Proven and trusted dry bulk sampling

Best practise involves firstly taking a representative primary sample from a conveyor. This is followed by degrees of subdivision, both in volume and particle size, to arrive at a manageable sample for analysis that is representative of the original primary ore. We engineer complete sampling solutions to achieve this goal. From small operators, to high tonnage mineral processing plants and ore shipment loading, we have samplers suitable for all stages in your process. Whether for primary, secondary, or tertiary sampling, or further sample reduction, our sampling equipment is designed to ensure the final sample presented for analysis is truly representative.

Our range includes linear and rotary falling stream samplers, sample collection units, and equipment for sample transport and size reduction.

Essa Dry Bulk Sampling Systems are used in a variety of applications:

• Exploration

• Mining

• Process plant

• Stockpiles

• Shipment loading

• Shipment unloading

While sampling has been a factor in mining for decades, it’s fair to say that in the past, the focus has been on production, rather than on improving the accuracy of sampling data. There are still many sampling systems that get it wrong. And unfortunately, the inaccurate results produced by poor sampling methods lead to poor quality control decisions.

Fast forward to today’s mineral trade, and you will find sampling at the core of sound business practises. The common aim is to mine so that stockpiles have blended low and high-grade ore, to optimise the final product. This can have a huge impact on the overall value of a mine. And then there’s the importance of supplying product to buyer specification, and the need for fast and reliable systems that won’t cause costly hold ups.

With a clear benefit to the bottom line, the focus is now firmly on getting a truly representative sample, with an efficient and cost-effective sampling system.

We’re focused on correct sampling too. To obtain a reliable, representative sample, our equipment uses the principles of Gy’s theory of sampling (ToS). Using proven sampling techniques means you have the assurance your sample will meet international industry standards.

And we design our samplers to be cost-effective – maximum uptime, easy to maintain, and built to last a lifetime.

We’re here to help you make the most of your sample. We deliver complete sampling solutions to the major mineral houses around the world, covering a wide range of mineral commodities including gold, lead, iron ore, nickel, aluminium, copper, coal, platinum, zinc and silver. Our in-house specialist knowledge extends to all aspects of your process. With our experience comes the benefit of sound advice and solid customer service.

Linear falling stream samplers

To get a truly representative sample, it’s critical that your sampler’s cutter shape, positioning and operation are designed so that every particle has an equal chance of being captured in the sample. Essa Linear Falling Stream Samplers meet these design criteria, to give you worry-free sampling and reliable results. We engineer several different types of linear falling stream samplers to suit different flow sheets and applications:

Ball Screw Linear Samplers and Belt Drive Linear Samplers – constant cutter speed for better sampling

Innovation is in our DNA. So, it’s no surprise we pioneered using the ballscrew concept to drive linear samplers. This then led us to utilise a belt drive system in our linear samplers to cater for wider conveyors and to simplify maintenance.  To obtain a representative sample, the cutter spoon must move across the entire stream of material at a constant rate. These sampler drives combine the precision of an electric drive with the mechanical advantage of the ball screw or belt drive to ensure the cutter speed is completely uniform. They’re available in different models to suit different feed rates and belt widths. In addition, we ensure the cutter spoon and blades are designed correctly, so they collect the complete sample and then discharge it into a chute below. A trouble-free process that collects a representative sample, and safeguards against loss and contamination. The result? Highly accurate primary and secondary sampling.

From small systems to large tonnage sampling, our ballscrew and belt drive linear samplers fit the bill. The Essa Ball Screw Linear Samplers and Essa Belt Drive Linear Samplers are mounted above the conveyor discharge point with the cutter positioned below.

Or, if your material handling infrastructure means that the sampler has to be positioned below the discharge point, you could opt for the Essa Synchronous Belt Drive Sampler. In this arrangement, a single electric motor drives two synchronised toothed belts on either side of the ore stream. Typically used in high tonnage shipment conveyors, this unique design allows the sample drive and cutter to operate on the same plane across the ore stream.

Moving Pipe Samplers – solutions for pipe sampling

Where free-flowing granular material is transported through vertical pipework, the Essa Moving Pipe Sampler can be utilised, either as a primary or secondary sampler.

With a reputation for reliable performance, our Essa samplers are low maintenance and manufactured to contend with even the harshest mining and shipment environments. 

Rotary falling stream samplers: Vezin Samplers - true proportional sampling

Cost-efficient design

Design makes a big difference. Our fully enclosed Essa^® Vezin Samplers are square in shape to allow for flat wear liners, to simplify installation and reduce your replacement costs. A practical design feature saving you time and money.

Accurate sampling technique

And they are designed for accurate sampling, too. These types of samplers are usually used as secondary or tertiary samplers, to reduce the sample even further. They operate using a rotating sample cutter that passes at a constant speed through a falling stream of free-flowing solids from above. The design of the cutter and the discharge angle are critical to achieving a representative sample. The cutter geometry in the Essa Vezin Sampler ensures the radial cutter edges accurately cut a fixed portion of the stream. 

Flexible options to suit your needs

Up to four cutters can be fitted to meet your requirements. The units are engineered in different sizes to suit your inlet size and the cutter aperture appropriate to your application.

Dry Arcual Samplers – large pipe applications

Generally used as a primary sampler, the Essa^® Dry Arcual Samplers are arcual type samplers for full cross stream sampling of a large vertical pipe with free-flowing granular material. The fully enclosed unit contains a traversing radial sample cutter that passes at uniform speed through the falling stream of minerals.

Sample collectors

Safe and secure

You can’t afford to introduce contamination into your final sample. Our rotary sample collectors are especially designed to protect the integrity of your samples. Once filled, the sample buckets are sealed to prevent moisture and dust loss, and to safeguard against contamination.

Versatile

Essa^® Rotary Sample Collectors have a number of collection buckets mounted on an electro-magnetically driven carousel. Several combinations of bucket volume are available, and the unit can house up to eight buckets. We also have a Linear Sample Collector that has two collection buckets, and uses a sliding table mechanism.

Operator safety is not compromised

Our units are a reliable and convenient way to collect your samples. The rotary collector automatically indexes the sample buckets. Indexing can be in either direction so you can intermittently collect A and B samples. The units are ergonomically designed and safe to operate. Collection buckets are mounted on slide rails so your operators can easily and safely remove the full samples, and features such as locking safety switches protect your workers. And their sturdy construction lives up to tough conditions, so they won’t let you down.

Sample transport and size reduction equipment