Designation: B215 − 15

Standard Practices for

Sampling Metal Powders 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B215; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original
original adoption or, in the case of revis
revision,
ion, the year of last revision.
revision. A number in paren
parenthese
thesess indicates the year of last reappr
reapproval.
oval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Sco
Scope*
pe* 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound
inch-pound units
units are to be regard
regarded
ed
1.1 These practices
practices cover sampling methods
methods used to collect as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
a small quantity of metal powder that is as representative of the conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
entire starting material as possible, and details the procedures and are not considered standard.
that are recommended for reducing this quantity into smaller 1.6 This standar
standardd doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addre
ress
ss all of the
test por
portion
tionss on whi
which
ch che
chemica
mical,
l, phy
physic
sical,
al, and mec
mechan
hanical
ical safe
safety
ty co
conc
ncern
erns,
s, if an
anyy, as
asso
soci
ciat
ated
ed wit
withh its us
use.
e. It is th
thee
property data may be determined. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 Sever
Severalal sampling practices
practices are descr
described,
ibed, depending
depending on priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
their applicability to the conditions of storage and transport of bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the sampled powders:
2. Referenc
Referenced
ed Documents
1.2.1 Practice 1A (Described in Section 6)—Applicable to
sampling moving powders, as when being transferred from one 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
container to another or to a process stream; or when falling B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
from a conveyor; or in a moving process stream. This is the D480 Test Met
Method
hodss for Sam
Sampli
pling
ng and Test
esting
ing of Flak
Flaked
ed
preferred
prefer red practice for obtaining the severa
severall increm
increments
ents that are Aluminum Powders and Pastes
combined to form the gross sample.
1.2.2 Practice 1B (Described in Section 7)—Applicable to 3. Terminology
sampli
sam pling
ng popowd
wders
ers tha
thatt hav
havee alr
alread
eadyy bee
beenn pac
packag
kaged
ed fo
forr 3.1 Definitions—Defi
Definit
nition
ionss of pow
powder
der met
metallu
allurg
rgy
y ter
terms
ms
transport, as in a bag or drum. A hollow tubular slot sampler is can be fou
found
nd in Term
ermino
inolog
logyy B243
B243.. Addition
Additional
al descr
descriptive
iptive
the recommended way to sample these packaged powders to information is available in the Related Materials section of Vol
obtain the increments (7.1.1
(7.1.1).). Alternatively, when other meth- 02.05 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards .
ods are not possible or available, a procedure specified here 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
(7.1
(7.1.2
.2)) ma
mayy be us used
ed to rarand
ndom
omlyly sc
scoo
oop p sam
sampl
ples
es fr
from
om ththee
3.2.1
3.2.1 See Fig. 1 for the terms hereinafter defined.
powder,
powde r, using a scoop of specifi
specifieded materia
materiall and configuration.
configuration.
3.2.2 composite sample— blended entire gross sample.
1.2.3 Pract
Practice
ice 2 (De
(Descr
scribe
ibedd in Sec
Sectio
tion
n 8)—Applic
Applicable
able to
obtaining test portions from the composite sample. For larger 3.2.3 increment—quaquantit
ntity
y of pow
powder
der obtained
obtained by a sam
sam--
quantities of powder, a chute splitter is generally used, while a pling device at one time from a larger quantity of powder.
spinning riffler is used for smaller quantities. 3.2.4 gross sample— total quantity of powder adequate for
1.3 The
These
se pra
practic
ctices
es app
apply
ly to par
particu
ticulate
late materials
materials or mix
mix-- the in
the inten
tende
ded
d pu
purp
rpos
ose(
e(s)
s),, co
cons
nsist
istin
ing
g of al
alll th
thee in
incr
creme
ement
ntss
tures of particulates with particle sizes generally less than one combined.
millimetre and include mixtures containing lubricant, with or 3.2.5 test por
portion
tion—
—qua
quantit
ntity
y of pow
powder
der (ge
(gener
nerally
ally tak
taken
en
without other non-metallic additives, that are ready for com- from the composite sample) on which the test is performed, or
pacting. from which a test piece is produced.
1.4 Th
1.4 Thes
esee pr
pract
actice
icess do no
nott co
cove
verr th
thee sa
samp
mplin
ling
g of fla
flake
ke
4. Signi
Significanc
ficancee and Use
powders or pastes. For procedures on the sampling and testing
of flake metal powders and pastes, refer to Test Methods D480
D480.. 4.1 Specifications
Specifications and test methods for metal powder
powderss and
metal pow
metal powder
der produc
products
ts req
requir
uiree the sam
samplin
pling,
g, test
testing
ing,, and
1
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
Powders and Metal Powder Products
Powders Products and are the direct respo
responsibil
nsibility
ity of Subc
Subcom-
om-
2
mittee B09.02 on Base Metal Powders. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current
Curre nt editi
edition
on approv
approved
ed Oct. 1, 2015. Published
Published October 2015. Originally
Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved
approv ed in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B215 – 10. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/B0215-15. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 B215 − 15

