5 Case Studies to Know Before Selecting Laboratory Sampling Equipment

5 Case Studies to Know Before Selecting Laboratory Sampling Equipment

Discover five powerful case studies that reveal what to consider when selecting laboratory sampling equipment for minerals and ores. Avoid costly mistakes and improve lab outcomes.

🎯 Purpose of This Blog

To provide real-world examples (case studies) that illustrate how the right (or wrong) selection of laboratory sampling equipment impacts the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of mineral testing—especially in the mining and metallurgy industries.

🎣 Introduction: Why Case Studies Matter in Equipment Selection

Choosing the right laboratory sampling equipment isn’t about picking what’s “available”—it’s about knowing what works best for your specific material, volume, and precision needs.

If you’re dealing with ores like iron, bauxite, or gold, the challenges range from abrasion resistance to moisture handling and bias-free sample division. This blog explores five real-world case studies that will help you make smarter, data-driven decisions when selecting sampling equipment.

✅ Case Study 1: Iron Ore – How Automation Increased Accuracy

Challenge:
A high-throughput lab was facing inconsistent results in XRF tests for iron ore.

Problem Identified:
Manual sample division introduced variability due to inconsistent operator technique.

Solution Implemented:
Installed a PLC-integrated rotary sample divider with automated feeders and dust containment.

Results:

  • Sampling reproducibility improved by 33%
  • Reporting time reduced by 2 hours per batch
  • Customer satisfaction and ISO audit scores increased

🛠️ Case Study 2: Bauxite – Equipment Failure Due to Abrasiveness

Challenge:
A geology research lab using standard jaw crushers experienced frequent breakdowns.

Problem Identified:
Bauxite’s high abrasiveness wore out steel liners, causing contamination and downtime.

Solution Implemented:
Replaced crushers with jaw crushers lined with tungsten carbide and added ceramic funnels for sample transport.

Results:

  • Equipment lifespan increased by 5x
  • Contamination dropped below detectable limits
  • Downtime reduced from weekly to days

Internal Link:
Explore Heavy-Duty Sampling Equipment for Abrasive Ores »

⚖️ Case Study 3: Gold Ore – Representativeness Challenge Solved

Challenge:
Inconsistent gold grades were reported during assay verification at a mining QC lab.

Problem Identified:
Sample splitting was performed using manual coning and quartering—leading to non-representative samples.

Solution Implemented:
Integrated a vibratory feeder and rotary divider for mechanical, repeatable sample division.

Results:

  • Relative standard deviation dropped from 12% to 3%
  • Sampling bias eliminated
  • Regulatory compliance achieved for ISO 11466

💧 Case Study 4: Lithium – Moisture Handling in Sampling

Challenge:
A lithium processor’s samples kept sticking to chute surfaces and forming clumps.

Problem Identified:
High moisture content in lithium ore caused poor flow during sample division.

Solution Implemented:
Added heated sample chutes, moisture-resistant liners, and anti-clog vibratory feeders.

Results:

  • Flow efficiency improved by 50%
  • Sample loss reduced by 80%
  • Smoother feeding into particle size reducers

📊 Case Study 5: Manganese – Upgrading to Compliant Systems

Challenge:
An aging lab needed to upgrade their manganese ore sampling line to meet ISO 3082.

Problem Identified:
Existing riffle splitters and hand-crushers were outdated and non-compliant.

Solution Implemented:
A full upgrade to:

Results:

  • Gained ISO certification
  • Cut sample prep time by 40%
  • Improved lab safety and air quality

âś… Call to Action: Learn From the Field, Choose With Confidence

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