ZY/TF5 Clean-Sample Spatula

Overview

The ZY/TF5 Clean-Sample Spatula is a precision-engineered laboratory tool designed specifically for standardized coal sample preparation in accordance with GB/T 474–2008 *Methods for Preparation of Coal Samples* and GB/T 211–2017 *Determination of Total Moisture in Coal*. It operates as a manual, non-powered sampling and spreading instrument used during the critical stages of homogenization, sub-sampling, and moisture determination. Unlike automated equipment, this spatula functions within the framework of manual mechanical handling—ensuring operator control, tactile feedback, and compliance with sequential procedural integrity required under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited coal testing laboratories. Its geometry and edge profile are optimized to minimize sample retention, reduce cross-contamination risk, and support reproducible layering or partitioning of coal specimens on leveling trays, drying pans, or sample division plates.

Key Features

• Strict adherence to Chinese national standards (GB/T 474, GB/T 211) for dimensional tolerances and functional performance
• Two material variants available: austenitic stainless steel (304 grade) for corrosion resistance and long-term traceability, and carbon steel (electroplated finish) for cost-sensitive routine use
• Standardized wide-format configuration: 200 mm × 300 mm blade surface area, engineered for uniform distribution across standard coal sample trays (e.g., 300 mm × 400 mm drying trays)
• Supplementary accessory components include a 220 mm × 120 mm long-type baffle and a dedicated 120 mm × 200 mm total-moisture baffle—both calibrated for volumetric consistency in ASTM D3173-compliant moisture protocols
• Optional custom sizing available upon request, including 250 mm × 150 mm specimen board format for controlled particle-size fractionation workflows
• Beveled working edge with ≤0.3 mm chamfer tolerance to prevent gouging of soft coal matrices while maintaining structural rigidity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZY/TF5 spatula is validated for use with bituminous, anthracite, lignite, and coke samples ranging from raw run-of-mine (ROM) feedstock (≤50 mm top size) down to analytical <0.2 mm fractions. It complies with the physical handling requirements outlined in ISO 13909-2:2016 (*Hard coal and coke — Sampling — Part 2: Sampling of coal from moving streams*) and supports full traceability in GLP environments when paired with documented chain-of-custody procedures. All stainless-steel units undergo passivation treatment per ASTM A967 and are supplied with material certification (EN 10204 3.1). The device does not require calibration but must be included in laboratory equipment logs per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.3 (Identification and verification of equipment status).

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical tool, the ZY/TF5 Clean-Sample Spatula does not integrate with digital systems or contain embedded electronics. However, its use is fully compatible with LIMS-based workflows where manual interventions are recorded via structured electronic forms (e.g., LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). Each unit may be assigned a unique asset ID and linked to SOPs governing coal sample preparation (e.g., SOP-COAL-004 Rev. 3). Audit trails for usage—including operator ID, date/time stamps, and associated sample IDs—are maintained externally in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles for paper-to-electronic transition protocols.

Applications

• Manual spreading and leveling of coal samples prior to air-drying or oven-drying steps in total moisture determination
• Sub-sampling of quartered or coned-and-quartered coal piles during laboratory preparation per GB/T 474 Section 7.3
• Transfer and consolidation of crushed coal fractions onto sieve stacks or riffle splitters
• Preparation of representative test portions for proximate analysis (ash, volatile matter), ultimate analysis (C/H/N/S/O), and calorific value testing
• Supporting QA/QC checks in commercial coal trading labs operating under CNAS accreditation (CNAS-CL01:2018 equivalent to ISO/IEC 17025:2017)

FAQ

Is the ZY/TF5 spatula certified for use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories?

Yes—when used in conjunction with documented SOPs, operator training records, and equipment maintenance logs, it fulfills Clause 6.4.1 requirements for “suitable equipment” in accredited coal testing facilities.
Can the stainless-steel version be autoclaved?

No—autoclaving is not recommended due to thermal stress risks on thin-section blades; instead, clean with ethanol or isopropanol followed by air-drying.
Does MingShen Science provide calibration certificates?

Not applicable—the ZY/TF5 is a non-measuring tool; however, dimensional verification reports (CMM-based) are available upon request for validation batches.
What is the expected service life under daily lab use?

Stainless-steel units typically exceed 5 years of continuous use with proper cleaning and storage; carbon-steel variants require quarterly visual inspection for coating integrity.
Are replacement blades available separately?

Yes—blades are modular and replaceable; ordering reference: ZY/TF5-BLADE-SS304 or ZY/TF5-BLADE-CS-EP.