Technology
HECHT screw sampler
The HECHT screw sampler is an advanced, technically robust sampling solution designed for representative and reproducible sampling of bulk materials in industrial process streams. This system is part of the sampling products within the HECHT portfolio for efficient sampling and process monitoring.
What is screw sampling?
The HECHT screw sampler continuously or periodically takes representative cross-sections from a product stream, transports them to a sample container, and thereby ensures an objective sample representation for analysis and quality control.
Unlike ad hoc manual sampling, this solution can be precisely programmed and integrated into automated production and QA systems.
Key technical features
1. Representative sampling
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The screw rotates within the material flow, cutting a cross-section that ensures the sample is representative of the bulk characteristics.
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The timer and settings for run times, pauses, and sample quantity are freely configurable, which is crucial for process consistency and laboratory requirements.
2. Self-cleaning design
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After each sampling, the screw automatically reverses for a self-cleaning cycle, minimizing contamination and ensuring precision.
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Product moved during the self-cleaning cycle is returned to the production stream—keeping the process closed and loss-free.
3. Sealing & product protection
Depending on process conditions and product properties, HECHT offers several sealing options to prevent leakage, product loss, or external contamination:
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Packing gland / Gland seal
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Shaft ring seal
All sealing options are suitable for hygienic and industrial applications.
4. Construction & installation options
Installation in a drop pipe
The sampler can be mounted between two flanges in a vertical drop pipe, making it ideal for integration into bulk transport lines.
Installation on a silo
The unit can be mounted directly to a fabricated connection on a silo wall for accessible sampling in storage and buffer silos.
5. Suitable connections for sample vessels
Depending on the planned sample volume and the type of sample vessel, HECHT offers various connection options:
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Spring steel wire clamp — for light, small samples
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Quick-action clamp (Momentsack clamp) — for larger, heavier samples
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Threaded connection — for standard bottles and sampling systems
Why integrate this sampling method into your process?
Precision & Reproducibility
The ability to adjust timing and sample volume supports both batch and continuous production, which is essential for laboratory analysis and process control.
Sealing & Safety
The sealed sampling design minimizes product and air loss, which is important in GMP, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications. HECHT sampling solutions can be combined with containment systems for added safety up to high OEB levels.
Flexible Integration
The screw sampler is suitable for installation in existing process lines without the need for complex redesign and can be combined with other HECHT sampling devices, such as vacuum or slide samplers.
Principle of operation — step by step
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Configuration & Programming — Timer-controlled sampling cycle.
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Screw movement in the flow — takes a sample
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Sample transport to the vessel — controlled transfer.
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Self-cleaning & product return — prevents cross-contamination.
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Closure & sealing — remains closed until the next sampling
Integration with HECHT’s sampling product family
HECHT offers a comprehensive portfolio of sampling technologies for a wide range of industries and containment requirements:
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Slide sampler — an alternative mechanism for representative sampling.
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Vacuum sampler — automated, closed sampling using pneumatic systems.
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Containment sampling solutions — for high exposure limits in pharmaceutical processes.
Technische specifications & configurations
| Feature | Value / Option |
|---|---|
| Installation | Silo / Downpipe |
| Sample Quantity | Adjustable per project |
| Time Control | Configurable interval and pause times |
| Cleaning Mode | Automatic reversal |
| Connection Options | Spring-loaded wire clamp, Momentsack clamp, threaded connection |
Specifications may vary by model. Request a datasheet or engineering drawing through HECHT contacts.
Conclusion — Ideal for engineer-driven processes
The HECHT screw sampler is a technically sophisticated sampling component that, thanks to its configurable sampling parameters, sealed operation, and installation flexibility, is highly suitable for use in industrial bulk processes. Through its integration with HECHT’s modular sampling ecosystem and the ability to interface with containment systems, this device is suitable for pharmaceutical, chemical, and food applications where precision, safety, and reproducibility are essential.