CONVEYOR BELT CROSS-STREAM SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method and apparatus are disclosed for cross-stream sampling of bulk material from a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a sampler movable through an arcuate path across the conveyor belt for removing a cross-stream increment of bulk material from the belt. Provision is made for modulating the normal troughing of the conveyor belt and supporting and conforming the belt to the arcuate path of the sampler. When the conveyor belt is modulated to conform to the arcuate path of the sampler and the sampler moves through its arcuate path, the sampler moves in close proximity to the upper surface of the conveyor belt to remove the cross-stream increment of bulk material from the belt. The invention is capable of taking a cross-stream increment when the conveyor belt is stopped or moving. The ability to remove cross-stream increments from a moving belt eliminates interruptions in the flow of bulk material being conveyed on the belt.