ASBESTOS SAMPLE ANALYSIS PREPARATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to asbestos sample preparation methods for the asbestos analysis of a raw material sample that may contain asbestos. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the asbestos analysis of a raw material sample that may contain asbestos, in particular for the qualitative asbestos analysis of a raw material sample that may contain asbestos. State of the art

[0002] Asbestos is a collective term for various fibrous, crystallized silicate minerals. These include fibers of magnesium hydroxide. <its respektive I<rol<ydoliths, die Fasern des Chrysotils. Weitere zum Asbest zählende Minerale sind Grunerit (Amosit, Brauner Asbest), Anthophyllit und AI<tinolith.

[0003] Due to its high strength, heat and acid resistance, excellent insulating properties, and the fact that asbestos fibers can be spun into yarns and woven, asbestos was used extensively in the shipbuilding industry for shipping, in thermal insulation, the construction industry, the automobile tire industry, and in textiles for occupational safety and filtration. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, in particular, was used extensively as a reinforcing fiber in asbestos cement and can still be found in the fabric of many buildings today.

[0004] Due to the now clearly established health risks posed by asbestos, its use is now prohibited in many countries.

[0005] Today, asbestos disposal is usually the primary concern. During renovation or demolition work, special care must be taken when handling asbestos fibers. Identifying asbestos fibers, for example, on a construction site, is not trivial. Typically, in suspected cases, raw material samples from the construction waste must be sent to a laboratory, where they are tested for the presence of asbestos fibers.

[0006] The analysis of raw material samples by a laboratory is time-consuming. First, the sample must be taken and sent to the laboratory. The analysis must be performed there, and the results are then sent back to the client. On a construction site, especially in the affected areas, work is typically suspended during this time. Only after receiving the results can a decision be made as to whether work can continue without risk or whether a complex and expensive disposal process must be carried out in compliance with the regulations for asbestos-containing building materials.

[0007] The client therefore relies on rapid feedback from the laboratory so that operations on the construction site can be interrupted only for a short time.

[0008] The raw material samples to be examined do not, of course, exclusively come from construction sites near buildings, but can also come from, for example, a general overhaul of a ship at a shipyard or a technical facility in industry, etc. In these areas, too, rapid feedback from the laboratory and thus rapid analysis of the raw material samples is a great advantage.

[0009] Methods for analyzing asbestos samples are well known. In a first step, the raw material sample is subjected to an asbestos sample preparation process, where it is broken down in such a way that any asbestos fibers can be identified under a microscope in a second step.

[0010] For example, asbestos sample preparation techniques include pre-combusting the raw material sample at around 400 °C and then pulverizing it, particularly in a mortar. The pulverized sample is then suspended in a liquid. The suspension is filtered through a filter, and the residue on the filter is analyzed under a microscope.

[0011] RL Perkins et al. ("Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials EPA / 600 / R-93 / 116", July 1993 (1993-07-01), US Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27709) further discloses a method for asbestos analysis in building materials, in which the sample is homogenized during sample preparation. Homogenization involves the use of various devices, such as a mortar, a mill, and a mixer, to pulverize, disaggregate, and mix heterogeneous, friable bulk material. Subsequently, ashing or acid dissolution takes place. US2014 / 370610A1 concerns an asbestos sample preparation method in which the raw materials are first digested with water and acid before grinding.

[0012] The known method has the disadvantage of being very time-consuming. Furthermore, special precautions must be taken during the processing steps to effectively protect laboratory workers from asbestos fibers. Description of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is to create an asbestos sample preparation method belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which is particularly efficient and safe.

[0014] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the raw material sample for dissolving asbestos fibers is mixed with a liquid in a sample receiving container and subjected to a processing process, whereby the raw material sample is suspended in the liquid.

[0015] Compared to conventional asbestos sample preparation methods, a significant time saving is achieved by directly mixing the raw material sample with a liquid in a sample container without any pretreatment. This essentially eliminates the step of incineration at 400 °C, the step of grinding the raw material sample, and any other pretreatments required by the state of the art. On the one hand, this saves a significant amount of time. On the other hand, it also improves the safety of laboratory personnel, since the immediate addition of the liquid largely prevents the formation of asbestos-containing dust.

[0016] The inventive asbestos sample preparation method is based on placing the raw material sample directly into the sample container and covering it with a liquid, without any prior processing of the raw material sample. By suspending the raw material sample in the liquid, the asbestos fibers can be broken down or released, allowing them to be identified in a single analysis step, particularly under a microscope.

