Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples taken from a flow of bulk material for the purposes of determining representative chemical and/or physical characteristics of the sampled material. The sampled material is removed in the form of a mix of fine and coarser particles of dust from the flow of bulk material by way of a suction conduit. The sample-preparing apparatus is positioned at a spacing from the intake opening of the suction conduit and at a spacing from the flow of bulk material, and comprises a first housing accommodating a first hollow strainer and a second housing downstream of the first housing and accommodating a second hollow strainer. Outside the second strainer, the second housing is communicated with a reduced pressure source for producing the suction effect to transport the dust particles of the sampled material through the two housings and, insofar as the grain size of the dust particles permits, also through the two strainers.