Vibratory Sample Divider

What is the Vibratory Sample Divider?

A vibratory sample divider spreads cohesive or fine material into a uniform layer before splitting it. It improves representativeness for powders that would bridge or segregate in a simple riffle divider in the laboratory.

Overview

A vibratory sample divider uses a vibrating feeder or tray to spread the sample into a thin, uniform layer before it passes to a splitting chute or a series of vessels. Vibration overcomes inter-particle friction in cohesive or fine powders, so the material flows evenly and each portion receives a similar particle distribution. Feed rate and vibration amplitude are adjustable to suit the material, and the device can be combined with a riffle chute or rotary distribution. It suits powders, cements, soils and other fine or slightly cohesive materials that do not split reliably by gravity alone. Even feeding is the key to reducing bias.

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?

• Vibrating feeder spreads a uniform layer
• Handles cohesive and fine powders
• Adjustable amplitude and feed rate
• Works with riffle or rotary splitting
• Reduces segregation and bridging

What are the technical specifications?

A typical vibratory sample divider configuration offers max particle size of Up to 10 mm, sample capacity of 0.5–20 kg, feed rate of Adjustable, 1–50 kg/h, vibration frequency of 50–100 Hz, amplitude of Adjustable and dividing ratio of 1:2 to 1:16. 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 Vibratory Sample Divider is used in fine mineral and cement powders, soil and sediment splitting, chemical and pharmaceutical powders and cohesive agricultural materials. 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 Vibratory Sample Divider?

Choose a vibratory divider for fine or cohesive powders that do not split reliably by gravity. Confirm the feed size and capacity suit the sample and that the vibration settings can be adjusted for the material. In an RFQ state the particle size, sample mass, cohesion and required dividing ratio.

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.