GRAINOPERATIONS Grain sampling systems Paying attention to every detail is critical when selecting and installing a truck probe By Kevin B. Mason Quality and quantity are typically key considerations in any commercial grain commodity transaction. Quantity can be easily determined by measuring or weighing the lot of product, but gauging the quality is more difficult since it is not practical to inspect the entire lot. It is therefore critical that a representative sample be used to allow a reasonably accurate assessment of the quality of the entire lot. When it comes to grain quality, storage and handling facilities are primarily concerned with the characteristics and consistency of grain kernels themselves, as well as the presence and proportion of any contaminants. The most common types of sampling equipment used in the grain industry today are probe samplers, cross-cut samplers and point samplers. This article will examine probe samplers, The following article is the first in a two-part series on grain sampling systems. The first part focuses on probe samplers used for sampling trucks and railcars. The second article, which will appear in an upcoming issue of World Grain, will examine cross-cut and point type grain samplers. youi tment This Th is is yo ur in in t'e VestmentN - S - 1i I i * - '4 - -I h t ij p rE j o 'iife Polyurethane 44 cZs] i tui ['II : __ *1 - _ __ _ _ it _ _ For more information, see Page 98. 56 April 2007 / World Grain / www.World-Grain.comhttp://www.World-Grain.com