Choosing the right sampling equipment depends on many different selection criteria. These include the material properties of the sampler as well as on the type of sampling, the container or the site where the material under test is stored, and the frequency with which the sampling is carried out. In addition to individual requirements for sampling, all equipment should fulfil the basic principles outlined below:
Sampler material
All sampling devices must themselves be manufactured from inert materials which pose little or no risk of contamination or reaction with the material actually under test. Note that an 'inert' sampler is partially defined by the material it is destined to test. As a general rule, samplers made of stainless steel and high-quality plastic such as PTFE are the most suitable.
Reusable versus disposable samplers
With traditional reusable samplers, it should be easy and quick to clean reusable sampling equipment and, under certain conditions, to sterilise it. As an alternative to reusable devices, especially for the food industry, Bürkle offer sterile-packed disposable samplers which can be disposed of after use.