This is most important to get the best representative results. The sample taken should be well mixed and it’s condition be typical of the total batch. If a sample is to be held for a short time before being tested for moisture content, this should be placed into a tightly closed (air-tight) container such as plastic bag or jar. A sample stored in this manner will not lose or gain moisture. The temperature of air and sample, relative humidity of air and the moisture content of the sample will all work together to determine whether the sample loses or gains moisture. A high moisture sample spread out to air can gain or lose 1% to 2% moisture in only few minutes.
Cold samples when brought into warm atmosphere will condense moisture out of air and cause erroneous readings. Such samples should be sealed in air-tight container before being brought back to warm atmosphere and allowed to warm to room temperature before testing. Similar care should be taken for heated samples also.
