EN ISO 14820-1:2019

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2019
Gnojila in sredstva za apnjenje - Vzorčenje in priprava vzorcev - 1. del: Vzorčenje
(ISO 14820-1:2016)
Fertilizers and liming materials - Sampling and sample preparation - Part 1: Sampling
(ISO 14820-1:2016)
Düngemittel und Kalkdünger - Probenahme und Probenvorbereitung - Teil 1:
Probenahme (ISO 14820-1:2016)
Engrais et amendements minéraux basiques - Échantillonnage et préparation de
l’échantillon - Partie 1: Échantillonnage (ISO 14820-1:2016)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 14820-1:2019
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 14820-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2019
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 65.080
English Version
Fertilizers and liming materials - Sampling and sample
preparation - Part 1: Sampling (ISO 14820-1:2016)
Engrais et amendements minéraux basiques - Düngemittel und Kalkdünger - Probenahme und
Échantillonnage et préparation de l'échantillon - Partie Probenvorbereitung - Teil 1: Probenahme (ISO 14820-
1: Échantillonnage (ISO 14820-1:2016) 1:2016)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 April 2019.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 14820-1:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
The text of ISO 14820-1:2016 has been prepared by Technical Committee 134 "Fertilizers, soil
conditioners and beneficial substances” of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and
has been taken over as EN ISO 14820-1:2019 by Technical Committee CEN/TC 260 “Fertilizers and
liming materials” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2019, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 14820-1:2016 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 14820-1:2019 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 14820-1
First edition
2016-05-01
Fertilizers and liming materials —
Sampling and sample preparation —
Part 1:
Sampling
Engrais et amendements minéraux basiques — Échantillonnage et
préparation de l’échantillon —
Partie 1: Échantillonnage
Reference number
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
©
ISO 2016
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
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CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Sampling plans and quantitative data . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Sampling plans . 3
4.2.1 Determination of the number of sampling units which form the sampled portion 3
4.2.2 Identification of the sampling units to be sampled. 4
4.2.3 Collection of increments . 4
4.3 Quantitative data . 5
4.3.1 Mass of increments . 5
4.3.2 Mass of single aggregate/reduced samples . 5
4.3.3 Mass of multiple aggregate samples . 5
4.3.4 Mass of final sample . 5
5 Incremental sampling methods . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Solid fertilizer in bulk being moved by conveyor belt — Stopping the belt method . 5
5.2.1 General. 5
5.2.2 Principle . 6
5.2.3 Apparatus . 6
5.2.4 Procedure . 6
5.3 Solid fertilizer in bulk — Mechanical sampling while in motion. 6
5.3.1 General. 6
5.3.2 Procedure . 7
5.4 Solid fertilizer in bulk — Manual sampling from falling stream . 7
5.4.1 Principle . 7
5.4.2 Apparatus . 7
5.4.3 Procedure . 7
5.5 Solid fertilizer in bulk — Manual sampling method by moving the bulk . 8
5.5.1 General. 8
5.5.2 Procedure . 9
5.6 Solid fertilizers in packages — Reduction method using a rotary mechanical
sample divider . 9
5.6.1 General. 9
5.6.2 Principle . 9
5.6.3 Apparatus . 9
5.6.4 Procedure .10
5.6.5 Precautions .11
5.7 Solid fertilizers in packages — Reduction method using a riffle divider .11
5.7.1 General.11
5.7.2 Apparatus .11
5.7.3 Procedure .12
5.8 Sampling of solid fertilizers in packages — Manual method .13
5.9 Sampling from intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s) by controlled flow .14
5.9.1 General.14
5.9.2 Principle .14
5.9.3 Safety .14
5.9.4 Apparatus .15
5.9.5 Obtaining increments .17
5.9.6 Precautions .18
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
5.10 Sampling from intermediate bulk containers IBC’s - Manual method .18
5.10.1 Principle .18
5.10.2 Procedure .18
5.11 Sampling of fluid fertilizers .18
5.11.1 General.18
5.11.2 Apparatus .19
5.11.3 Procedure .19
6 Reduction of aggregate sample .21
6.1 General .21
6.2 Solid fertilizers .21
6.2.1 General.21
6.2.2 Procedure .21
6.3 Fluid fertilizers .22
6.3.1 Apparatus .22
6.3.2 Procedure .22
7 Division into final samples .22
8 Practical arrangements for final (laboratory) samples .22
8.1 Containers .22
8.2 Sealing of containers .22
8.3 Labelling of final samples .23
8.4 Dispatch of the final sample .23
8.5 Storage of final samples .23
9 Sampling report.23
9.1 General .23
9.2 Essential information .23
9.3 Additional information .24
Annex A (normative) Test for bias in mechanical samplers .25
Annex B (informative) Examples of rotary sample dividers .28
Annex C (normative) Test for bias in a rotary divider .31
Annex D (informative) Examples of apparatus for sampling fluid fertilizers .32
Annex E (normative) Methods of mixing for fluid fertilizers .40
Bibliography .47
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
ISO 14820-1:2016 was prepared by CEN/TC 260, Fertilizers and liming materials (as EN 1482-1:2007)
and was adopted without modification other than those stipulated below by ISO/TC 134, Fertilizers and
soil conditioners.
