The Gamet Vac-A-Sample® is a portable pneumatic grain sampling probe designed to collect samples from stored grain at depths of 60 feet or more.
Ideal for sampling enclosed grain bins and ground piles, the Vac-A-Sample allows operators to obtain material from different depths without unnecessarily shifting or turning the stored grain.
The system uses an electric vacuum motor to draw material through the sampling probe and hose into a portable cyclone assembly, providing a practical solution for facilities that need to evaluate grain condition, quality or consistency during storage.
Stored Grain Sampling From Bins and Ground Piles
Sampling stored grain presents different challenges than sampling grain during receiving or transfer.
When grain is already contained in a bin or ground pile, obtaining material from deeper locations can be difficult. Samples collected only from easily accessible surface areas may not provide the information an operator needs about grain located farther inside the stored mass.
The Vac-A-Sample pneumatic grain probe is designed specifically for this type of application.
Potential applications include:
- Enclosed grain bins
- Ground grain piles
- Stored corn
- Stored wheat
- Stored soybeans
- Feed and grain storage facilities
- Grain elevators
- Seed storage operations
- Quality-control inspections of stored grain
Sample Stored Grain at Depths of 60 Feet or More
One of the primary advantages of the Vac-A-Sample is its ability to obtain samples from significant depths within stored material.
The manually inserted pneumatic sampling probe is capable of sampling to depths of 60 feet or more, depending on the commodity and application, allowing operators to reach areas of a bin or pile that may otherwise be difficult to evaluate.
This makes the Vac-A-Sample particularly useful when a facility needs to investigate grain condition at multiple locations and depths rather than relying solely on a surface sample.
How the Vac-A-Sample Works
The Vac-A-Sample uses vacuum to move grain from the sampling point to a portable collection system.
The operator inserts the probe into the stored product at the desired sampling location. An electric vacuum motor draws the sample through the probe and hose into a portable cyclone assembly.
By changing probe position and depth, operators can collect material from multiple locations within the stored grain.
This approach can reduce the need to unnecessarily move, shift or turn large quantities of stored material simply to obtain a sample.
Multiple Sampling Tip Options
Different commodities and stored products can require different sampling configurations.
The Vac-A-Sample is available with three sampling tip styles:
- Coarse tip
- Fine tip
- Burr tip
These options allow the sampling probe to be configured around the type and condition of material being sampled.
Vac-A-Sample Features
- Pneumatic stored-grain sampling system
- Capable of sampling to depths of 60 feet or more
- Designed for enclosed grain bins
- Suitable for ground-pile grain sampling
- 110-volt and 220-volt models available
- 7/8 HP vacuum motor assembly
- Explosion-proof on/off switch assembly
- Explosion-proof cord connector
- Portable cyclone sample collection assembly
- Tip sections for fine and coarse grain products
- Coarse, fine and burr sampling tip options
- 25′ or 50′ hose lengths available
When Should You Consider a Vac-A-Sample?
The Vac-A-Sample should be considered when the material that needs to be sampled is already in storage and cannot be conveniently sampled with a truck probe, spout sampler or conveyor sampling system.
It is particularly useful when operators need to obtain samples from multiple depths within a grain bin or pile.
The Vac-A-Sample may be appropriate when:
- You need to sample stored grain rather than moving grain
- Surface samples do not provide enough information
- You need samples from different depths
- You are evaluating grain in an enclosed bin
- You need to investigate different areas of a ground pile
- You want a portable sampling solution that can be used at multiple locations
Vac-A-Sample vs. Truck Probe Sampling
A truck probe and the Vac-A-Sample perform different roles in a grain sampling program.
Gamet’s truck probe systems are designed primarily for sampling grain from incoming trucks during the receiving process.
The Vac-A-Sample is designed primarily for grain that has already been placed into storage, including enclosed bins and ground piles.
Facilities may use both types of sampling equipment at different stages of grain handling.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Vac-A-Sample
How deep can the Vac-A-Sample collect grain samples?
The Vac-A-Sample is capable of collecting samples at depths of 60 feet or more, depending on the types of commodities and the application.
Can the Vac-A-Sample be used in a grain bin?
Yes. Sampling enclosed grain bins is one of the primary applications for the Vac-A-Sample.
Can it be used on ground piles?
Yes. The system is also designed for obtaining samples from stored grain in ground piles.
How does the Vac-A-Sample move the grain?
An electric vacuum motor draws the sample through the probe and hose into a portable cyclone collection assembly.
What hose lengths are available?
Gamet offers 25-foot or 50-foot hose lengths.
Are different sampling tips available?
Yes. Coarse, fine and burr tip sections are available to accommodate different sampling commodities and applications.
Need to Sample Grain Already in Storage?
If you need to obtain samples from an enclosed grain bin, ground pile or other stored-grain application, the Gamet Vac-A-Sample may provide a practical solution.
Contact Gamet Manufacturing with information about the commodity, storage configuration and sampling depth so our team can help determine the appropriate equipment and accessories.