What is a significant disadvantage of on-belt sampling?

The significant disadvantage of on-belt sampling primarily revolves around the fact that it stops production. During the sampling process, machinery may need to halt to allow for proper extraction of material, which can lead to delays in the overall production schedule. This interruption not only affects the immediate workflow but can also impact productivity and efficiency. In an industrial setting where time is crucial, minimizing downtime is essential, and any method that requires halting operations can become a critical drawback.

In addition, on-belt sampling might lead to other complications like adjusting machinery settings or dealing with the material's characteristics once production resumes. Thus, the method's requirement to stop production makes it less desirable when seeking uninterrupted and seamless aggregate processing.