Slurry Sample Divider

What is the Slurry Sample Divider?

A slurry sample divider splits flowing suspensions into equal portions without allowing solids to settle. It is used for process streams, slurries and wet samples in mining, environmental work and process plants.

Overview

A slurry sample divider takes a flowing suspension and cuts it into equal portions using a rotating cutter, a set of chutes or a sequential sample scoop. The stream must be kept moving and well mixed so that solids do not settle and the portions remain representative. Cutters rotate at a constant speed through the stream, and the mass collected in each vessel depends on the number of cuts and the flow rate. Constant flow is essential, so slurry dividers are fed from a pump, a constant-head tank or a controlled valve. The device is used on process streams and for laboratory slurries where dry splitting is impossible.

How does it work?

A sample divider reduces a large sample to a smaller one that has the same composition as the original. Riffle dividers pour material through a series of alternating chutes that direct it into two equal trays, and the process is repeated until the required mass remains. Rotary dividers feed material onto a rotating cone or disc so that particles are distributed evenly around collection vessels in turn. Slurry dividers split flowing suspensions using chutes, cutters or rotating scoops. Vibratory dividers spread the material in a uniform layer before splitting. Because division depends on the geometry of the device rather than on manual selection, bias is reduced and reproducibility is improved.

What are the key features?

• Rotating cutter or sequential scoop for flowing slurry
• Splits without allowing solids to settle
• Equal portions from a constant flow
• Suitable for process streams and slurries
• Cut frequency sets the dividing ratio

What are the technical specifications?

A typical slurry sample divider configuration offers max particle size of Up to 10 mm, flow rate of 1–50 L/min, number of vessels of 4–20, dividing ratio of Adjustable by cut frequency, cutting speed of 10–200 cuts per minute and solid content of Up to 30% by mass. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Slurry Sample Divider is used in mineral processing slurry sampling, wastewater and sludge sampling, hydrometallurgical process streams and wet environmental sample preparation. Across the wider Sample Dividers class, laboratories also deploy it for mining and ore sample splitting, agricultural soil and grain sampling and cement, aggregate and mineral analysis.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 3310-1, ASTM E11, ISO 6497, ISO 2591-1 and IEC 61010-1. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Reduce particle size and mix the sample before dividing, because a divider cannot make a non-uniform sample representative. Feed at a controlled, even rate and do not overload the device, since excess material causes uneven splitting. Repeat the division in stages to reach the required mass rather than trying to split too far in one pass. Clean the divider thoroughly between samples, and use inert or easily cleaned materials where trace analysis is involved. Verify the performance of the device by dividing a sample and checking that replicate sub-samples give consistent analytical results, and record the procedure in the method.

How do I select the right Slurry Sample Divider?

Choose a slurry divider when the sample is a suspension or a flowing process stream that cannot be dried. Confirm the solid content and particle size are within limits, the flow rate is steady, and the cut frequency gives the required ratio. In an RFQ state the solid content, particle size, flow rate and material of construction.

How does it compare with other Sample Dividers variants?

Choose a divider according to the sample form and mass. Riffle dividers suit free-flowing dry powders and granules and are simple and reliable, but they must not be overloaded or the chutes will bias the split. Rotary dividers handle larger masses and are less sensitive to particle size, and they can be automated. Slurry dividers suit suspensions and process streams where the sample must be split while flowing. Vibratory dividers spread cohesive or fine material so that a uniform layer is fed to the splitter. Confirm the feed size the divider accepts, the dividing ratio, whether the sample is dry or wet, and the required throughput. The device should be easy to clean to avoid cross-contamination.