METHOD AND SAMPLING DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF LOW LEVELS OF A PROPERTY/QUALITY TRAIT PRESENT IN AN INHOMOGENEOUSLY DISTRIBUTED SAMPLE SUBSTRATE

摘要

A process for detecting low levels of a predetermined quality trait in an inhomogeneously distributed particulate substrate (22) involving the steps of: (a) providing a particulate substrate (22) to be analyzed; (b) providing a spectrometer (12) with an electromagnetic detector capable of performing spectroscopic measurements with electromagnetic radiation; (c) providing a rotatable sample holder (14) having a transparent area through which electromagnetic radiation may pass; (d) providing a tumbling member (18) located within the rotatable sample holder (14) for tumbling the particulate substrate (22) contained therein; (e) introducing the particulate substrate (22) into the rotatable sample holder (14); (f) simultaneously rotating and tumbling the particulate substrate (22) contained within the rotatable sample holder (14); and (g) activating the spectrophotometer (12).