— The EN references (EN 1482-1 and EN 1482-2) have been changed to ISO references (ISO 14820-1
and ISO 14820-2).
— The definitions in 3.1, 3.4 and 3.5 have been modified slightly to align them with those in
ISO 8157:2015. ISO 8157 has been added to the Bibliography.
— For consistency, “rotating sample divider” has been changed to “rotary sample divider” throughout
the text. (The term “rotary” was already used in Annexes A and C in EN 1482-1:2007 and in 5.1 in
EN 1482-2:2007.)
— In 4.2.2, 5.3.1, 5.6.1, 5.6.4.3.5, 5.7, 5.11.2.1 and A.3, notes have been changed to full text.
— In 5.2.3, 5.4.2, 5.6.3 and 5.7.2, the apparatus are now listed under separate subclause numbers.
— ISO 2602 has been moved from Clause 2 to the Bibliography; it is only cited after “such as” in A.5.1.
ISO 14820 consists of the following parts, under the general title Fertilizers and liming materials —
Sampling and sample preparation:
— Part 1: Sampling
— Part 2: Sample preparation
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
Introduction
This part of ISO 14820 covers the following aspects of sampling, derived from the International
Standards and documents indicated below but presented in a simplified and condensed form. The titles
of these International Standards are given in the Bibliography.
— Sampling plans and quantitative data: ISO 8634, ISO/TR 5307, ISO/TR 7553 and EEC 77/535
(superseded by Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003).
— Sampling methods: ISO 3963, and EEC 77/535 (superseded by Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003).
— Reduction: ISO 7410, ISO 7742, ISO 8358 and EEC 77/535 (superseded by Regulation (EC) No
2003/2003).
— Sampling reports: ISO 5306 and EEC 77/535 (superseded by Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003).
ISO 14820-2 covers the reduction and preparation of samples for analysis.
Figure 1 gives a schematic diagram of the sampling and sample preparation process for solids.
The fundamental principle of representative sampling is that every particle has an equal chance of
being selected or rejected. This principle cannot easily be complied with in the case of bulk heaps
of solid fertilizers or large storage tanks of fluid fertilizers as the majority of the material cannot be
reached by any sampling device. The fertilizer in these cases should be sampled during transfer, during
the building up of the heap, during the filling of the storage tank, during dispatch or where it is being
moved solely for sampling purposes.
vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
Figure 1 — Schematic diagram of sampling process for solids
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
Fertilizers and liming materials — Sampling and sample
preparation —
Part 1:
Sampling
1 Scope
This part of ISO 14820 specifies sampling plans and methods of representative sampling of fertilizers and
liming materials to obtain samples for physical and chemical analysis, from packages and containers up to
and including 1 000 kg, from fluid products and from fertilizers in bulk provided the product is in motion.
It is applicable to the sampling of lots of fertilizer or liming material supplied or ready for supply to
third parties, as such, or in smaller lots, each of which would be subject to local, national or regional
legislation. Where legislation so requires, samples are taken in accordance with this part of ISO 14820.
NOTE The term “fertilizer” is used throughout the body of this document and is taken to include liming
materials unless otherwise indicated.
This part of ISO 14820 does not cover complete, statistical sampling plans.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1235, Solid fertilizers — Test sieving (ISO 8397:1988 modified)
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
aggregate sample
combination of all increments from the lot
Note 1 to entry: The increments may be grouped together in equal numbers in order to form several aggregate
samples which can be reduced and analysed separately for the purpose of statistical interpretation.
