Rotary Sample Divider for Mineral Samples

What is the Rotary Sample Divider for Mineral Samples?

A rotary sample divider feeds fine mineral material into vessels mounted on a rotating table, giving several fractions of equal mass. It delivers the best split precision for pulverized ore and can be automated.

Overview

A vibrating feeder spreads material into a narrow stream that falls into six to twenty vessels arranged around a rotating table. Because each vessel is exposed to the stream for the same fraction of a rotation, the fractions have equal mass and comparable particle size distribution. This insensitivity to minor fluctuations in flow is what makes the method more precise than riffle splitting on fine material, and it removes most dependence on operator technique. Feed rate is set so the stream is thin and vessels are not overfilled, and a timer or revolution counter stops the run. Units are available with stainless steel contact parts and dust enclosures, and larger models can be integrated into automatic sample preparation lines. Regular check-weighing of fractions and cleaning between samples maintain performance.

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?

• Rotating table with six to twenty vessels
• Vibrating feeder producing a controlled thin stream
• Equal-mass fractions over a full rotation
• Timer or revolution counter for run control
• Stainless steel contact parts
• Integration with automatic preparation lines

What are the technical specifications?

A typical rotary sample divider for mineral samples configuration offers number of vessels of 6–20, applicable top size of ≤ 5 mm, best below 2 mm, sample capacity of 1–50 L per run, feed rate of Adjustable, 0.5–20 kg/min, rotation speed of 20–60 rpm and mass deviation of ≤ 2 % between fractions. 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 Rotary Sample Divider for Mineral Samples is used in dividing pulverized ore before assay, automatic sample preparation lines, duplicate and replicate sample preparation and concentrate and tailings subsampling. 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 Rotary Sample Divider for Mineral Samples?

Select the rotary divider for fine, pulverized material and wherever split accuracy must be documented or automated. Specify vessel count and volume, feed rate range, top size, contact material and cleaning access, and check the fraction mass tolerance.

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.