used to obtain the test portions; use of a spinning riffler is

preferred when possible and practicable.
4.4 Although not always meeting all the criteria of 4.2.1 –
4.2.3, the other sampling practices described in this standard
are based on time-proven experience in the PM industry in
sampling granular metal powders. These practices have been
shown to produce samples that give reliable and representative
evaluation data.
4.5 Since many tests are performed using very small
amounts of powder meant to represent much larger quantities,
it is most important that the test portions be obtained in a
standardized manner. The practices described here take into
account the possibility of segregation of the metal powder
during and after filling of containers.
4.6 Sample quantities of metal powder are used for chemi-
cal analysis and to determine the physical characteristics of the
powder. These data are used for production control and quality
inspection of finished lots.
4.7 Green compacts produced from powder samples are
used to evaluate the compactability properties of metal
powders, information that is important to the use of these
powders in the manufacture of PM bearings and structural
parts.
4.8 Test specimens produced from metal powder samples
are compacted and sintered and used to measure physical and
mechanical properties of solid PM materials. The data obtained
are included in PM material specifications to assist with
material selection for PM applications.
4.9 Solid PM articles—structural parts, bearings, etc.—are
FIG. 1 Scheme of Sampling
produced from metal powder samples to evaluate powder
performance in the manufacturing and end use of such articles.
performance evaluation of small samples taken from large 5. Apparatus
quantities of powder. The sampling procedure is equally as
5.1 Rectangular Receptacle, capable of being moved com-
important as the testing and evaluation; the sampling methods
pletely across a stream of flowing powder at a constant speed
used must include every precaution to ensure that the samples
and having a length and width greater than the stream of
obtained will show the true nature and condition of the large
powder. It must be large enough so that no overflow of powder
powder quantity that they represent.
occurs when collecting the sample.
4.2 The primary objective of any sampling procedure is to
5.2 Small Blender—Of sufficient capacity to blend the entire
obtain a small quantity of material that is truly representative of
gross sample, consisting of all the increments combined.
the larger amount from which it is taken, a condition that is
readily comprehended but difficult to define, quantify, and 5.3 Commercial Sampling Device—Many powder transfer
prove. Certain criteria are desirable to meet this condition:3 systems are closed for dust control, but there are commercial
4.2.1 Every sampling increment should have a non-zero devices available that can be inserted into a section of a pipe to
probability of being selected. collect powder increments while maintaining the flowing
4.2.2 All increments should have an equal probability of stream.
being selected. 5.4 Powder Sampler—A slot or tube sampler with an auger
4.2.3 The sampling procedure should not alter the material point that can be screwed to the bottom of a filled container and
(for example, by changing the particle size or chemical is designed to collect powder at one (single-level) or more
composition). (multi-level) depths, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.
4.3 Sampling a moving powder helps to satisfy these crite- 5.5 Powder Scoop— A non-magnetic stainless steel scoop
ria; therefore, Practice 1A should be used whenever possible to with a sharp edge and high sides, of a size and capacity capable
obtain the composite sample. Similarly, Practice 2 should be of obtaining the desired powder increment. See Fig. 4.
5.6 Chute Splitter—Of sufficient size and capacity to split
3
Pierre M. Gy, Sampling of Heterogeneous and Dynamic Material Systems. the required amount of powder into two approximately-equal
Elsevier: New York, NY, 1992 portions, see Fig. 5. Several different sizes of splitter may be

2
 B215 − 15

FIG. 2 Multi-Level Slot Sampler with Auger Point

(Keystone Sampler)

FIG. 3 Single-Level Tube Sampler with Auger Point (Full View and Close-Up of Point) — Schematic

3
 B215 − 15

5.8 Spinning Riffler—Of sufficient size and capacity to split

the required amount of powder into at least eight
approximately-equal portions, see Fig. 6. Several different
sizes of riffler may be necessary throughout the sampling
process, depending on the sample size at each step. The
smallest of these are often referred to as “micro rifflers.”

PART 1—OBTAINING THE COMPOSITE SAMPLE

6. Pactice 1A—Sampling a Moving Powder

6.1 The preferred method for sampling powders is always
when the powder is in motion, as, for example, when being
transferred from a blender or a storage tank, or falling from a
conveyor, or in a moving process stream (pipeline).
6.2 Equal powder increments should be taken at random
FIG. 4 Stainless Steel Scoop for Sampling Metal Powder
intervals over the life of the flow.
6.3 The number of increments that make up the gross
sample should be agreed upon between the parties concerned.
6.4 Pass the rectangular receptacle at a constant speed
completely through the stream of flowing powder, starting
immediately upon flow. Repeat at random intervals until the
agreed-upon number of increments is obtained, taking the last
increment near the end of the flow.
6.5 Alternatively, use a commercial sampling device to
collect the agreed-upon number of increments, starting imme-
diately upon flow, and taking the last increment near the end of
the flow.
6.6 The total amount from all increments shall be adequate
for the tests or evaluations to be performed.

