How much sample was lost in the SM 50 cutting trials?
RETSCH reported less than 5% loss for a 22 g herb charge, less than 3% for one plastic piece and less than 5% for a 6 g feather charge. Screen, rotor, speed and receptacle varied between trials. Compare your sample with the corresponding configuration before using these results.
Herbs: recovery with a fine screen
RETSCH reported less than 5% sample loss from a 22 g herb charge using a 250 µm screen at 2,000 rpm for five minutes. The reported final fineness was below 1 mm. The screen aperture and measured material outcome describe different aspects of the run.
| Parameter | Trial condition |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2,000 rpm |
| Grinding time | 5 min |
| Sample quantity | 22 g |
| Feed size | 10 mm |
| Final fineness | <1 mm |
| Grinding chamber | Aluminum |
| Rotor | Parallel-section rotor |
| Sieve aperture | 250 µm |
| Receptacle | 3 L |
| Reported sample loss | <5% |
Plastic: a single piece in a short run
One 80 mm plastic piece was cut for 15 seconds at 4,000 rpm with a 10 mm screen and a 500 mL glass collection bottle. Reported loss was below 3%. The initial quantity was recorded as one piece, so the result cannot be converted to grams lost from the published conditions.
| Parameter | Trial condition |
|---|---|
| Speed | 4,000 rpm |
| Grinding time | 15 s |
| Sample quantity | 1 piece |
| Feed size | 80 mm |
| Final fineness | <8 mm |
| Grinding chamber | Configuration for grinding without heavy-metal contamination |
| Rotor | Three-disc rotor |
| Sieve aperture | 10 mm |
| Receptacle | 500 mL glass bottle |
| Reported sample loss | <3% |
Feathers: low mass and high bulk volume
The feather charge occupied 1 L but weighed only 6 g. The reported trial used 6 mm and 750 µm screens, a 3 L receptacle and a parallel-section rotor at 2,000 rpm. Reported loss was below 5%. Preserve both bulk volume and mass in a new trial, since mass alone understates the feeding and collection requirement.
| Parameter | Trial condition |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2,000 rpm |
| Grinding times | 1 min and 1 min 30 s |
| Sample quantity | 1 L / 6 g |
| Feed size | 60 mm |
| Final fineness | <2 mm |
| Grinding chamber | Aluminum |
| Rotor | Parallel-section rotor |
| Sieve apertures | 6 mm and 750 µm |
| Receptacle | 3 L |
| Reported sample loss | <5% |
Why specify both bulk volume and mass for a limited sample?
A sample may be bulky while still having a low total mass. Describe those properties separately when discussing a cutting setup. Assess whether the preparation preserves the relevant mixture and leaves enough material for the analytical work, including any repeat or reserve portions.
| Consideration | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Feed geometry | Largest piece and shape |
| Available mass | Analytical and reserve needs |
| Recovery objective | Usable output after collection |
Discuss material testing with Glen Mills or Contact Glen Mills for information or a quote.