JKL Automatic Sampler for Vertical Duct Applications

The JKL Automatic Vertical Duct Sampler has been engineered for the representative and continuous sampling of pulverized materials or fine particles pneumatically conveyed through vertical ducts in non-metallic industrial processes (lime, cement, gypsum, calcium carbonate, feldspar, silica, kaolin, among others).

1. Operating Principle

The unit operates through a programmed cross-stream interception system, which transects the descending particle stream within the vertical duct, ensuring that each increment collected is:

• Representative of the entire flow profile
• Proportional to the material mass flow rate
• Free from particle size segregation

The motorized drive assembly actuates a sampling cutter or scoop mechanism, which penetrates the material stream at controlled intervals defined by the control system. Periodic increments are extracted and subsequently discharged into a collection hopper or secondary sample divider.

2. Main Components

• Structural housing fabricated in carbon steel or stainless steel
• Sampling chamber with optimized vertical-flow geometry
• Motorized drive system (electric motor + gear reducer assembly).
• Dust-tight peripheral sealing system
• Bottom discharge hopper
• Inspection window or removable maintenance access plate
• Electrical power and control panel (manual/automatic operating modes)
• Position sensors and operational safety interlocks

3. Key Technical Features

• Engineered specifically for fine materials (<10 mm and industrial powders)
• Fully automatic operation (time-based or tonnage-based sampling cycles)
• Minimal interference with duct flow dynamics
• Heavy-duty construction for continuous 24/7 industrial operation
• Simplified maintenance through frontal access configuration
• Fully compatible with pneumatic conveying systems
• Can be integrated with rotary sample dividers or modular sampling systems

4. Technical Advantages

a) Statistical Representativity

The cutter’s geometric configuration ensures full cross-sectional interception of the material stream, significantly reducing systematic sampling errors and bias.

b) Dust Control and Operational Safety

The encapsulated design minimizes fugitive dust emissions, making it particularly suitable for grinding, classification, and powder-handling plants.

c) Quality Control and Process Accountability

The sampler enables the collection of reliable samples for:

• Finished product quality control
• Particle size distribution verification
• Moisture content determination
• Mass balance verification in grinding and classification circuits

d) Adaptability to Non-Metallic Processing Applications

Particularly suited for:

• Lime grinding plants
• Micronized calcium carbonate production
• Gypsum processing facilities
• Pneumatic classification circuits
• Cyclone and baghouse discharge systems

5. Operational Benefits

• Enhances quality control reliability
• Reduces manual handling and human error
• Minimizes occupational risks associated with manual high-elevation sampling
• Enables full product traceability
• Supports technical audits and industrial certification processes

6. Available Options

• Internal wear-resistant liners (anti-abrasion protection)
• Fabrication in AISI 304 or AISI 316 stainless steel
• Air purge system for fine powder applications
• PLC and SCADA integration
• Connection to rotary sample divider or homogenizer

7. Reliability and Compliance Approach

The design can be aligned with internationally recognized industrial sampling best practices, aimed at minimizing fundamental and delimitation errors, ensuring a robust and technically defensible sampling system for modern industrial plants.