[0017] The raw material sample typically includes fragments of concrete, tile adhesive, insulation material, etc. It may be advisable to inspect the fragments prior to the asbestos sample preparation process to remove any elements that do not obviously contain asbestos fibers, such as wood, glass, tiles, and others. If the sample includes several inhomogeneous pieces, the asbestos sample preparation process can also be preceded by a selection of individual fragments. This sorting and selection of fragments can be performed prior to the asbestos sample preparation process and is not considered processing of the raw material sample in this case.

[0018] The term "suspension" refers to a mixture of a liquid and solids. No distinction is made between coarsely dispersed, finely dispersed, or even molecularly dispersed mixtures; all of these areas are equally covered by the term "suspension." Depending on the raw material sample, it may be that certain components of the raw material sample cannot be crushed by the processing, thus, for example, leaving metal residue. <stände, Holzstücke etc. in einer Grössenordnung vorliegen, welche ausserhalbe des Begriffs "Suspension" liegen kann - solche Fälle sind jedoch nicht die Regel, da entsprechende Bestandteile bei der Selektion der Bruchstücke eigentlich entfernt werden müssten.But even if this were to happen, it is also subsumed under the term suspension in this case, since the essential components of the raw material sample, which could potentially contain asbestos fibers, are suspended during the processing.

[0019] The asbestos sample preparation process begins when it has been decided which fragments of the sample obtained should ultimately be analyzed for asbestos fibers.

[0020] Typical fragments include tile adhesive, window <itt, Vinylbodenkleber, Isolationsmaterial etc.

[0021] The asbestos sample preparation procedure serves to prepare the raw material sample, which may contain asbestos, for subsequent analysis.

[0022] Accordingly, a method for asbestos analysis of a raw material sample possibly containing asbestos, in particular for qualitative asbestos analysis of a raw material sample possibly containing asbestos, preferably comprises such an asbestos sample preparation method. The asbestos analysis is preferably carried out qualitatively, in particular by examination under a suitable microscope, wherein the asbestos fibers are optically identified. The identification can be carried out by a specialist or using a suitable computer program through image analysis. Even if the asbestos analysis is preferably carried out qualitatively, a quantitative analysis can also be carried out using known techniques, for example by counting the asbestos fibers or the like. Such methods are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0023] Preferably, the processing process runs automatically. This allows the asbestos sample preparation process to be carried out particularly efficiently and cost-effectively. In particular, the processing process, in which the raw material sample is digested to such an extent that any asbestos fibers are released, can be carried out particularly safely, as no personnel need to be present during the digestion of the raw material sample.

[0024] In variants, the processing process can also be carried out partially or entirely by one person.

[0025] The processing process preferably comprises a mixing process and / or a grinding process. The raw material sample can be easily suspended using the mixing process and / or the grinding process. Many techniques for this are known to those skilled in the art. Because the mixing process and / or the grinding process of the raw material sample is carried out in a liquid, contamination of personnel is largely prevented. The released asbestos fibers are typically kept in suspension by wetting the liquid.

[0026] In variants, instead of a mixing and / or grinding process, another process can be chosen to achieve suspension of the raw material sample in the liquid. For example, the raw material sample can also be processed in the liquid with a mortar. Other suitable methods are known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Preferably, at least one mixing body and / or grinding body is added to the sample container, which is set into relative movement to the sample container during the processing. With a mixing body and / or grinding body, the raw material sample in the sample container can be mechanically stressed and thus comminuted by the relative movement. Such mixing bodies and / or grinding bodies are known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In some variants, the addition of a mixing body and / or grinding media can be omitted. In this case, the processing can be carried out, for example, on a vortexer. Furthermore, the processing can also be carried out using a stirring and / or mixing device, e.g., a mixer, which is inserted into the sample container. Further variants are known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] Preferably, the relative movement is selected such that a turbulent flow is achieved in the liquid. This allows for a processing process in which the raw material sample is subjected to particularly high stress and thus can be broken down particularly efficiently. The processing process can be carried out with or without mixing media and / or grinding media. In both variants, different techniques known to those skilled in the art can be used to achieve the relative movement.

[0030] In variants, the relative motion can also be selected to achieve laminar flow. In this case, optimal mechanical stress on the sample can be achieved, for example, by selecting suitable grinding media (e.g., with a rough surface, angular projections, cutting edges, etc.).