[SOURCE: ISO 8157:2015, 2.6.4]
3.2
delivery
quantity of material transferred at one time
3.3
division
process of producing a number of representative smaller portions, approximately equal in mass to each
other, from a larger mass
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
3.4
final sample
representative part of the reduced sample or, where no intermediate reduction is required, of the
aggregate sample
Note 1 to entry: Often, more than one sample is prepared, at the same time, from the reduced sample (or from
the aggregate sample). One or more of these final samples will be used as a laboratory sample or as laboratory
samples, while others may be stored for reference purposes.
[SOURCE: ISO 8157:2015, 2.6.6]
3.5
increment
representative quantity of material taken from a sampling unit
Note 1 to entry: This may be constituted from a number of partial samples.
[SOURCE: ISO 8157:2015, 2.6.3]
3.6
laboratory sample
final sample intended for laboratory inspection or testing
3.7
lot
total quantity of material, assumed to have the same characteristics, to be sampled using a particular
sampling plan
3.8
reduced sample
representative part of the aggregate sample obtained by a process of reduction in such a manner that
the mass approximates to that of the final (laboratory) samples
3.9
reduction
process of producing a representative smaller mass of fertilizer from a larger mass, with the remainder
being discarded
3.10
sampling unit
defined quantity of material having a boundary, which may be physical (e.g. a container) or hypothetical
(e.g. particular time or time interval in the case of a flow of material)
3.11
sampled portion
quantity of a material consisting of all the sampling units from which increments are to be taken and
having characteristics presumed to be uniform
4 Sampling plans and quantitative data
4.1 General
Correct sampling is a difficult operation which requires great care. The need to obtain a fully
representative sample for both the chemical and physical testing of fertilizers cannot be stressed too
much. Sampling plans have been produced to cover a range of quantities of fertilizer and these form the
basis of several International Standards (see the Bibliography).
The sampling plans given in this part of ISO 14820 are not based on strict statistical principles but
samples obtained by following the procedures described in this clause shall be considered to be
representative of the original lot or sampled portion.
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
This clause specifies sampling plans for the evaluation of deliveries of fertilizers as well as statutory
control plans which have to be followed in certain circumstances.
For statutory control and the simple commercial evaluation of a small quantity of fertilizer, one final
sample is sufficient but this may subsequently be divided into a number of identical samples.
For the commercial evaluation of a large delivery which is supplied for resale in smaller lots, a number
of samples representing parts of the delivery are required in order to assess the variability of the lot.
NOTE For example, a delivery of 5 000 t should be treated as at least five deliveries of 1 000 t each and five
separate samples should be collected and prepared. The determination in this part of ISO 14820 is based on a
simple relationship between the amount to be sampled and the minimum number of increments to be taken.
The methods of sampling to be used are described in Clause 5.
4.2 Sampling plans
4.2.1 Determination of the number of sampling units which form the sampled portion
4.2.1.1 General
The number of sampling units from which increments are to be taken depends on the size of the lot.
4.2.1.2 Product in packages or containers
In the case of product in packages or containers, the sampling unit is a package and the number of
individual packages from which incremental samples are to be taken should be in accordance with
Table 1. In this context, a package is normally taken to hold no more than 50 kg – larger containers such
as Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s) should be treated according to the procedure in 5.9 or 5.10. For
packages weighing less than 1 kg each, it might be necessary to increase the number taken to ensure a
sufficiently large aggregate sample.
Table 1 — Number of individual packages from which incremental samples are to be taken
Lot size Minimum number of sampling units
4 or fewer packages All packages
More than 4 and up to 10 packages 4
More than 10 and up to 400 packages The nearest whole number above the square root of the number of
packages present.
More than 400 packages 20
4.2.1.3 Product in bulk
In the case of product in bulk, the number of sampling units from which incremental samples should
be taken depends on the total mass present. The number of sampling units to be sampled should be in
accordance with Table 2.
Table 2 — Number of sampling units from which incremental samples are to be taken
Lot size Minimum number of sampling units
25 t or less 10
More than 25 t The nearest whole number above the square root of 4 times the number of tonnes present.
and up to 400 t
More than 400 t 40
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
4.2.2 Identification of the sampling units to be sampled
4.2.2.1 Solid and fluid fertilizer in packages or containers
Identify the packages in the lot or sampled portion consecutively and, by using a source of random
numbers, select the packages from which incremental samples are to be taken and mark them.
