Auger Sampling Systems

McLanahan Auger Sampling Systems

Automated Sampling from Bulk Material Streams

McLanahan Auger Sampling Systems are designed to collect representative samples from bulk material streams for laboratory analysis, quality control, process monitoring and material characterization.

Auger sampling uses a rotating screw-type sampling mechanism to extract material from the process stream. The system can be configured to collect samples from suitable material-handling points, stockpiles, bins, hoppers and other bulk-material applications.

By providing controlled and repeatable sample collection, Auger Sampling Systems can reduce dependence on manual sampling and improve consistency in the sampling process.

How Auger Sampling Systems Work

An Auger Sampler uses a rotating auger to collect material from the selected sampling location.

As the auger rotates, material enters the sampling mechanism and is transported through the auger to a designated sample discharge point.

The collected sample can then be transferred to additional sample preparation equipment or directly to a sample collection container, depending on the application.

A typical sampling arrangement can be:

Bulk Material → Auger Sampler → Sample Discharge → Secondary Sampling / Crushing / Division → Final Sample

The actual configuration depends on the material characteristics, sampling location, required sample quantity and laboratory requirements.

Representative Sampling

Obtaining a representative sample is essential when laboratory results are used to determine the quality, composition or characteristics of bulk material.

An appropriately designed Auger Sampling System helps provide controlled sampling from the selected material stream while reducing variability associated with manual sampling.

Important sampling considerations include:

Material segregation
Particle size distribution
Bulk density
Moisture content
Material flow characteristics
Material composition
Sampling frequency
Required sample mass

The sampling system should be designed around the characteristics of the material and the required level of sampling accuracy.

Automated Sampling

Auger Sampling Systems can be automated to collect samples according to a predetermined sampling schedule.

The system can be integrated with plant controls to operate automatically and collect samples based on:

Time
Tonnage
Production quantity
Batch
Process conditions

Automation can provide consistent sampling frequency while reducing operator involvement.

Sample Collection

The Auger Sampler transfers the collected material to a designated discharge point.

The sample can be directed to:

A sample collection container
A secondary sampler
A crusher
A sample divider
A laboratory sample preparation system

The final arrangement is selected according to the required sample preparation process.

Secondary Sampling

When the initial auger sample is larger than the quantity required for laboratory analysis, secondary sampling can be incorporated.

A secondary sampler reduces the sample quantity while maintaining representative material characteristics.

Multiple sampling stages may be used when a large bulk-material stream must ultimately be reduced to a small laboratory sample.

Sample Crushing and Size Reduction

Some applications require the collected material to be reduced in particle size before final sample division.

A crusher can be incorporated into the sample preparation system to reduce the sample to the required particle size.

Crusher selection depends on:

Maximum particle size
Material hardness
Material abrasiveness
Required product size
Sample capacity

Sample Division

After sample crushing or size reduction, a Sample Divider can be used to produce smaller representative portions.

Proper sample division helps ensure that the final laboratory sample continues to represent the original material.

The divider should be selected according to the material characteristics, particle size and required final sample mass.

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency should be established according to the variability of the material and the purpose of sampling.

Sampling can be scheduled based on:

Time
Tonnage
Production volume
Batch
Process conditions

The appropriate number and size of samples depend on the required analytical accuracy and the variability of the material.

Applications

McLanahan Auger Sampling Systems can be used in:

Mining
Mineral processing
Coal processing
Aggregates
Industrial minerals
Bulk material handling
Stockpile sampling
Bin and hopper sampling
Quality control
Process monitoring
Material characterization
Laboratory sample preparation
Production accounting

Typical Materials

Auger Sampling Systems can be configured for a variety of bulk materials, including:

Ores
Coal
Minerals
Aggregates
Sand
Industrial minerals
Concentrates
Other bulk solid materials

The final system configuration depends on the physical and flow characteristics of the material.

Key Features & Benefits

Automated material sampling
Controlled and repeatable sample collection
Reduced manual sampling requirements
Consistent sampling frequency
Suitable for selected bulk-material sampling points
Sample transfer to downstream preparation equipment
Optional secondary sampling
Optional sample crushing
Optional sample division
Integration with plant control systems
Improved operator safety
Suitable for laboratory sample preparation
Configurable according to material characteristics and sampling requirements

Factors Affecting Auger Sampler Selection

The correct Auger Sampling System depends on several material and process parameters, including:

Material type
Bulk density
Maximum particle size
Particle size distribution
Moisture content
Material hardness
Material abrasiveness
Material flow characteristics
Sampling location
Sampling frequency
Required sample mass
Required final sample size
Available installation space
Required level of automation

Designing the Right Auger Sampling System

To properly design an Auger Sampling System, the following information is typically required:

Material description
Bulk density
Capacity
Maximum particle size
Particle size distribution
Moisture content
Material hardness
Material abrasiveness
Sampling location
Bin, hopper, chute or stockpile configuration
Sampling frequency
Required increment mass
Required final sample mass
Required final particle size
Available installation space
Required level of automation
Laboratory requirements

This information allows the sampling system to be configured according to the actual material and process conditions.