ASTM D7204-23

Standard Practice for Sampling Waste Streams on Conveyors

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice can be used in sampling ash from a kiln or incinerator, soils, and process waste from conveying systems, such as a conveyer and vertical lifts. Some slurries, such as the bottom solids, can be sampled from the quench waters at the end of a kiln.  
4.2 This practice can be used to determine material balances for burner efficiency studies and compliance studies.  
4.3 This practice can be used on lifts, sloping, and horizontal conveyor systems. The type of conveyor and the amount and type of sample required will dictate the type of sampling equipment required to get a representative sample.  
4.4 The sample is taken directly from the conveyor before emptying into the waste container or pile for disposal or recycling using a scoop, dipper, or shovel depending upon the sample requirements (see Practice D5633). The sample is then put into the sample container for analysis.  
4.5 The place, quantity, frequency, and time of sampling is dependent upon the conveying system equipment, data quality objectives (DQOs) (Practice D5792), work or sampling plan (see Practice D5283 and Guide D4687), and analysis to be run.  
4.5.1 Large particles can be mechanically excluded on a belt system. Large particles may accumulate at the bottom of an inclined/sloped belt system. Therefore, steps, if possible, need to be taken so that particles of all sizes have equal chances of being sampled.  
4.5.2 The number of samples and sample time is dependent upon the system, the precision required, the decisions that are to be made, the cost, and the degree of heterogeneity of the material (see Guides D5956 and D6311).  
4.5.3 In general, the ideal sampling location is nearest to the point of generation since temperature, oxidation, and air movement may change some samples with time.  
4.6 The practice does not address issues related to the heterogeneity of the sample.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes standard procedures for sampling waste on open and closed conveying systems and is applicable to any waste material that can be conveyed to a waste pile or container. The conveyor system can be a vertical (vertical lifts), sloped, or horizontal type.  
1.2 This practice is intended for particles and slurries, which can be sampled using scoop, dipper, or shovel type samplers.  
1.3 The practice is not intended for large size sample constituents, such as boulders, large rocks, and debris.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.02 - Sampling Techniques

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7204-15 - Standard Practice for Sampling Waste Streams on Conveyors
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5792-10(2023) - Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality Objectives
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5681-23 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5681-22e1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Refers: ASTM D5792-10(2015) - Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality Objectives
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015

Overview

ASTM D7204-23: Standard Practice for Sampling Waste Streams on Conveyors provides comprehensive guidelines for obtaining representative samples from waste streams transported by conveyor systems. This standard, developed by ASTM International, is applicable to a wide range of waste materials-including ash from kilns or incinerators, soils, process wastes, and slurries-that can be conveyed to waste piles or containers. It covers procedures for sampling from various conveyor configurations such as vertical lifts, sloped, and horizontal systems. The document aims to ensure that the samples collected are suitable for analysis, compliance, and efficiency studies, supporting both routine operations and regulatory requirements in waste management.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: The standard covers sampling of particles and slurries from open and closed conveyor systems, but excludes large debris such as boulders and large rocks.
• Sampling Equipment: Emphasizes the importance of using appropriate materials for scoops, dippers, and shovels to prevent contamination or bias in sampling results.
• Sampling Procedures: Details practices for sampling from different types of conveyors (e.g., belt, tray, bucket), including location and method selection based on material characteristics and the conveyor configuration.
• Sample Collection Planning: Stresses the importance of data quality objectives (DQOs), work or sampling plans, and consistency with regulatory needs.
• Handling Variability: Addresses challenges related to particle size, material heterogeneity, and timing-recommending steps to obtain representative samples, such as composite sampling or specific collection points.
• Documentation and Chain of Custody: Requires maintaining detailed field records, labeling, and completion of chain-of-custody forms to ensure traceability.
• Safety Considerations: Reinforces the need to follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices during sampling activities.