[0031] Preferably, the processing process is carried out using a magnetic stirrer, with the mixing body and / or the grinding body comprising at least one magnetic stirring element. The magnetic stirrer enables a cost-effective and efficient processing process. In particular, the sample container, optionally with a suitable holding device, can be positioned on the magnetic stirrer while the processing process is in progress.

[0032] A magnetic stirring element is a stirring element that is capable of being set in motion by a magnetic field generated by the magnetic stirrer. Essentially, the magnetic stirring element functions like a well-known magnetic fish, with the material and shape, in particular, being freely selectable—provided the functionality is maintained (see below).

[0033] The magnetic stirrer is preferably used not exclusively for stirring the liquid, but for mechanical processing of the raw material sample. As explained below, various measures can be taken to promote mechanical processing of the raw material sample, in particular the comminution of the raw material sample. These measures can be used individually or in combination to

[0034] In variants, other techniques for achieving relative movement can also be provided. For example, the sample container can be shaken with a vortexer. Furthermore, several sample containers can be shaken together, in a rack or similar, using a shaking device. The sample container can optionally contain a mixing element and / or a grinding element—but this is not mandatory. Fragments of the raw material sample can also function as grinding elements and / or mixing elements themselves, if necessary. Finally, the grinding elements and / or mixing elements can be omitted entirely.

[0035] The surface of the at least one magnetic stirring element preferably comprises metal, in particular a metal alloy, preferably steel. This creates a particularly hard surface, which allows for particularly effective mechanical stressing of the raw material sample.

[0036] In variants, the at least one magnetic stirring element may also comprise a surface made of plastic, glass or other materials.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the entire surface of the at least one magnetic stirring element consists of a metal or a metal alloy, in particular steel. Particularly preferably, the at least one magnetic stirring element consists entirely of a metal or a metal alloy, in particular steel. Instead of steel, the magnetic stirring element can also be made of an AlNiCo alloy (aluminum-nickel-cobalt), Bismanol (alloy of bismuth, manganese, and iron), a ferrite, NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron), SmCo (samarium-cobalt), etc. In particular, such a magnetic stirring element can also additionally have a coating made of plastic, hard metal, etc. Many variants are known to those skilled in the art for creating a mixing body and / or grinding body with which the raw material sample can be broken down particularly efficiently.

[0038] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that conventional magnet fish, which are widely available in various designs and are widely used in laboratory applications, can also be used. However, it may be advantageous to use such magnet fish without the typical PTFE coating to achieve increased impact force.

[0039] For single-use applications, however, a material that is hard but not brittle, and at the same time particularly cost-effective, is preferably chosen for the magnetic stirring element, particularly steel or the like. Particularly if the mixing media and / or grinding media are used multiple times, other materials can also be used. Finally, it may also be advantageous to choose a different material from the ones listed above for the magnetic stirring element due to performance, e.g., for particularly hard raw material samples.

[0040] Particularly preferred is the use of at least two magnetic stirring elements. This allows impact energy between the magnetic stirring elements to also be used to comminute the raw material sample, thus achieving a more efficient process for breaking down the raw material sample. In principle, exactly one magnetic stirring element can be provided. Furthermore, three or more magnetic stirring elements can also be used.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one magnetic stirring element comprises at least one ball, preferably at least two balls. In further variants, more than two balls can also be provided. The balls have the advantage of being cost-effective to manufacture and having good grinding properties. Particularly preferably, the at least one magnetic stirring element comprises at least two balls. This allows fragments of the raw material sample to be comminuted particularly efficiently during the processing. Comminution is particularly facilitated by the fact that the fragments can be broken up both between the balls and between a ball and the wall of the sample container.

[0042] The balls are preferably steel balls. In variants, other materials can also be provided for the balls. Particularly preferably, the steel balls are solid material. In variants, hollow balls or balls made of other materials, simply coated with steel, can also be provided. More preferably, the balls are uncoated steel balls made of solid material, which are particularly cost-effective to produce. In variants, the steel balls can also be coated, for example, with PTFE (Teflon) or other materials.

[0043] In variants, the at least one magnetic stirring element can also have shapes other than the spherical shape, in particular a rod shape, which is known for magnetic stirring bars, etc., can be provided.

[0044] The balls preferably have a diameter between 3 and 15 mm, in particular between 4 and 8 mm. In variants, the balls can also have a diameter of less than 3 mm or more than 15 mm.

[0045] During the processing process, the sample container is preferably arranged eccentrically relative to a rotational center of the magnetic stirrer. This achieves a particularly random movement of the at least one magnetic stirring element, which in turn enables a processing process in which the raw material sample can be comminuted particularly efficiently in the liquid.

