylinder and inlet and outlet isolation valves.

Other suitable tools, similar to the ones described above, may also be used for sampling purposes, provided that they are able to perform the operations described and meet the safety requirements. Other tools may be used for the aggregation of primary samples or for the homogenisation, separation, reduction, quartering, etc. of final samples. For this purpose, various plastic or metal boxes, drums, canisters, buckets, etc. with suitable stirrers can be used. When lowering dipping vessels various manually-operated reels and lowering and raising cables may be used.

Other general tools may be useful during sampling, for example knife or box cutter, scissors, tongs, cleaning brushes, adhesive or sealing tape, pen, flashlight, etc.

The sampling tools intended for the sampling of petroleum products, organic solvents and other easily flammable liquids and gases must be approved for such use. They must be made of sufficiently electro-conductive materials to prevent static electricity being generated and must not create sparks when in contact with another metal object.

The sampling tools used for taking samples from liquids in depth must be tied to a cord, rope or chain long enough to take samples from any level required. Cords, ropes and chains used for sampling of extremely flammable liquids must be made of materials which prevent static electricity being generated.

The table includes the sampling tools suitable for different types of goods. The availability and design of sampling tools may vary in different Member States. The list is therefore not exhaustive and other sampling tools may be used according to the nature of the goods to be sampled.

Sampling Kits in Transport Cases - examples


Kit for Sampling Tools

Vacuum Pump Sampling Kit with Accessories such as weights, tongs, knife etc.