Applications

ASTM D7204-23 finds practical application in the environmental, industrial, and regulatory sectors, particularly for:

• Sampling ash from kilns and incinerators for environmental monitoring and emissions compliance.
• Collecting waste and soil samples from process streams for site remediation, landfill characterization, or recycling analysis.
• Conducting material balances to assess burner efficiency and support compliance reporting.
• Supporting quality assurance and data integrity in waste management operations by ensuring representative, uncontaminated samples.
• Sampling slurries and bottom solids in water treatment or waste processing facilities for further laboratory analysis.

By following ASTM D7204-23, organizations can increase the reliability and consistency of waste stream sampling, which is crucial for regulatory submissions, environmental compliance, and operational decision-making.

Related Standards

To enhance the effective implementation of waste sampling on conveyor systems, ASTM D7204-23 references and works alongside several related waste sampling and management standards:

• ASTM D5633: Practice for Sampling with a Scoop
• ASTM D4687: Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
• ASTM D5792: Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality Objectives (DQOs)
• ASTM D6051: Guide for Composite Sampling and Field Subsampling for Environmental Waste Management Activities
• ASTM D5956 / D6311: Guides for Sampling Strategies and Optimization of Sampling Design for Heterogeneous Wastes
• ASTM D4547: Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds

These and other referenced standards help ensure comprehensive, coordinated approaches to waste sampling and management, reinforcing consistency and data reliability across waste handling operations.

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Keywords: sampling waste streams, conveyor systems, ASTM D7204, waste management, environmental sampling, industrial waste sampling, compliance sampling, representative samples

