Sampling system for granular materials with sample extractor and sample divider

A system for obtaining a plurality of substantially similar samples of granular material, the system comprising:

• a material conveyor comprising:
• an intake end;
• a discharge end;
• and
• a conveying section connecting the intake end and the discharge end, and a material sampling system comprising:
• a sample extractor for obtaining a sample of granular material, the sample extractor positioned below the discharge end of the material conveyor;
• a sample divider operative to divide the sample of granular material into a plurality of smaller samples of granular material in a plurality of sample containers;
• and
• a sample transfer conduit for transferring the sample of granular material from the sample extractor to the sample divider;
• and
• a sampling processor nodule operative to control the operation of the sample extractor and the sample divider, the sampling processor module comprising:
• at least one processing unit;
• and a computer readable memory containing program instructions operative to control an operation of the sampling processor module, wherein the programming instructions are operative to:
• receive input indicating a size of load;
• determine a flowrate of granular material through the sample extractor;
• determine a sample time interval;
• while flow is being sensed passing through the sample extractor, wait for the sample time interval to pass and then obtain a sample portion;
• and
• continue to take sample portions after each sample time interval has passed while flow of granular material passing through the sample extractor is being sensed until all of the sample portions have been taken,
• wherein the sample time interval is determined by using the size of the load, the determined flowrate of granular material and a number of sample portions to be taken.