[0046] In the conventional arrangement of a sample container on a magnetic stirrer, the sample container is placed centrally on the center of rotation of the magnetic stirrer. Typical containers used with magnetic stirrers are beakers. These typically have a central elevation so that a magnetic stir bar can rotate synchronously with the magnetic stirrer's drive motor as frictionlessly and smoothly as possible. This creates a vortex in the liquid, achieving thorough mixing. In principle, the same arrangement can be used in the present processing. However, better processing can be achieved if the eccentric arrangement described above is selected, as this allows for random movement of the magnetic stirring element, which can comminute the raw material sample more efficiently and release any asbestos fibers in the liquid.

[0047] During the processing, more than one sample container can be arranged eccentrically around a rotation axis of the magnetic stirrer. This allows the process to be carried out efficiently and cost-effectively.

[0048] For this purpose, the magnetic stirrer preferably comprises a magnet that rotates around the rotation axis, wherein the magnet and the sample container are arranged relative to one another such that during the rotation of the magnet—in particular at least at one point in time or at recurring time intervals, but preferably during the entire processing process—a center of the sample container lies outside a center between a north pole and a south pole of the magnet. This achieves an uncontrolled movement of the at least one magnetic stirring element, which in turn enables an optimal processing process in which the raw material sample is processed in such a way that any asbestos fibers present can be released.

[0049] In variants, the sample container can also be positioned relative to the magnet such that the center of the sample container remains constantly between the north and south poles of the magnet during relative movement. This would correspond to the central positioning of a container relative to the rotation axis on a conventional magnetic stirrer.

[0050] The sample container preferably has a curved or conical bottom. A curved or conical bottom also prevents uniform rotation of the magnetic stirring element, particularly if the sample container is arranged eccentrically to the rotation axis of the magnetic stirrer's magnet. Furthermore, the curved or conical bottom has the advantage that even small volumes can be efficiently mixed / ground. Compared to sample containers with a flat bottom, the advantage is that the raw material sample cannot accumulate in the edge area, which would otherwise hinder the breakdown of the raw material sample. A further advantage is that the processing can be carried out even with small quantities of a raw material sample, particularly because even the smallest quantities are sufficient to analyze the raw material sample for asbestos fibers. For example, the quantity can be less than 1 g.The domed or conical bottom allows a relatively small volume of liquid to be added to the raw material sample, ensuring that any asbestos fibers present are present at the highest possible concentration. A liquid volume can be, for example, 2 mL.

[0051] In variants, sample containers with a flat bottom can also be used.

[0052] Preferably, the sample container is dimensioned such that it can hold a volume of between 1 mL and 5 mL, in particular between 2 mL and 3 mL, in the region of the curved or conical bottom. In the preferred embodiment of the asbestos sample preparation method, the raw material sample is dimensioned such that it can be held within this curved or conical bottom and, in particular, can be covered with the liquid. This allows the mixing and grinding effect to be optimized. In the region of the curvature or cone, a particularly high impact energy is achieved with the at least one magnetic stirring element, so that the mixing or grinding performance is particularly high there.

[0053] In variants, the sample container can also be filled to a greater or lesser extent.

[0054] Preferably, the raw material sample in the sample container is mixed with a minimal volume of liquid such that when the sample container is in an upright, resting position, the raw material sample is covered with the liquid. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that covering the raw material sample with the liquid does not have to be carried out precisely in practice. In this case, a minimal volume is understood to be a volume in which less than 50 Y, preferably less than 20 Y, in particular less than 10 Y of the total volume of the liquid lies above the highest elevation of the raw material sample in the upright sample container. This largely prevents any asbestos fibers present from escaping from the sample container during the processing and, on the other hand, ensures that the processing runs efficiently.A small liquid volume is advantageous because it allows the magnetic stirring element to break down the raw material sample more efficiently.

[0055] In variants, the liquid volume can also be smaller so that the raw material sample is not covered, especially if the sample container is closed during processing. On the other hand, the liquid volume can also be more than 50 μl of the liquid volume above the highest elevation of the raw material sample.

[0056] In practice, for example, the raw material sample in the sample container can be mixed with the liquid by eye until the raw material sample is just covered by the liquid. Alternatively, the filling of the sample container can be predetermined so that a certain level is not exceeded. This allows a predefined volume of liquid to be added to the sample container, especially automatically.