NOTE 1—To investigate within-lot and sampling variability, individual

increments may be tested rather than being combined to form a composite
sample.

6.7 Combine the increments to form the gross sample.

6.8 Blend the gross sample in a small blender to form the
composite sample.

7. Practice 1B—Sampling a Stationary Powder

7.1 Although sampling a moving powder is always
preferred, it is not always possible to do so with powders that
have already been packaged for shipment (for example, in
drums, pails, or bags). Such stationary powders must then be
sampled using either a tube (slot) sampler or a simple scoop, as
specified in the following sections.
7.1.1 Sampling a Stationary Powder Using a Slot or Tube
Sampler—Using a hollow tubular multi-level slot sampler (Fig.
FIG. 5 Chute Splitter — Schematic
2) to remove powder from several depths of the container is the
recommended way to sample packaged powder. Alternatively,
necessary throughout the sampling process, depending on the a single-level tube sampler (Fig. 3) may be used repeatedly to
sample size at each step. The size of the chute openings should remove powder from several depths of the container.
be at least three times the largest particle size to be sampled, 7.1.1.1 Equal powder increments should be taken at each
and the chute angle should be at least 45°. The smallest of the depth.
chute splitters are often referred to as “micro splitters.” 7.1.1.2 The number of increments that make up the gross
5.7 Charging Pan—A pan that is the same width as the sample and the number of increments taken from each con-
chute splitter and large enough to contain the sample to be split. tainer should be agreed upon between the parties concerned.

4
 B215 − 15

FIG. 6 Spinning Riffler — Schematic

7.1.1.3 Consult Table 1, Sampling Schedule, to determine the recommended minimum number of containers, selected at
random, from the lot or batch of powder, that are to be
sampled.
TABLE 1 Splitting Schedule 7.1.1.4 Obtain powder increments from each container us-
No. of Containers No. of Containers to be Sampled ing either of the following devices:
in the Lot or Batch (Randomly Selected) 7.1.1.5 Multi-Level Slot Sampler—Insert the sampler, in the
1 to 5 all closed position, into the powder at a point about 70 % of the
6 to 11 5
12 to 20 6
distance from the center of the cross-section to the periphery
21 to 35 7 and straight down to the bottom of the container. Each volume
36 to 60 8 of powder from each individual slot in the sampler may be
61 to 99 9
100 to 149 10
considered an increment.
150 to 199 11 7.1.1.6 Single-Level Tube Sampler—Insert the sampler, in
200 to 299 12 the closed position, into the powder at a point about 70 % of
300 to 399 13
More than 400 13 + 1 per 100 additional containers the distance from the center of the cross-section to the
periphery and straight down to an appropriate depth for the

5
 B215 − 15

required increment. After emptying the sampler (7.1.1.8), 7.1.2.7 The total amount from all increments shall be
repeat at different depths for the required number of incre- adequate for the tests or evaluations to be performed. Addi-
ments. tional increments may be taken from other random containers
7.1.1.7 Open the sampler, allowing powder to flow into the if necessary.
sampler tube. Close the sampler tube when filled and remove it 7.1.2.8 Combine the increments to form the gross sample.
from the container. NOTE 4—To investigate within-container and sampling variability,
7.1.1.8 Empty the contents of the sampler either into a individual increments may be tested rather than being combined to form
container or onto a sheet of glazed or waxed paper. a composite sample.

