A primer for sampling solids, liquids, and gases: based on the seven sampling errors of Pierre Gy

Statisticians are well trained in sampling techniques if the sample is well defined. Examples of such samples include industrial parts in manufacturing, invoices in business processes, and people in surveys. However, what if the sampling unit isn't well defined? What if you are sampling bulk material such as a pile of coal? Author Patricia L. Smith illustrates what to look for in sampling devices and procedures to obtain correct samples from bulk materials. She gives sampling guidelines that can be applied immediately and shows how to analyze protocols to uncover sampling problems.

Smith presents the ideas of Pierre Gy in lay terms so that his concepts and principles can be easily grasped and applied. She conveys Gy's intuitive meaning while preserving his original ideas. Synonyms have been used for some technical terms to avoid confusion.

Special Features - Presents Pierre Gy's approach to sampling bulk material-whether solid, liquid, or gas. - Gives basic principles that can be applied to any bulk sampling situation. - Uses everyday language and intuitive explanations. - Gives examples of simple experiments that readers can perform on their own to understand the principles. - Includes a brief summary after each chapter for easy reference.