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Sampling
Systems
Belt Sampler
The belt sampler is used for taking samples from conveyor belts. A swivel arm is swung into the product flow, extracts a defined sample quantity, and transfers it into the sample container at the end position. After sampling, the swivel arm returns to its parked position outside the product flow. The drive is electric or pneumatic, depending on the process requirements.
Piston Sampler
The piston sampling unit enables targeted sampling of bulk materials from silos, containers, chutes, drop pipes, and conveyor lines. It can operate either intermittently—by extending and retracting the piston for single sample collection—or continuously, where the piston induces a steady product flow. The drive can be manual, electric, or pneumatic. The DN50 size reliably covers common applications. Optional features such as a weld-on end or position feedback expand the range of applications and facilitate integration into automated processes.
Rotary Piston Sampler
The rotary piston sampler enables the extraction of samples from silos, containers, chutes, drop pipes, and conveyor lines. A piston with rotary drive opens the sampling port, allowing sampling to be performed continuously or intermittently. The drive can be manual, electric, or pneumatic, depending on the specific process requirements. The DN100 size ensures reliable sampling even with larger product volumes.
Sample Collector / Sample Magazine
The sample collector enables automatic collection of individual samples in a carousel or linear magazine with up to 48 sample containers. Samples are filled directly into containers, bottles, or bags and can then be easily transported to the laboratory. The drive can be manual, electric, or pneumatic, allowing the system to be customized to specific process requirements.
Screw Sampler
RATEC screw samplers enable controlled sampling of bulk materials from silos, containers, and drop pipes. The product is conveyed directly into a sample container via a screw conveyor—driven manually, electrically, or pneumatically. Available in sizes DN35, DN50, and DN80, they can be flexibly adapted to various requirements. Options such as different housing designs, drives, and sample containers make them a versatile solution for process-accompanying, representative sampling.
Special Samplers & Sample Transport Systems
Special samplers provide a tailored solution for sampling from nearly all types of bulk materials. They can be individually adapted to the specific requirements of the material. Sample transport systems, such as pneumatic tube systems or systems with pneumatic conveying, ensure safe and efficient transport of samples from the sampling point to the laboratory or analysis area
Swivel Sampler
The swivel sampler enables precise sampling of product from drop pipes. A swivel arm moves into the product flow, takes a defined sample quantity, and diverts it outward. After sampling, the swivel arm returns to its parked position outside the product flow. The drive can be manual, electric, or pneumatic, allowing flexible adaptation to the specific process requirements
RATEC Sampling Systems
Precise Sampling Systems for Bulk Materials
RATEC samplers offer a precise, reliable, and efficient solution for taking samples from various bulk materials such as powders, granules, dust, and other materials. Our sampling systems are specifically designed for the requirements of the bulk materials industry and manufacturing processes, ensuring exact sampling for quality control, process monitoring, and research. With our samplers, you always receive a representative sample that provides valuable information about the quality of your raw materials or end products.
Features of RATEC Sampling Systems
RATEC samplers offer numerous advantages that make them a reliable choice for your sampling processes:
Precise sampling: Our samplers guarantee uniform and representative sample collection across the entire volume of the bulk material. This ensures accurate results and minimizes distortions in analysis results.
Automated and manual models: We offer manual samplers, ideal for smaller quantities or spot checks, as well as pneumatic and electric sampling systems for automated processes. This way, you can find the right sampling system for your specific requirements.
Versatile applicability: Our samplers are suitable for a wide range of bulk materials, including powders, granules, grains, and other bulk materials of various sizes and densities. They can be used in silos, conveyor systems, production lines, or mixing plants.
Robust and durable: The samplers are made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials that operate reliably even under harsh conditions. They are designed for long service life and require minimal maintenance.
Easy handling: Our sampling systems are user-friendly and require no extensive training. Pneumatic, electric, and manual models all allow for quick and straightforward sample collection that can be directly integrated into existing production processes.
Hygienic and safe: Our samplers are easy to clean and comply with applicable hygiene standards. They help prevent contamination and ensure safe handling, even with hazardous or harmful materials.
Applications of RATEC Sampling Systems
RATEC samplers find their application in various industries and processes:
Quality control: Regular sampling for the analysis of material properties, such as grain size, moisture content, chemical composition, or homogeneity, ensures that your products meet the desired quality requirements.
Research and development: Collection of samples for laboratory tests, material comparisons, or optimization processes in product development. An exact sampling system helps to obtain precise results here.
Process monitoring: Samplers enable the monitoring of production lines and ensure that process parameters remain constant to guarantee product quality.
Storage and silo management: Our sampling systems are ideal for sampling from silos, storage containers, or during the transport of bulk materials to ensure consistent quality.
Advantages of RATEC Sampling Systems
RATEC samplers offer numerous advantages for your bulk material processes:
High accuracy in sampling for precise and reliable material analyses.
Efficient and time-saving: Our sampling systems enable quick and error-free sample collection, optimizing the entire process.
Adaptable to your requirements: Our samplers are flexible and suitable for various bulk materials.
Reliable material analyses for improved product quality and process optimization.
Robust construction: Our samplers are durable and easy to maintain, protecting your investment.