7.1.1.9 Repeat 7.1.1.4 through 7.1.1.8 until the required 7.1.2.9 Blend the gross sample in a small blender for 10 to
number of containers have been sampled and the required 15 revolutions to form the composite sample.
number of increments have been obtained.
PART 2—OBTAINING THE TEST PORTIONS FROM
7.1.1.10 The total amount from all increments shall be THE COMPOSITE SAMPLE
adequate for the tests or evaluations to be performed. Addi-
tional increments may be taken from other random containers 8. Practice 2—Obtaining the Test Portions Using a Chute
if necessary. Splitter or Spinning Riffler
NOTE 2—To investigate within-lot and sampling variability, individual 8.1 A chute splitter may be used to divide the composite
increments may be tested rather than being combined to form a composite sample into smaller portions, until each division either be-
sample.
comes small enough to use a spinning riffler or reaches the test
NOTE 3—To investigate within-container variability, the single-level
portion size. If the composite sample is small enough, or when
tube sampler can be used to collect discrete samples from several levels
that may then be individually evaluated. the divisions from a chute splitter are small enough, use of a
spinning riffler is the preferred practice for obtaining one or a
7.1.1.11 Combine the increments to form the gross sample. multiple number of nearly-identical test portions of powder.
7.1.1.12 Blend the gross sample in a small blender for 10 to There are a number of chute splitters and spinning rifflers
15 revolutions to form the composite sample. commercially available, in various sizes.
7.1.2 Sampling a Stationary Powder Using a Scoop 8.2 Chute Splitter
Sampler—Scoop sampling is a common practice that has been 8.2.1 Pour the entire composite sample quantity into the
successfully used in many industries that handle granular or charging pan of the splitter so it is evenly spread from side to
particulate materials. When carefully done following a stan- side in the pan.
dardized procedure, it can produce samples that are reliable 8.2.2 Locate the edge of the charging pan over the center
examples of the powder being tested or evaluated. line of the chute bank and gently pour the composite sample
7.1.2.1 The design of the scoop is important to minimize through the splitter at a rate where it will flow freely through
sampling error. It shall have a sharp edge and high sides that all of the chutes and into the collecting bins.
will contain the sample without overflowing during use, as 8.2.3 After the initial distribution has been made, measure
partial loss of powder may compromise the sample. The scoop the sample size by determining the mass (or the volume) of the
shall be fabricated from non-magnetic stainless steel. An powder from one of the splitter collecting bins.
ordinary plastic or cast aluminum food scoop or a flat spoon- 8.2.4 Adjustments can then be made by repeatedly splitting
like instrument should not be used. See Fig. 4. the contents of one of the collecting bins to increase the
7.1.2.2 Consult Table 1, Sampling Schedule, to determine quantity in the remaining previously-filled bin, or repeatedly
the recommended minimum number of containers, selected at splitting the contents of one bin to produce two smaller size
random, from the lot or batch of powder that are to be sampled. samples, until the desired sample size or test portion size is
7.1.2.3 Using the scoop held sideways, scrape away the top reached.
2 in. (~50 mm) of surface powder from the central region 8.3 Spinning Riffler
exposing about a 10 x 10 in. (~250 x 250 mm) area of fresh 8.3.1 Pour the entire sample quantity—either the entire
powder. composite sample or one of the divisions from the prior chute
7.1.2.4 Skim through a short distance of the undisturbed splitter—into the powder hopper and pass it through the
sub-surface with an arcing motion of the scoop to collect a spinning riffler, maintaining a constant feed rate and rotation
powder sample from the container. The quantity taken shall be speed such that the entire composite sample passes through in
completely confined within the scoop without overflowing. no fewer than 100 rotations.
This is one increment. 8.3.2 After the initial distribution has been made, measure
7.1.2.5 Empty the contents of the scoop either into a the sample size by determining the mass (or the volume) of the
container or onto a sheet of glazed or waxed paper. powder from one of the riffler collecting containers.
7.1.2.6 Repeat 7.1.2.3 through 7.1.2.5 until the required 8.4 Adjustments can then be made by: (1) using one of the
number of containers have been sampled and the required previously-riffled samples; (2) combining two or more of the
number of increments have been obtained. Be careful to previously-riffled samples; or (3) using one or more of the
duplicate the collecting motion in order to collect about the previously-riffled samples to increase the quantity in the
same quantity of powder in each increment. remaining previously-filled containers; then repeatedly riffling

6
 B215 − 15

to produce smaller size samples until the desired test portion sampling; scoop; slot sampler; spinning riffler; splitter; test
size is reached. If each riffled sample becomes too small to be portion; test specimen; tube sampler
used as a test portion, two or more riffled samples may be
combined to make up the test portion quantity.

9. Keywords
9.1 chute sampler; composite sample; gross sample; incre-
ment; Keystone sampler; micro riffler; micro splitter; riffler;

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B215 – 010) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) The standard has been restructured, splitting it into two (7) The intermediate “test sample” has been eliminated, taking
parts: Part 1, Obtaining the composite sample; and Part 2, the test portions directly from the composite sample.
Obtaining the test portions from the composite sample. (8) The sampling scheme in Fig. 1 has been changed to
(2) In each part, multiple sampling practices are specified, with eliminate the “test sample” and indicate the intermediate steps
each practice’s applicability and preference indicated. between sampling practices.
(3) Scoop sampling has been added as a common practice. (9) The “Significance and Use” section has been expanded to
(4) For all the practices, more detailed procedures have been emphasize the importance of proper sampling practices, to
described, and a short description of each practice, with regard indicate the conditions for good practices, and to describe the
to applicability, has been added to the scope. use of metal powder samples.
(5) Information has been added to the scope to indicate the (10) Keywords have been changed and added to reflect the
types of materials for which these practices can be used.
terminology used in the revised standard.
(6) New, more descriptive, schematic depictions of some of the
sampling devices have been added.

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