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Lecture3 CH315 Winter2013 Class
Lecture3 CH315 Winter2013 Class
Lecture3 CH315 Winter2013 Class
Sampling/Sample Preparation
Sampling
Choosing a good representative sample is the underlying
Sampling: process of choosing a representative bulk sample from some total material (Lot).
Sample preparation: process of transforming a bulk sample into a sample ready for analysis (a lab sample).
Sampling Plans
A good sampling plan is dependant on the goals of the
analyst. In a qualitative analysis for example the sample does not need to be identical to the original lot as long as the analyte to be detected is at detectable levels. Samples for quantitative analysis must accurately represent the lot. This requires much more careful planning and the careful consideration of several issues.
Sampling Plans
In a sampling plan for quantitative analysis the following five
questions must be considered: Where should the representative sample be collected from the lot? What type of sample should be collected? What is the minimum amount of sample needed for the analysis? How many samples need to be analyzed? How can the variance associated with the analysis be minimized?
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Representative samples
When a lot has a homogeneous composition samples can be
taken of the lot without concern that they will be different then the lot. Many lots are heterogeneous. In these cases this must take this into account. Simplest solution Homogenization.
Not always practical do to loss of information about analytes distribution through space or time. Alternative implement sampling plan.
Sampling plans
Types of sampling plans:
Random Sampling: Samples are obtained at random from a lot. Truly random samples are difficult to obtain. Need a large number of samples.
Judgmental Sampling: Opposite of random sampling. Prior information about lot is used to guide sample selection. More biased then random but requires fewer samples.
Systematic Sampling: A lot is sampled over regular intervals in space or time. Not as biased as judgemental sampling nor requiring as many samples as truly random sampling. Systematic-Judgemental Sampling: Prior knowledge of a lot is used to guide a systematic sampling plan.
Stratified Sampling: Also referred to as judgemental-random. Some lots consist of distinct units or strata. In stratified sampling the lot is divided into strata and random samples are collected in each. Convenience Sampling: Sampling sites are chosen for reasons of convenience and not to minimize error.
Type of Sample
Once you have decided where and when to collect a sample
you must next decide what type of sample to collect. There are three main types of samples: Grab samples: A portion of a lot is collected at a specific time and/or location. Composite samples: A sample made up of a set of grab samples. In Situ sampling: A sensor is inserted directly into a lot.
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Sampling
Care must be taken in storing samples once chosen. Composition can change with time after collection due to: Chemical changes. Reaction with air. Interaction of sample with container.
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Sample Preparation
Once a bulk sample is selected, a laboratory sample must be prepared. Sample preparation is the process of preparing a sample so it is ready for analysis. Sample preparation may include: Grinding Dissolving the sample Acid digestion Fusion Removing or masking interfering species. Wet or dry ashing Extracting analyte from complex matrix. Concentrating dilute analyte. Converting analyte to detectible form.
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Sample Preparation
The first step in preparing a solid sample is often to grind and mix it in preparation for further treatment.
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Sample Preparation
Laboratory samples are usually dissolved before analysis. Several sources of error exist at the sample dissolution stage which can limit the accuracy of further analysis. These errors include: Incomplete dissolution of the analyte. The sample must be dissolved completely. Loss of analyte by volatization. Care must be taken not to loose parts of the sample through conversion into gaseous forms and subsequent evaporation. Introduction of analyte as solvent contamination. Trace amounts of an analyte in the solvent used can lead to errors (especially in trace analysis). Introduction of contaminants from vessel walls. Dissolution at high temperatures can lead to contamination from the vessel they are carried out in.
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Sample Preparation
Inorganic analytical samples usually require harsh conditions to completely dissolve. The nonoxidizing acids HCl, HBr, HF, H3PO4, dilute H2SO4 and dilute HClO4 can dissolve most metals:
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Sample Preparation
Some inorganic materials will not dissolve completely in acid. These samples can usually be dissolved by hot, molten inorganic flux in a process known as fusion. In fusion: A finely powdered unknown is mixed with 2-20 time it mass in flux. This mixture is then place in a crucible made of a material chosen depending on the flux used. The crucible and mixture is then heated at 300 1200 C in a furnace or over a burner. The molten flux is then poured into beakers containing 10% aqueous HNO3 and dissolved.
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Sample Preparation
Decomposition of organic substances: Techniques used to decompose organic material can be organized into two broad categories: Wet ashing (requires a liquid). Carius method. High pressure asher Refluxing HNO3-HClO4. Kjeldahl digestion. Dry ashing (does not use a liquid). Combusition over open flame. Combustion-tube methods.
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Sample Preparation
Carius method: In this digestion method, fuming HNO3 is sealed with the sample and heated to 200 300 C in a sealed, heavy-walled glass tube. The glass tube is placed inside a steel vessel pressurized to the same pressure as expected inside the glass tube. It is used to analyze organic compounds for sulfur, halogens, and phosphorus.
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Sample Preparation
High-pressure asher: High pressure allows acids to be heated to high temperature without boiling. This allows HNO3 to be used instead of H2SO4. HNO3 can be produced much purer then H2SO4. High-pressure ashers are used for trace analysis of metallic elements.
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Sample Preparation
Wet ashing with refluxing HNO3-HClO4:
A widely applicable method of digestion but quite hazardous. Perchloric acid (HClO4) is an extreme explosion hazard and must be used with a blast shield. Bottles of HClO4 cannot be stored on wooden shelves. Perchloric acid spilled on wood can form explosive cellulose perchlorate esters.
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