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7204 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sampling Waste Streams on Conveyors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7204; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D5658 Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Waste from
Trucks
1.1 This practice describes standard procedures for sam-
D5680 Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Solids in
pling waste on open and closed conveying systems and is
Drums or Similar Containers
applicable to any waste material that can be conveyed to a
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
waste pile or container. The conveyor system can be a vertical
D5792 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Re-
(vertical lifts), sloped, or horizontal type.
lated to Waste Management Activities: Development of
1.2 This practice is intended for particles and slurries, which
Data Quality Objectives
can be sampled using scoop, dipper, or shovel type samplers.
D5956 Guide for Sampling Strategies for Heterogeneous
Wastes
1.3 The practice is not intended for large size sample
constituents, such as boulders, large rocks, and debris. D6009 Guide for Sampling Waste Piles
D6051 Guide for Composite Sampling and Field Subsam-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pling for Environmental Waste Management Activities
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D6232 Guide for Selection of Sampling Equipment for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Waste and Contaminated Media Data Collection Activities
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D6311 Guide for Generation of Environmental Data Related
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
to Waste Management Activities: Selection and Optimiza-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
tion of Sampling Design
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 Definitions:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.1 See also Terminology D5681.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.2 field records, n—information written in a field log
2. Referenced Documents book, loose leaf sampling forms, or appropriate electronic
2 format at the time of sampling.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile
4. Significance and Use
Organic Compounds
4.1 This practice can be used in sampling ash from a kiln or
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
incinerator, soils, and process waste from conveying systems,
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
such as a conveyer and vertical lifts. Some slurries, such as the
Used at Waste Sites
bottom solids, can be sampled from the quench waters at the
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Re-
end of a kiln.
lated to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance
and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
4.2 This practice can be used to determine material balances
D5633 Practice for Sampling with a Scoop
for burner efficiency studies and compliance studies.
4.3 This practice can be used on lifts, sloping, and horizon-
tal conveyor systems. The type of conveyor and the amount
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
and type of sample required will dictate the type of sampling
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.02 on
Sampling Techniques.
equipment required to get a representative sample.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
4.4 The sample is taken directly from the conveyor before
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7204 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/D7204-23.
emptying into the waste container or pile for disposal or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
recycling using a scoop, dipper, or shovel depending upon the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
sample requirements (see Practice D5633). The sample is then
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. put into the sample container for analysis.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7204 − 23
4.5 The place, quantity, frequency, and time of sampling is 7.1.1 Many bucket conveyors and augers are enclosed
dependent upon the conveying system equipment, data quality systems which make sampling of the moving conveyor imprac-
objectives (DQOs) (Practice D5792), work or sampling plan tical. Samples may be taken at the end of the conveyor as the
(see Practice D5283 and Guide D4687), and analysis to be run. sample drops into the waste pile or waste container (see 7.4 for
4.5.1 Large particles can be mechanically excluded on a belt the method of sampling).
system. Large particles may accumulate at the bottom of an 7.1.2 The bucket conveyor catches almost everything, mak-
inclined/sloped belt system. Therefore, steps, if possible, need ing representative sampling of a heterogeneous sample diffi-
to be taken so that particles of all sizes have equal chances of cult. A bucket conveyor cannot always be sampled while
being sampled. moving due to the depth of the bucket and the difficulty in
4.5.2 The number of samples and sample time is dependent getting a core sample of the bucket versus the liquid portion.
upon the system, the precision required, the decisions that are Sampling as the material is being dumped is the easiest method
to be made, the cost, and the degree of heterogeneity of the of sampling a bucket conveyor (see 7.4).
material (see Guides D5956 and D6311). 7.1.3 A tray conveyor system allows the sample to be taken
4.5.3 In general, the ideal sampling location is nearest to the after the quench (sampling a burner ash) using a flat scoop or
flat shovel which samples the tray to the bottom as the material
point of generation since temperature, oxidation, and air
movement may change some samples with time. moves toward the end of the conveyor. The tray conveyor
system usually does not move too rapidly to be sampled while
4.6 The practice does not address issues related to the
moving. This allows for sampling of the tray by taking a
heterogeneity of the sample.
sample of the complete tray and putting the sample into the
sample container (see 7.3 for sampling method).
5. Sampling Equipment
7.1.4 A belt conveyor can be sampled using scoop, dipper,
5.1 The scoop, dipper, or shovel must be manufactured from
and shovels. If the material is heterogeneous a mixing step may
material that is compatible with the waste to be sampled and
be required to determine the average over time sample.
the required test or analysis to be performed (see Guide
7.1.4.1 If the belt conveyor is tilted, larger particles tend to
D6232).
roll to the bottom of the conveyor. The inclusion of the larger
5.1.1 Sampling equipment must be selected that is chemi-
materials should be considered in the sampling plan or DQO
cally compatible with the type of waste and type of analysis.
process. The larger material may require grinding or other size
Stainless steel, glass, and plastic are generally acceptable for
reduction techniques before being sent to the laboratory.
most samples. Plastic sampling equipment may not be suitable
7.2 Sample Collection:
for waste to be analyzed for organic parameters. It is up to the
7.2.1 Review the work or sampling plan.
