Overview
ISO 14488:2007 - "Particulate materials - Sampling and sample splitting for the determination of particulate properties" specifies methods to obtain a representative test sample from a defined bulk of particulate material (powder, paste, suspension or dust). The standard is focused on generating samples with a defined confidence level for accurate determination of particle size, particle size distribution, surface area and related particulate properties. It covers the full sampling sequence from planning through division and validation.
Key topics
- Scope and definitions: clear terminology for primary sample, gross sample, sample increment, test sample, representative sample, bias and error.
- Principles of sampling: requirement that each particle has equal probability of being sampled; distinction between fundamental error (statistical limit related to particle discreteness) and segregation error (systematic error caused by de-mixing).
- Sampling plan: documenting locations, number of increments, timing and sampling frequency to control segregation and to meet a stated confidence level.
- Sample handling and safety: primary sampling, container selection, marking and sample preservation.
- Sample division techniques: practical methods such as spinning riffler, static riffle divider, coning and quartering, increment division, scoops, and procedures for pastes and suspensions.
- Validation and calculations: estimation of variances at different sampling stages, calculation of minimum sample mass/number of particles to meet a target uncertainty, and guidance on assessing total sampling error. (Annexes A and B provide worked calculation methods and examples.)
- Normative references: links to ISO 3165, ISO 6206, ISO 9276-2 and ISO 14887 for related vocabulary and particle-size conversion and dispersion procedures.
Applications and users
ISO 14488:2007 is intended for laboratories, quality control and R&D teams that perform particulate characterization, including:
- Pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic manufacturers measuring powder properties
- Ceramics, cement and construction materials testing
- Mining, minerals and metallurgy particle-size analysis
- Food powder processing and instant products
- Environmental and occupational dust monitoring
Users employ ISO 14488 to design sampling plans, select appropriate sample-splitting methods, reduce sampling bias, estimate uncertainty, and ensure that particle-size and surface-area measurements are traceable and statistically defensible.
Related standards
- ISO 3165 - Safety in sampling of chemical products
- ISO 6206 - Sampling vocabulary
- ISO 9276-2 - Particle size representation and conversions
- ISO 14887 - Dispersing procedures for powders in liquids
Keywords: ISO 14488:2007, particulate materials, sampling, sample splitting, particle size distribution, surface area, sampling plan, fundamental error, segregation error, riffler, coning and quartering.
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