High-resolution PAT monitoring of sample preparation grinding by accelerometer sensors: the key to ensuring accuracy and long-term consistency

Industrial operations are often based on critical quality measures obtained for technical process control and/or to determine the value of raw materials and product streams. Process Analytical Technology (PAT) monitoring is applied to characterise, for example, raw materials, semi-finished as well as finished products. There is an active interest in approaches for “smart” online, real-time industrial sensor applications, especially where industrial operations involve high sample throughput and/or may involve hazardous substances demanding automation. State-of-the-art sample preparation procedures and equipment can deliver key performances indicators, often supplemented by sensor data that are used as proxy quality measures which helps to ensure measurement representativity and optimal process/product control. We here illustrate this industrial front-line arena by an example in which PAT accelerometer data are used for real-time monitoring of the efficiency of the automated grinding sample preprocessing process.

Editorial

After more than a year, we are delighted to present TOS Forum to you again. One of the important missions of this issue is to provide the latest information on the 10th World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB10). In these times of coronavirus, will the International Pierre Gy Sampling Association be able to continue the format of biennial in-person conferences, or not? IPGSA have made plans both for conducting WCSB10 as planned ever since WCSB9 (Plan A), as well as being prepared for the proverbial Plan B. Presenting the WCSB10 conference in detail, as well as these two options, is the objective of the first feature in this issue.

Principles of gas sampling: TOS with critical challenges

Sampling and analysis of materials in the gas phase is not covered in general sampling standards and guides, due to the complex nature of the subject matter. Most gas-phase materials exist in the region from ambient temperatures (~300 K) to combustion temperatures typically around ~1200 K. Common to both temperature range margins, though predominantly for hot gases, is the fact that continuous reactions often take place in material that is moving at high speeds, presenting less than trivial challenges to conventional Theory of Sampling (TOS). The purposes of representative gas sampling are many, but three standard cases are presented, covering the most dominating scenarios met with in science, technology and industry.

Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Sampling

The first of three new textbooks in the field of Theory and Practice of Sampling.

Ian Devereux and the story of Rocklabs

Scott Technology, who acquired Ian Devereux’s lifetime achievement company Rocklabs in 2008, have prepared an obituary over Ian’s remarkable life, together with a thorough scientific, technological and business history.

TOS reflections: is there a third way? (to promote the Theory of Sampling)

A standing discussion topic within the sampling community is: “What is the best way to promote the TOS—not only as a theory, but also as a tool to help customers?” The latter objective casts the question into a rather more direct format: “How to sell TOS-compliant equipment, sampling system solutions, consulting and audit services to customers with only little or no familiarity with the need for proper sampling?” These reflections address the two most dominant answers: i) the economic argument “You’ll lose a lot of money if you don’t…”; or ii) the technical argument: “You need to understand these critical aspects of the TOS, or else…”. However, this is usually but a futile debate; obviously one should be able to wield a flexible tactics which best matches a specific marketing or application need with one, or both, of these approaches. But a recent event has tickled the imagination—is there possibly also a third way?

Origin of the World Conferences on Sampling and Blending (WCSB)

We answer the question “Exactly how did the World Conference of Sampling and Blending originate?” With WCSB 10 approaching, “three fellows” decided to do something about this. It turned out to be quite a detective story spanning 20+ years, three continents, many obsolete PC platforms and searching through several thousands of old e-mails. The story, as told here by Messieurs Francois-Bongarcon, Vann and Esbensen, is a tour-de-force of the pre- and very early history of the WCSB institution.

10th World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB10)

The WCSB10 conference will cover the latest research and application of the Theory of Sampling (TOS) and Blending in many important technology and industry sectors: mining, exploration, minerals processing, metals refinement, cement, food & feed, agri & aqua culture, pharmaceutical production etc. WCSB10 specifically has a broader societal, industrial and environmental emphasis with a special focus on sustainable science, technology and industry. This article provides an update on WCSB10 with information on all aspects of the conference.

The legacy of Charles Oliver Ingamells (1916–1994)

Charles Oliver Ingamells passed away in April 1994 at age 77. Ingamells received his BA at the University of Western Ontario and his MS at the University of Minnesota. During his later years in his retirement home in Florida he was a faithful representative of a group of well-known world experts in Sampling Theory, such as Pierre M. Gy, Francis F. Pitard, Jan Visman, Paul Switzer at Stanford University and J.C. Engels at the US Geological Survey and the Linus Pauling Institute in Menlo Park, California. His association with Francis F. Pitard during several years at Amax Extractive Research & Development in Colorado has added to a unique combination of different experiences in the field of geochemical analysis. His pioneering work in the field of geological sampling led to collaboration with the above experts.

Greetings from China, WCSB9

An update on sampling activity and developments in China since WCSB9 in 2019.