Overview
ISO 11790:2017 - Copper, lead, zinc and nickel concentrates - Guidelines for the inspection of mechanical sampling systems - provides recommended practices for inspecting mechanical sampling systems used with sulphide and oxide concentrates. The standard is a reference for demonstrating conformance with applicable international sampling requirements and focuses on ensuring representative, reliable samples through routine inspections, audits and testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Guidance for inspection procedures of mechanical sampling systems for copper, lead, zinc and nickel concentrates, addressing general considerations such as precision, bias and quality variation.
- Precision and quality variation: Recommends precision checks for each material type and measurement of between-increment variance (heterogeneity) to characterise sampling variability.
- Bias testing: Calls for bias tests after commissioning or major modifications and periodic checks when material characteristics change; bias tests follow ISO 13292.
- Operation and start-up: Procedures to purge foreign material, allow hydraulic systems to stabilise and condition the system (e.g., allow a primary cut to pass through before sampling).
- Inspection types:
- Audits - independent, critical reviews by suitably qualified persons (recommended at least annually) to verify conformance with design and standards.
- Mechanical inspections - comparative checks of physical parameters versus design criteria.
- Operational inspections - operator-led checks performed before, during and after sampling.
- Procedures and records: Use of sampling checklists, operator’s inspection reports, control charts, and detailed sampling records to document performance and changes. Annexes provide example checklists and report templates.
- Inspection points: Ensure visibility of cutters and apertures, check for blockages/blinding, and monitor conveyor and material-handling influences that can produce cyclical variation.
Applications and users
ISO 11790:2017 is practical for:
- Plant operators and sampling technicians - to implement routine operational inspections and checklists.
- Metallurgical engineers and QA/QC teams - to design inspection systems, interpret precision/variance data and manage bias testing.
- Auditors and compliance officers - to perform independent audits and verify conformity with design parameters and international standards.
- Ports, multi-user facilities and commissioning teams - to set inspection schedules, reduce sampling bias and document system performance.
Practical benefits include improved sample representativity, reduced measurement uncertainty, better dispute resolution at trading points, and clearer maintenance and audit trails.
Related standards
- ISO 12743 - Sampling procedures for metal and moisture content
- ISO 12744 - Experimental methods for checking precision of sampling
- ISO 13292 - Experimental methods for checking bias of sampling
Keywords: ISO 11790:2017, mechanical sampling systems, copper concentrates, lead concentrates, zinc concentrates, nickel concentrates, sampling inspection, precision, bias, audits, sampling checklist.