[0057] The fluid preferably contains a matrix-dissolving component. This allows any asbestos fibers present to be released more efficiently. The processing dissolves the soluble components, allowing any asbestos fibers present to be released more efficiently. This can significantly reduce the processing time. <all<haltiger Matrix kann zum Beispiel die Flüssigkeit zum Beispiel eine Säure und bei Kunststoff aufweisender Matrix zum Beispiel ein organisches Lösemittel, wie zum Beispiel Aceton eingesetzt werden.

[0058] In some variants, the matrix-dissolving component can also be omitted.

[0059] The liquid preferably contains a component that reduces surface tension. This low surface tension allows for better wetting of the raw material sample, which in turn can promote any possible dissolution process of the matrix.

[0060] In some variants, the component that reduces surface tension can also be omitted.

[0061] In order to carry out the processing method particularly efficiently, it is advantageous to use an optimized magnetic stirrer. This comprises a motor-driven rotor with a rotation axis and at least one magnet attached to the rotor, with a south pole and a north pole. The magnetic stirrer further comprises at least one container holder, which is arranged eccentrically to the rotation axis, wherein in particular a connecting line between the south pole and the north pole intersects the rotation axis. The connecting line between the south pole and the north pole is understood to be any connecting line that meets the criterion. The magnetic stirrer preferably comprises an electric motor to drive the rotor. In variants, several magnetic stirrers can also have a common drive, in particular an electric motor, to drive several rotors.

[0062] The magnetic stirrer is, regardless of the above definition, preferably designed such that a magnetic rod or magnetic fish is aligned centrally to the rotation axis of the motor-driven rotor in the rest position.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic stirrer comprises exactly one magnet. In this case, the exact one magnet is preferably arranged such that the rotation axis is centered between the south pole and the north pole.

[0064] In variants, the magnetic stirrer can also comprise several magnets, in particular arranged in a star shape, so that the magnetic rod or the magnetic fish can assume several positions offset by an angle, in each of which the axis of rotation lies centrally between the south pole and the north pole.

[0065] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0066] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic sequence of the asbestos sample preparation process; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a magnetic stirrer for use in the asbestos sample preparation process; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view parallel to the drive shaft of the magnetic stirrer according to Figure 2 , through the holder for the sample container. In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0067] The asbestos sample preparation method in the present embodiment comprises, with reference to the Figure 1 , the following steps: 1. In step 1, approximately 1 gram of a raw material sample is placed in a sample container. This step is typically carried out directly during sample collection on site, for example at a construction site. This reduces avoidable intermediate steps and thus the risk of contamination of third parties by the raw material sample. Overall, this makes the analysis process safer. The sample container is a plastic test tube with a conical bottom. In this case, the cone has a volume of 3 mL. 2. In step 2, the liquid is added to the raw material sample. In this example, the raw material sample contains gypsum, meaning the matrix material comprises gypsum. Therefore, dilute hydrochloric acid is used as the liquid.This dissolves the gypsum during the subsequent processing, which can release any asbestos fibers present. In this case, approximately 2 mL of diluted hydrochloric acid is added so that the raw material sample is covered with hydrochloric acid. This brings the liquid level to approximately the top of the cone. 3. In step 3, two steel balls are added to the sample container as mixing and grinding media, respectively. The two steel balls each have a diameter of 6 mm. 4. In step 4, the sample container is positioned eccentrically to the rotation center of a magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0068] After completing step 4, the raw material sample is now largely decomposed, and any asbestos fibers present are released. Further analysis steps typically include filtration and examination of the filtrate under a microscope (light microscope, scanning electron microscope, etc.).

[0069] To do this, the raw material sample is suspended in water and acetone. The suspension is filtered, and the filter cake is rinsed with acetone and dried. A sample is taken from the filter using a carbon adhesive and examined optically (microscopically) for the presence of asbestos fibers.

[0070] The Figure 2shows a schematic representation of a top view of a magnetic stirrer 20 for use in the asbestos sample preparation process. The magnetic stirrer 20 comprises a housing in which an electric drive 27 is arranged. The electric drive comprises a drive shaft 22 on which a magnetic rod 21 is attached. The magnetic rod 21 comprises a magnetic south pole 21a and a magnetic north pole 21b at opposite ends. By activating the electric drive, the magnetic rod 21 is set into rotation around the drive shaft 22, so that the magnetic south pole 21a and the magnetic north pole 21b each describe a circular motion.

