2.1 Since many tests are performed using very small amounts of powder, 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 and variability of the ceramic powder in containers of the various sizes and numbers, both in dry and slurry forms.

This practice covers procedures for sampling bulk and bagged ceramic whiteware clays. For bulk shipment consisting lumps, samples shall be taken from different parts of the rail car or truck during unloading. Sampling of hopper car or hopper truck shipments is to be done during unloading of the car or truck. For bulk shipment consisting shredded or coarsely ground clay, samples may be taken with a shovel, or with a grain sampler. For bagged lots of ground or air-floated clay, samples may be taken by a grain-sampler or similar sampling instrument. For a clay shipped in slurry form, a sample may be obtained by taking a single grab sample from any portion of the shipment except by skimming the top surface.