Mechanical Extraction
Cylindrical extraction instruments retrieve representative specimens from the interior of dense, compressed raw material packages. In the evaluation of incoming fiber shipments at the spinning mill, core boring sampling ensures that the laboratory analysis reflects the true condition of the entire bale. This operation extracts a cylindrical plug from the center of the bale, bypassing any dry or wet outer layers that have been exposed to the ambient air during transit.
The resulting specimen is immediately sealed in an airtight plastic bag to prevent moisture loss before the laboratory weight test is performed. This protective action prevents the atmospheric humidity from skewing the final dry weight measurements that are used to settle the raw material invoice.
Penetration Method
High-speed hollow drills cut through the compressed flax layers without generating excessive frictional heat that could dry the fibers. This process requires a steady pressure and a consistent rotational speed to avoid melting any natural waxes present in the plant stems. Technicians execute the cut at a standardized angle to intersect multiple layers of the scutched linen fibers.
The extracted core is then pushed out of the boring tube using a plunger.
Specimen Evaluation
Laboratory technicians weigh the retrieved cores immediately to establish the baseline wet mass before oven drying. The core boring sampling produces specimens that are free from surface-level dust and localized moisture pockets, which provides an accurate metric for the payment of the shipment. This measurement determines whether the fiber lot meets the buyer’s contract specifications or requires a financial adjustment.
The moisture test results are entered directly into the mill’s raw material ledger.