4.2.2.2 Solid and fluid fertilizer in bulk during movement
Where the movement relates to loading or unloading using grabbing equipment such as a crane or
automatic shovel loader, the sampling unit is the quantity of material corresponding to one grab. If the
movement is a continuous operation such as on a conveyor belt or through a pipe, each sampling unit is
made up of a mass of no more than 5 t.
Calculate the number of sampling units present from the total mass and by using a table of random
numbers select the sampling units from which increments are to be taken during the movement.
Number the sampling units in chronological order of their formation. Estimate the time taken for the
material to pass the sampling point.
Divide this time into equal time intervals such that the number of intervals is at least twice the
minimum number of sampling units to be sampled in accordance with Table 2 and each sampling unit
is not more than 5 t. The time intervals are the sampling units. From these sampling units, randomly
select the number from which increments are to be taken. Within each of the selected sampling units,
randomly select a time at which the increment is to be taken.
As there will be some variation in the speed of the belt or the flow in the pipe and the quantity at any
one point, it is recommended that the number of sampling units selected be at least 10 % more than the
minimum in Table 2.
Automatic mechanical samplers normally work at fixed time intervals. In this case, the increments
are collected over the whole timescale and cannot be regarded as having been taken randomly. For
legislative purposes, the mechanical sampler shall be operated at the selected random times.
4.2.3 Collection of increments
4.2.3.1 General
All incremental samples shall be of approximately the same mass/volume.
4.2.3.2 Solid fertilizer in packages or containers up to and including 50 kg
Take one increment from each of the selected packages (sampling units 4.2.2.1), by the use of a divider
(5.6 or 5.7) or by the manual method described in 5.8.
4.2.3.3 Product in intermediate bulk containers
Collect the relevant number of increments by using the method described in 5.9 and/or 5.10.
4.2.3.4 Solid fertilizer in bulk
Collect the relevant number of increments by using one of the methods described in 5.2 to 5.5.
4.2.3.5 Fluid fertilizers
Follow the appropriate procedure described in 5.11.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
4.3 Quantitative data
4.3.1 Mass of increments
Increments should normally be of at least 250 g each. For blended fertilizers and for liming materials
coarser than 80 % passing 0,315 mm, the minimum mass of each increment should be 500 g. For
packages weighing 4 kg or less, the entire contents are taken as the increment.
4.3.2 Mass of single aggregate/reduced samples
Combine and mix all the collected increments. When necessary, reduce the aggregate sample as
described in Clause 6, so that the final mass for chemical testing is at least 2 kg and for physical testing
at least 4 times the maximum amount required for the physical test method.
4.3.3 Mass of multiple aggregate samples
Combine and mix all the collected increments for one sample before reduction to final samples. Each
sample shall have at least a final mass equal to 4 times the maximum amount required for testing.
Repeat this procedure for each sample.
4.3.4 Mass of final sample
The mass of each final sample for chemical analysis shall be at least 500 g. For physical testing, the
mass is dependent on the test(s) to be carried out.
5 Incremental sampling methods
5.1 General
Packages of up to and including 50 kg in mass may be sampled by a process of reduction (see 5.6),
starting with the total contents of the package, or by spear sampling from the selected packages but
the latter only when the product is uniform or a single chemical (such as urea, ammonium nitrate or
ammonium sulfate) and the sampling is only for chemical analysis. Intermediate bulk containers are
best sampled by the method described in 5.9. All packages and IBC’s may be sampled by emptying the
contents as in the method described in 5.8.
Mechanical sampling devices, if installed in a transfer system, can be used to collect increments,
provided they have been tested for the absence of bias (see Annex A) and the timing of the incremental
samples can be controlled manually.
The sampling apparatus shall be clean, dry and inert (i.e. fabricated of materials which will not affect
the characteristics of the fertilizers to be sampled).
All sampling operations should be carried out in such a way as to minimize changes to sample
properties, e.g. moisture content.
5.2 Solid fertilizer in bulk being moved by conveyor belt — Stopping the belt method
5.2.1 General
The sample is taken from a conveyor by stopping the belt.
