Sampling Procedures

In most cases, moisture determinations are made on relatively small samples taken from large quantities of bulk materials. Therefore, an accurate determination of moisture is dependent upon proper sampling procedures. One commonly used sampling tool is the diverter sampler. The ellis cup is a simple, inexpensive hand-held device which can also be used.

Diverter Sampler (Click for Schematic)
This is a long narrow metal box open along the narrow top. It periodically sweeps through the stream of material collecting a small portion. The Gamet Series 6800 Sampler produced by Gamet Manufacturing (St. Paul, MN) is an example of a mechanical diverter sampler.

Ellis Cup (Click for Picture)
This is a hand-held device that looks something like a narrow box with an open end cut into a v-shaped notch that collects a portion of the material as it is transported along a belt.

Grain Probe (Click for Picture)
This is a long cylindrical tube with a number of openings spaced along the length of the tube. They are utilized to obtain representative samples from various levels.

The representative samples collected will provide information about the average moisture for the bulk material. Unfortunately they give no information about the moisture variation within the bulk.