Sample divider
The basis for reproducible particle analysis.
Sample dividers for laboratories: Maximum accuracy and reproducibility with sample dividers and rotary sample splitters
Sample dividers are an essential tool in analytical laboratory practice, especially when examining dry bulk materials such as powders, granulates or mineral materials. A precise and representative sample is the basis for reliable analysis results – and thus for well-founded scientific decisions.
Representative and reproducible sample division with the RT sample divider and RPT rotary sample splitter
For representative and reproducible division, the quantity to be determined must be almost identical to the original quantity. It should have the same properties as the original quantity. This may require several division processes. When transferring materials, it is important to ensure that no particles are lost and that precise weighing in and out is maintained throughout the entire process. Tools such as samplers and sampling lances are available for sampling. The sample must be taken homogeneously from the entire cross-section. After successful sampling, the particle sample is then divided using special sample dividers, such as sample dividers or rotary sample splitter. Regular cleaning and maintenance of this equipment is essential.
Why are sample dividers important?
Precise sample division ensures that the analyzed subsample reliably reflects the properties of the entire sample. This is particularly relevant for heterogeneous materials such as soil samples, bulk solids or pharmaceutical mixtures. Incorrect division can lead to distorted results and thus have a negative impact on the quality of the analysis and in the worst case, on the finished product.
Types of sample dividers and how they work
Different sample dividers are used depending on the type of sample and requirements:
Rotary sample splitter:
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The rotary sample splitter works with a rotating distribution system that distributes the sample evenly across several tubes or jars. There is a fixed number of chambers on the rotating platform. The rotation distributes the sample evenly across all chambers, ensuring homogeneous division regardless of the grain size or density of the material. The RPT rotary sample splitter from NEXOPART is available with a 1:8, 1:10, and 1:30 divider head. It is ideal for powdered or granulated materials.
Advantages:
1. High dividing accuracy: Highly accurate division thanks to rotating mechanism.
2. Automated: Ideal for standardized laboratory processes with high sample throughput.
3. Reproducible results: Division ratios can be set precisely.
4. Suitable for heterogeneous materials: Reliable even with uneven bulk materials.
Disadvantages:
1. Higher purchase costs: More technically complex and expensive than manual devices.
2. Maintenance: Mechanical components require care and regular inspection.
3. Power supply required: Depends on the model and laboratory infrastructure.
4. Not flexible: Cannot be used everywhere and is not mobile.
Application: The rotary sample splitter is ideal for laboratories with high sample throughput and increasing requirements for standardization processes.
Shop for rotary sample splitters from Nexopart now.
Advantages:
1. High dividing accuracy: Highly accurate division thanks to rotating mechanism.
2. Automated: Ideal for standardized laboratory processes with high sample throughput.
3. Reproducible results: Division ratios can be set precisely.
4. Suitable for heterogeneous materials: Reliable even with uneven bulk materials.
Disadvantages:
1. Higher purchase costs: More technically complex and expensive than manual devices.
2. Maintenance: Mechanical components require care and regular inspection.
3. Power supply required: Depends on the model and laboratory infrastructure.
4. Not flexible: Cannot be used everywhere and is not mobile.
Application: The rotary sample splitter is ideal for laboratories with high sample throughput and increasing requirements for standardization processes.
Shop for rotary sample splitters from Nexopart now.
Sample divider with riffel:
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Simple, mechanical device for manually dividing bulk materials – The sample divider with riffles consists of a series of slanted channels that alternately guide the sample into two collection containers as it is poured in. NEXOPART sample dividers are available with 6, 8, 12, 16, and 18 passages. A representative subsample can be produced by dividing the sample several times. The sample divider is ideal for the quick and easy division of dry bulk materials.
Advantages:
1. Easy to use: No complex technology, easy to operate.
2. Cost-effective: Low purchase price, ideal for smaller budgets.
3. Low maintenance: No moving parts, therefore hardly any wear and tear.
4. Fast division: Ready for immediate use for smaller sample quantities.
5. Flexible use: Particularly suitable for manual division in the field or in the laboratory.
Disadvantages:
1. Limited division accuracy: Depends on the uniformity of the filling process.
2. Cannot be automated: Not suitable for laboratories with high-throughput.
3. Prone to errors with inhomogeneous samples: Uneven distribution can lead to unrepresentative subsamples.
4. Manual repetitions necessary: Multiple divisions required for higher accuracy.
Application: The sample divider is particularly well suited for smaller laboratories or for applications where manual sample division is sufficient. It impresses with its low cost and minimal maintenance requirements.
Discover sample dividers from Nexopart now.