Taking a representative sample from a consignment of fertilizer by sampling from a conveyor by
stopping the belt is time-consuming and interrupts the loading or unloading process considerably. The
method should, therefore, only be used if no other, more convenient, method is available.
NOTE This sampling technique is also used as a reference method to assess the accuracy of other techniques
or apparatus.
ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
WARNING — This sampling method involves contact with machinery which is normally in
motion. It is essential that precautions be taken so that there is no possibility of the conveyor
starting up while the increments are being taken. An override start/stop button should be
provided at the point of sampling.
The sampler shall be able to reach the whole cross-section of the belt without undue physical strain.
The position for sampling should be made as safe and convenient as possible, for example by using a
suitable platform.
5.2.2 Principle
Stopping of the belt conveying the fertilizer. Insertion of two parallel rigid sheets into and at right
angles to the stream of fertilizer and to the axis of the conveyor belt. Removal of the material between
the sheets as an increment.
5.2.3 Apparatus
5.2.3.1 Two parallel rigid sheets, shaped to the characteristics of the trough of the belt, sufficiently
long to project beyond the sides of the belt by about 500 mm and sufficiently wide for the upper edge to
be at least 50 mm above the top of the fertilizer on the belt.
It is recommended that a metal frame be made to carry the rigid sheets. This frame can then be placed
across the belt in a single operation. Failing this, two marks should be made on the supporting structure
on each side of the belt so that the sheets can be inserted in the same places each time.
5.2.4 Procedure
Stop the belt at the times selected as described in 4.2.2.2. Once the belt has stopped, insert the two
parallel rigid sheets (5.2.3.1) at a sufficient distance apart to give an increment of at least 1 kg as follows:
a) if the conveyor belt is horizontal, insert the sheets vertically downwards into the stream of
fertilizer;
b) if the conveyor belt is inclined, insert the sheets quickly, at right angles to the stream, so as to avoid
any backflow.
Push any fertilizer obstructing the insertion of the sheets as follows:
— in the case of the downstream sheet, into the sample;
— in the case of the upstream sheet, out of the sample.
As quickly as possible, completely remove the material between the two parallel rigid sheets into a
suitable air-tight container.
Remove the sheets and make sure that nothing has been left on the belt which could cause damage
further down. Restart the belt.
Repeat the process for each increment.
5.3 Solid fertilizer in bulk — Mechanical sampling while in motion
5.3.1 General
Mechanical sampling devices installed in a fertilizer handling system are a convenient means of
collecting samples providing the timing of the taking of the incremental samples can be controlled
manually to allow randomness in sampling times. A number of different types are available and this
part of ISO 14820 does not recommend any particular type over another. All might be suitable provided
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 14820-1:2016(E)
they have been shown to be capable of operating without bias. Before any samples are taken by the
device for control purposes, it should be checked for bias using the procedure described in Annex A.
The Annex A bias check test is applicable to any form of mechanical sampling device installed at some
point in a bulk handling system, providing that either the fertilizer passes along a conveyor belt, before
or after the device, or it is subsequently packed in bags in order that a reference collection can be made.
The mechanical sampling device may be used for the collection of samples for chemical analysis as well
as for physical testing.
5.3.2 Procedure
Obtain increments by operating the mechanical sampling device at the times selected as described in
4.2.2.2.
5.4 Solid fertilizer in bulk — Manual sampling from falling stream
WARNING — Manual sampling from bulk fertilizer in motion should only be undertaken when
the operations can be performed safely.
5.4.1 Principle
Representative increments are taken by means of randomly timed cuts of the stream.
5.4.2 Apparatus
5.4.2.1 Stainless steel sampling cup.
To sample a free-falling stream as shown in Figure 2, a stainless steel sampling cup shall be used as
shown in Figure 3. The length of the cup should be at least three times the depth of the falling stream
to be sampled and the edges of the opening shall be thin to ensure a clean cut. The minimum capacity
should be 500 g, the maximum capacity should be 5 kg. The width of the active opening of the cup shall
be at least three times the maximum diameter of the particles of the product to be sampled.
5.4.3 Procedure
Sample the fertilizer during the free fall by arranging the sampling cup (5.4.2.1) in such a way that it
passes horizontally through the falling stream. Ensure that the sampling cup extends completely through
the stream (see Figure 2). Ensure that the sampling cup when not in use is protected from the stream.
Pass the
...