[0071] The housing of the magnetic stirrer 20 further comprises a receptacle 23 for receiving a sample container. The receptacle 23 is arranged at a distance from the drive shaft 22. Multiple receptacles can also be provided; this depends on the dimensions of the magnetic stirrer 20 and the magnetic rod 21.

[0072] If the electric drive 27 is now activated, the magnetic rod 21 rotates so that the south pole 21a and the north pole 21b pass alternately at the receptacle 23, setting the magnetic stirring element in motion in the sample receptacle (not shown here). This arrangement achieves particularly efficient comminution of the raw material sample.

[0073] A magnetic stirrer can also have more than one drive, each with two, three, four, or more receptacles arranged around the drive shaft. For example, a magnetic stirrer can comprise four, eight, or more drives. Furthermore, a magnetic stirrer can have multiple drive shafts driven by a single drive.

[0074] The Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view parallel to the drive shaft 22 of the magnetic stirrer 20 according to Figure 2 , through the receptacle 23, into which a sample container 10 is inserted.

[0075] The magnetic stirrer comprises a housing with an electric drive 27, which drives a shaft 22, to which the magnetic rod 21 is attached with the opposite south pole 21a and north pole 21b. Above the magnetic rod 21, the receptacle 23 is visible in the sectional view. The receptacle 23 is designed as a bore in a plastic block. The bore is shown here as a blind hole, but can also be provided as a through hole.

[0076] Located in the receptacle 23 is a sample container 10 having a conical bottom. The raw material sample 13 is located in the cone of the sample container 10 in the form of several fragments. Additionally, two steel balls 11 and 12 are located in the sample container 10. The liquid level 14 is just above the cone of the sample container 10. Activating the electric drive 27 causes the magnetic rod 21 to rotate, setting the steel balls 11 and 12 in motion. The impulses between the steel balls 11 and 12, or between the steel balls 11 and 12 and a wall of the sample container, crush any fragments of the raw material sample lying between them, allowing any asbestos fibers present to be efficiently released.

[0077] The expert is aware that the steel <ugeln auch durch andere Magnetrührelemente ersetzt werden können.

[0078] In summary, the invention provides an asbestos sample preparation method that allows for the particularly efficient release of any asbestos fibers present for visual identification. The method is also particularly safe for users, as the asbestos fibers are contained in a liquid during the process and cannot escape in the form of dust or similar substances.

Claims

1. Asbestos sample preparation method for the analysis of asbestos in a raw material sample (13) possibly containing asbestos, characterised in that the raw material sample (13) is treated with a liquid (2) in a sample container (1) is added (2) with a liquid and wherein the raw material sample (13) is subjected to a treatment process (4), whereby the raw material sample (13) is suspended in the liquid.

2. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 1, characterised in that the processing procedure (4) runs automatically.

3. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the processing procedure (4) comprises a mixing procedure and / or a grinding procedure.

4. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one mixing body and / or one grinding body (11) is added to the sample receiving container (10) and is set in relative motion to the sample receiving container (10) during the processing procedure (4).

5. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 4, characterised in that the relative movement is selected such that a turbulent flow is achieved in the liquid.

6. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the processing (4) is carried out with a magnetic stirrer (20), wherein the mixing body and / or the grinding body (11) comprises at least one magnetic stirring element.

7. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 6, characterised in that the surface of the at least one magnetic stirring element comprises metal, in particular a metal alloy, preferably steel.

8. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the at least one magnetic stirring element comprises at least one ball, preferably at least two balls.

9. Asbestos sample preparation method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the sample receiving container (10) is arranged eccentrically to a centre of rotation of the magnetic stirrer (20) during the processing procedure (4).

10. Asbestos sample preparation method according to claim 9, characterised in that the magnetic stirrer (20) comprises a magnet (21) which rotates about the axis of rotation, the magnet (21) and the sample container (10) are arranged relative to each other such that, during rotation of the magnet (21), a centre of the sample receiving container (10) lies outside a centre between a north pole (21b) and a south pole (21a) of the magnet (21).

11. An asbestos sample preparation method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the sample receiving container (10) has a dished bottom or a conical bottom.

12. Asbestos sample preparation method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the raw material sample (13) in the sample receiving container (10) is mixed with a minimal volume of liquid such that in the upright resting position of the sample receiving container (10) the raw material sample (13) is covered with the liquid.

13. Asbestos sample preparation method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the liquid comprises a matrix-dissolving component.

14. Asbestos sample preparation method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the liquid comprises a surface tension-reducing component.