Bürkle ViscoSampler sampler for viscous substances, PTFE/FEP, 60 cm immersion depth, 160 ml, 5331-2060

Some viscous fluids can cause long-term damage to polypropylene, such as more aggressive oils or solvent-based emulsions. For such cases, the ViscoSampler is available in a version where the tube and piston are made of PTFE and FEP. The suction piston principle is identical to that of the PP version, as are the three immersion depths ranging from 60 to 200 cm and the corresponding sample volumes of 160 to 650 ml.

Same principle, more chemically resistant material

As with the PP version, the tube is inserted to the desired depth; the piston draws in the sample and holds it until it is expelled again at the destination. The difference lies in the material: PTFE and FEP can withstand a wider range of chemicals than polypropylene without compromising the surface or functionality. Here too, the surfaces are manufactured to be non-porous and free of undercuts; a round thread reduces the build-up of dirt; and the sample extractor can be completely dismantled for cleaning.

Three lengths for different container depths

The 60-cm version holds 160 ml, the 100-cm version 300 ml and the 200-cm version 650 ml. The PTFE/FEP series thus covers the same range of container depths as the PP version, but is designed for media where polypropylene reaches its limits.

Materials in detail

The tube and piston are made of PTFE and FEP, whilst other components are made of aluminium, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and polyvinylidene fluoride. PTFE and FEP both belong to the group of fluoroplastics, which are known for their high resistance to acids, alkalis and many solvents, thereby expanding the range of applications for the PTFE/FEP version compared to the PP version. For the plastic parts of the ViscoSampler and LiquiSampler ranges, Bürkle provides a general material declaration; however, this does not specify a single standard.

When the PTFE/FEP version is worthwhile

For slurries, silt or non-critical oils, the ViscoSampler version made from PP – which is cheaper to purchase – is generally sufficient. As soon as more aggressive media are involved, or if the sample is subsequently subjected to further chemical processing, the PTFE/FEP variant is the safer choice. For smaller volumes up to 75 ml, the Mini ViscoSampler made from V4A stainless steel is the ideal choice.

When the PP version reaches its limits

In practice, the need for the PTFE/FEP version often only becomes apparent after some time in use: a PP sampler that repeatedly comes into contact with solvent-containing or highly acidic media can become brittle over time or lose its dimensional stability. Those who regularly sample such media from the outset can avoid having to replace the sampler later on – and the associated interruption to sampling – by opting for the PTFE/FEP version.

Cleaning and Reuse

The PTFE/FEP version can also be completely dismantled for cleaning. This is particularly important with more chemically aggressive media, as residues in the tube or on the piston not only distort the next sample but, depending on the medium, can also corrode the surfaces over time. The non-porous, undercut-free design further facilitates thorough cleaning between sampling sessions.

Typical applications

• More aggressive slurries and sludge, where polypropylene reaches its limits
• Oils and emulsions with a higher chemical content
• Aqueous clay and soil samples
• Creams and other paste-like products
• Samples that are subsequently subjected to chemical analysis

Technical details

Variants at a glance

Contents

• ViscoSampler PTFE/FEP, sample extractor for viscous substances, in the selected length

Service and procurement

Whether the PP or PTFE/FEP version is the right choice depends on the medium being conveyed; if in doubt, it is better to choose the more chemically resistant variant rather than having to reorder a second version later. LT Laborhandel supplies both material variants of the ViscoSampler in all three lengths and, if required, can also assist in assessing which chemical resistance is necessary for a specific application. If you have any queries regarding the appropriate version or combining it with other Bürkle samplers, please contact LT Laborhandel for further assistance.