Industries must use industrial sampling as a method to test the contents of their waste streams, which may consist of air, water or solid byproducts of manufacturing processes. Federal and state standards dictate a certain measure of quality for emissions to protect the public and the environment. This makes it necessary to test your emissions routinely, so your business can stay in compliance.

Different industrial sampling instruments exist for different types of waste streams. Air, water and solid testing require different instruments. Different types of gaseous releases also require different types of detection devices. The same holds true for liquid and solid testing.

Consider industrial sampling for pollution control by the following:

1. Find information about industrial sampling,

2. Look for types of sampling equipment and

3. Choose an industrial sampling equipment supplier.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find information about industrial sampling and what it's used for

Industrial sampling can have several applications. Some types of sampling target specific industries. Some testing equipment provides more accurate results on certain types of products or byproducts.

I recommend: SKC produces air sampling products for the industrial hygiene, safety, occupational health, environmental and indoor air quality professional. Environmental Restoration Group rents equipment for sampling potentially radioactive fields. Bodycote Testing Group conducts stack sampling, particularly for the paper, cement, chemical, steel, petrochemical and furniture manufacturing industries.

Look for types of industrial sampling equipment

Industrial sampling equipment ranges from chemical applications to remotely-operated equipment. The type of product you manufacture will dictate which type of sampling equipment best meets your needs.

I recommend: Global Water Instrumentation manufacturers water sampling tools – specifically storm water samplers, portable wastewater samplers and handheld peristaltic pumps. These tools have automated capabilities. Airmetrics manufacturers the MiniVol, a portable and lightweight sampler for remote or temporary locations.

Find an industrial sampling equipment supplier that meets your needs

Industrial sampling equipment suppliers stock many items that can fill your needs. Many suppliers carry multiple brand names with multiple applications. Some industrial sampling equipment manufacturers also sell their own products directly.

I recommend: Sentry Equipment is one of several industrial sampling equipment distributors that stocks industrial sampling tools for testing gases, bulk solids, slurry, liquid and steam products. Cole-Parmer sells bailers, dredgers, drum samplers and many other types of equipment for taking water samples.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't assume that you must hire a certified industrial hygienist to conduct sampling tests. Many sampling techniques meet standards while being routine and repetitive. Train a person how to calibrate the sampling equipment, use the equipment, document information, properly handle the samples and submit them to a laboratory. Use the certified specialist to interpret the samples only.