Easy operation: Both manual and automated models are straightforward to operate.
Hygienic and safe: Ideal solution for use in sensitive areas, as the devices comply with applicable hygiene standards.
FDA and ATEX compliant: Our samplers are suitable for use in safe and regulated environments.
RATEC Sampling Systems – The Perfect Solution for Precise Sampling
With RATEC samplers, you get a reliable, precise sampling system for your bulk materials. Optimize your process monitoring, quality control, and research & development with a sampler that guarantees high accuracy, durability, and user-friendly handling.
Trust RATEC for the best solution for bulk material sampling and increase the quality and efficiency of your production processes!
Frequently asked questions about sampling systems
What is a bulk material sampling system and how does it work?
A bulk material sampling system takes a representative sample from a flow or store of bulk material – automatically or manually – and delivers exactly the quantity needed for quality control, process monitoring or laboratory analysis. A RATEC sampling system consists of a sampler unit mounted on a silo, container, drop pipe or conveyor; a sample container such as a bottle, bag or container that is filled directly; a drive (manual handwheel, electric motor or pneumatic drive); and, optionally, sample transport to the lab by pneumatic tube or pneumatic conveying. RATEC samplers handle powders, granules, dusts, grains and other bulk materials and deliver samples that are representative of the entire volume of the material.
Manual or automatic sampler – which sampling system is right for my process?
A manual sampling system is ideal for smaller quantities and spot sampling, while an automatic sampler suits continuous process monitoring on production lines. RATEC supplies the same models with a manual, electric or pneumatic drive: a hand-lever piston sampler needs no power supply at all, electric versions integrate into existing production lines, and pneumatic versions provide position feedback to the control system. Piston and rotary piston samplers can take single samples or run continuously. For fully automated sampling, RATEC combines the sampler with a sample collector holding up to 48 containers and, on request, with sample transport to the laboratory. The right level of automation depends mainly on whether you need single or continuous samples, and how many.
Which types of samplers does RATEC offer?
RATEC offers seven sampling systems: the screw sampler, the piston sampler, DN 50), the rotary piston sampler, the swivel sampler, the belt sampler, the sample collector or sample magazine, and custom special samplers. In a screw sampler, product falls from above into the open screw and is conveyed straight into the sample container; the screw is available in plastic or stainless steel. The piston sampler extends its piston into the product and discharges the sample; the rotary piston sampler opens the sampling port with a rotary drive and also handles larger product volumes. Swivel and belt samplers use a swivel arm to take a defined quantity from a drop pipe or a running conveyor belt.
Where can a sampler be installed – silo, chute, drop pipe, conveying line or conveyor belt?
RATEC samplers can be installed at almost any point of a bulk handling process: on silos and containers, chutes, drop pipes, conveying lines and conveyor belts, as well as in production lines and mixing plants. The screw sampler takes samples from silos, containers and drop pipes; piston and rotary piston samplers also from chutes and conveying lines. The swivel sampler is designed for drop pipes, including existing ones, and the belt sampler works on the running conveyor belt. Both swivel-arm systems enter the product flow only while sampling and then return to their parked position. Each sampler is designed for the material in question – from fine powder and granulate to fibres and coarse lumps, such as brick dust, plastic granulate, sauce powder or concrete dust.
Are RATEC samplers available in ATEX- and FDA-compliant versions?
Yes – almost all RATEC sampling systems are available as an option in an ATEX-compliant version for potentially explosive atmospheres and with FDA-compliant, product-contacting materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Every sampler is also adapted to the product and plant: screw samplers with a plastic or stainless steel screw and different housings and sample containers; piston samplers with a weld-on end, position feedback or a directly connected laboratory bottle for clean, low-dust filling. On request, RATEC supplies the piston sampler as a complete assembly, ready-installed in a drop pipe with controls and sensors. All units are robust, corrosion-resistant, hygienic and easy to clean.
What if no standard sampler fits my bulk material or installation?
Then RATEC designs a special sampler – whatever is technically possible in bulk material sampling, RATEC puts into practice. Typical reasons are an unusual material, tight installation space, special hygiene or explosion-protection requirements, or a dedicated sampling principle. RATEC defines the sampling principle, materials and housing, drive and control from manual to fully automatic, and the integration into existing or new plants, and builds the sampler in its own manufacturing facility in St. Veit an der Glan, Austria. Examples from practice include a chute sampler, a pneumatic special sampler and a special sampler for wood. On request, RATEC also handles sample transport to the laboratory via pneumatic tube systems or pneumatic conveying.
How do I choose the right sampling system for my plant?
Start with a short needs assessment covering five points: the bulk material (powder, granules, dust or grains and their properties), the installation situation (silo, container, chute, drop pipe, conveying line or conveyor belt), the sample quantity (single or continuous, number of samples), drive and automation (manual, electric or pneumatic, position feedback) and special requirements such as ATEX, FDA or sample transport to the lab. RATEC provides a questionnaire for sampling systems and comes back with a suitable proposal. RATEC samplers are used in heavy and fine chemicals, minerals, food, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and carbon black, animal feed and seed, wood and paper, and waste and recycling. Request the questionnaire