Jones Riffle Splitter

What is the Jones Riffle Splitter?

A Jones riffle splitter divides mineral samples between about one and 25 mm into two equal halves using an even number of alternating chutes. Chute width is set at two and a half to three times the top particle size.

Overview

The splitter is a stainless steel bank of eight to twenty parallel chutes that discharge alternately to the left and right. Material is poured evenly across the whole bank with a scoop or from a vibrating feeder, and each side collects half of it. Evenness of feeding is the main source of error: if the sample is poured onto one side of the bank, the split becomes biased. Chute width must be generous relative to the largest particles, so the same splitter cannot serve both 1 mm and 25 mm material. The device has no moving parts, is easy to clean and can be used in the field, which makes it the default tool for reducing crushed ore and aggregates. Many laboratory sets include a matched pair of receiving pans and a scoop sized for the chute width.

How does it work?

Dividing must be proportional if the subsample is to represent the whole. Riffle splitters pour material across a bank of alternating chutes so that each side receives half. Vezin dividers take repeated sector cuts from a falling stream using a rotating arm, collecting a fixed fraction of many increments, which is effective for coarse ore. Rotary dividers rotate a set of vessels under a narrow falling stream so that each vessel receives an equal share of a full rotation. Rotary cone splitters distribute the whole stream around a rotating cone into surrounding containers of equal capacity, which suits large, coarse samples. Slurry splitters cut a falling pulp stream with a moving cutter or a rotating cone so that a small, well-mixed aliquot represents a large volume. Whichever type is used, the sample must be dry, free-flowing and mixed before dividing, and the device must be sized generously relative to the top particle size.

What are the key features?

• Even number of alternating chutes for a two-way split
• Chute widths matched to specific top sizes
• Stainless steel body for low contamination
• Matched pair of receiving pans
• Scoop sized for uniform pouring
• No moving parts, usable in the field

What are the technical specifications?

A typical jones riffle splitter configuration offers number of chutes of 8–20, even number, chute width of 2.5–3 times top size, applicable top size of 1–25 mm depending on model, sample capacity per split of 2–150 kg, material of Stainless steel 304 and frame width of 200–900 mm. 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 Jones Riffle Splitter is used in dividing crushed ore in the field, subsample preparation before pulverizing, aggregate and industrial mineral reduction and inspector and referee sample splitting. Across the wider Splitters class, laboratories also deploy it for subsample preparation for ore assay, bulk sample reduction at mine sites and aggregate and industrial mineral testing.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 3082, ISO 12743, ASTM E877, ASTM C702, GB/T 2007 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.

Position dividers so the feed falls evenly and the whole stream is presented, since a stream that hugs one side of a riffle bank biases the split towards the other. Keep equipment clean and dry between samples, and clean chutes, vessels and cutters with brushes rather than water where moisture must be preserved. Weigh the fractions regularly and record the mass tolerance, because a persistent imbalance indicates wear, blockage or poor feeding technique. For riffle splitters, check that chute edges are not bent and that no chute is blocked. For Vezin and rotary units, verify the rotation speed and the cutter or vessel positions. For slurry splitters, agitate the pulp before and during splitting and check that the cutter passes fully through the stream. Calibrate and service motors, feeders and counters as part of the quality system.

How do I select the right Jones Riffle Splitter?

Select the riffle splitter in the size that matches your coarsest material and largest sample mass, and buy additional units rather than expecting one splitter to cover all sizes. Specify chute count, chute width, material and pan sizes.

How does it compare with other Splitters variants?

Choose the splitter mainly from the top particle size and the mass to be divided. Riffle splitters are the general-purpose tool for material between about one and 25 mm, provided the chute width is at least two and a half to three times the top size. Vezin dividers handle coarse ore and large masses because each sector cut is small and the device takes many increments, which reduces bias from segregation. Rotary dividers give the best precision on fine material below about three millimetres and can be automated. Rotary cone splitters suit bulk samples where several equal portions must be produced quickly. For pulps, a slurry splitter with an agitator is essential because coarse particles settle within seconds. In every case, check the mass tolerance the method states, verify it by weighing the fractions, and keep the sample dry and consistent in size before dividing.