user to ensure that the equipment will not contaminate or bias
7.2.2 Check to make sure that the supply of sample
the analysis.
equipment, including but not limited to containers, labels, ice
5.1.2 The reuse of equipment without proper cleaning can
chests, and composite collection containers, are adequate and
result in false positive analysis. If proper equipment cleaning
correct. Field logbooks or
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7204 − 15 D7204 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sampling Waste Streams on Conveyors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7204; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes standard procedures for sampling waste on open and closed conveying systems and is applicable to
any waste material that can be conveyed to a waste pile or container. The conveyor system can be a vertical (vertical lifts), sloped,
or horizontal type.
1.2 This practice is intended for particles and slurries, which can be sampled using scoop, dipper, or shovel type samplers.
1.3 The practice is not intended for large size sample constituents, such as boulders, large rocks, and debris.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
D4916 Practice for Mechanical Auger Sampling (Withdrawn 2008)
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Planning and Implementation
D5633 Practice for Sampling with a Scoop
D5658 Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Waste from Trucks
D5680 Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
D5792 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality
Objectives
D5956 Guide for Sampling Strategies for Heterogeneous Wastes
D6009 Guide for Sampling Waste Piles
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.02 on Sampling
Techniques.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015Nov. 1, 2023. Published September 2015November 2023. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20072015
as D7204 – 07.D7204 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D7204-15.10.1520/D7204-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7204 − 23
D6051 Guide for Composite Sampling and Field Subsampling for Environmental Waste Management Activities
D6232 Guide for Selection of Sampling Equipment for Waste and Contaminated Media Data Collection Activities
D6250 Practice for Derivation of Decision Point and Confidence Limit for Statistical Testing of Mean Concentration in Waste
Management Decisions (Withdrawn 2018)
D6311 Guide for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Selection and Optimization of
Sampling Design
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 See also Terminology D5681.
3.1.2 field records, n—information written in a field log book or book, loose leaf sampling forms forms, or appropriate electronic
format at the time of sampling.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice can be used in sampling ash from a kiln or incinerator, soils, and process waste from conveying systems, such
as,as a conveyer and vertical lifts. Some slurries, such as the bottom solids, can be sampled from the quench waters at the end of
a kiln.
4.2 This practice can be used to determine material balances for burner efficiency studies and compliance studies.
4.3 This practice can be used on lifts, sloping, and horizontal conveyor systems. The type of conveyor and the amount and type
of sample required will dictate the type of sampling equipment required to get a representative sample.
4.4 The sample is taken directly from the conveyor before emptying into the waste container or pile for disposal or recycling using
a scoop, dipper, or shovel depending upon the sample requirements (see Practice D5633). The sample is then put into the sample
container for analysis.
4.5 The place, quantity, frequency, and time of sampling is dependent upon the conveying system equipment, data quality
objectives (DQOs) (Practice D5792), work or sampling plan (See(see Practice D5283 and Guide D4687), and analysis to be run.
4.5.1 Large particles can be mechanically excluded on a belt system. Large particles may accumulate at the bottom of an
inclined/sloped belt system. Therefore, steps, if possible, need to be taken so that particles of all sizes have equal chances of being
sampled.
4.5.2 The number of samples and sample time is dependent upon the system, the precision required, the decisions that are to be
made, the cost, and the degree of heterogeneity of the material (see GuideGuides D5956, Practice D6250, and Guide D6311).
4.5.3 In general, the ideal sampling location is nearest to the point of generation since temperature, oxidation, and air movement
may change some samples with time.
4.6 The practice does not address issues related to the heterogeneity of the sample.
5. Sampling Equipment
5.1 The scoop, dipper, or shovel must be manufactured from material that is compatible with the waste to be sampled,sampled
and the required test or analysis to be performed (see Guide D6232).
5.1.1 Sampling equipment must be selected that is chemically compatible with the type of waste and type of analyses.analysis.
Stainless steel, glass, and plastic are generally acceptable for most samples. Plastic sampling equipment may not be suitable for
waste to be analyzed for organic parameters. It is up to the user to ensure that the equipment will not contaminate or bias the
analyses.analysis.
5.1.2 The reuse of equipment without proper cleaning can result in false positive analysis. If proper equipment cleaning cannot
be accomplished in the field, additional sets of sampling equipment are needed to prevent potential cross-contamination.
D7204 − 23
5.2 A fixed auger may be present on a conveyor system and may be used to collect samples (see Practice samples.D4916).
5.3 If the DQO, work, or sample plan calls for samples to be composited, a composite collection container may be needed. The
composite collection container will allow mixing and quartering of the sample materials for compositing if it is going to be done
at the sampling site. Use of a composite collection container for sub-sampling may result in particle size segregation and result
in a bias if the material is not homogeneous or sampling not performed correctly.
6. Sample Containers
6.1 Plastic, glass, or other non-reactive containers should be used as specified by the site sampling plan (see Guide D4687).
6.2 Sampling for volatile organics in waste requires special handling (see Practice D4547).
7. Procedure
7.1 The procedure used will depend upon the type of conveyor system or lift to be sampled.
7.1.1 Many bucket conveyors and augers are enclosed systems which make sampling of the moving conveyor impractical.
Samples may be taken at the end of the conveyor as the sample drops into the waste pile or waste container (See(see 7.4 for the
method of sampling).
7.1.2 The bucket conveyor catches almost everything, making representative sampling of a heterogeneous sample difficult. A
bucket conveyor cannot always be sampled while moving due to the depth of the bucket and the difficulty in getting a core sample
of the bucket versus the liquid portion. Sampling as the material is being dumped is the easiest method of sampling a bucket
conveyor (See(see 7.4).
7.1.3 A tray conveyor system allows
...