Advantages:
1. Easy to use: No complex technology, easy to operate.
2. Cost-effective: Low purchase price, ideal for smaller budgets.
3. Low maintenance: No moving parts, therefore hardly any wear and tear.
4. Fast division: Ready for immediate use for smaller sample quantities.
5. Flexible use: Particularly suitable for manual division in the field or in the laboratory.
Disadvantages:
1. Limited division accuracy: Depends on the uniformity of the filling process.
2. Cannot be automated: Not suitable for laboratories with high-throughput.
3. Prone to errors with inhomogeneous samples: Uneven distribution can lead to unrepresentative subsamples.
4. Manual repetitions necessary: Multiple divisions required for higher accuracy.
Application: The sample divider is particularly well suited for smaller laboratories or for applications where manual sample division is sufficient. It impresses with its low cost and minimal maintenance requirements.
Discover sample dividers from Nexopart now.
Other types of sample dividers:
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Rotary sample splitters and sample dividers are probably the best known and most widely used sample dividers, but there are also other sample dividers on the market:
1. Vibratory feeder dividers (or multi-V feeders): This special conveyor chute is not only installed in the RPT, but also in the NEXOPART CPA 2-1 laboratory device. The sample is distributed evenly via a vibrating channel or conveyor chute. As a rule, the vibratory feeder divider can be combined with scales or automated systems.
2. Falling stream divider: The sample falls through an opening and is divided by rotating or fixed elements. The system is practical for continuous sample flows.
3. Laboratory mixing and dividing devices: These devices combine mixing and dividing in a single unit.
4. Automatic sample dividers with balances: The integrated balances are used for precise determination of partial quantities. These sample dividers are ideal for pharmaceutical or chemical laboratories.
1. Vibratory feeder dividers (or multi-V feeders): This special conveyor chute is not only installed in the RPT, but also in the NEXOPART CPA 2-1 laboratory device. The sample is distributed evenly via a vibrating channel or conveyor chute. As a rule, the vibratory feeder divider can be combined with scales or automated systems.
2. Falling stream divider: The sample falls through an opening and is divided by rotating or fixed elements. The system is practical for continuous sample flows.
3. Laboratory mixing and dividing devices: These devices combine mixing and dividing in a single unit.
4. Automatic sample dividers with balances: The integrated balances are used for precise determination of partial quantities. These sample dividers are ideal for pharmaceutical or chemical laboratories.
Important components and accessories for sample dividers:
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1. Receiver for sample divider: Collect the divided sample fractions without any loss of material. They are usually made of glass, plastic or stainless steel. They are often stackable and take up little space in the laboratory. Some of them can be closed with a lid.
2. Feed systems (e.g., vibratory conveyors, screw conveyors): Ensure a uniform and controlled material feed. They are particularly helpful for fine or poorly flowing materials.
3. Dust extraction systems: Reduce dust generation during the dividing process. They ensure increased occupational safety, e.g., when dividing materials that are harmful to health. They also prevent material loss.
4. Interchangeable dividing heads or dividing modules: Allow different dividing ratios. They guarantee flexibility when sample requirements change.
5. Automation units: Enable automated sampling and dividing. Ideal for laboratories with high-throughput or routine analyses.
6. Balances or dosing systems: Precise monitoring of sample quantities. Can be coupled with the sample divider to achieve exact target quantities.
7. Cleaning systems (e.g., compressed air nozzles, brush attachments): Simplify cleaning between different samples. This is important to prevent cross-contamination.
You can find our accessories for sample dividers here.
2. Feed systems (e.g., vibratory conveyors, screw conveyors): Ensure a uniform and controlled material feed. They are particularly helpful for fine or poorly flowing materials.
3. Dust extraction systems: Reduce dust generation during the dividing process. They ensure increased occupational safety, e.g., when dividing materials that are harmful to health. They also prevent material loss.
4. Interchangeable dividing heads or dividing modules: Allow different dividing ratios. They guarantee flexibility when sample requirements change.
5. Automation units: Enable automated sampling and dividing. Ideal for laboratories with high-throughput or routine analyses.
6. Balances or dosing systems: Precise monitoring of sample quantities. Can be coupled with the sample divider to achieve exact target quantities.
7. Cleaning systems (e.g., compressed air nozzles, brush attachments): Simplify cleaning between different samples. This is important to prevent cross-contamination.
You can find our accessories for sample dividers here.
Important steps for sampling and storage:
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1. Avoid contamination: Perform sampling and then dividing up the sample in a clean, well-prepared workspace. This prevents foreign particles from getting in and keeps the sample clean.
2. Sample selection: Use only dry, free-flowing and as homogeneous as possible samples. These properties ensure an even distribution of the components and improve the reproducibility of the test results.
3. Correct storage: Always store individual samples in suitable containers that meet the requirements for material and size. Ensure that all containers are clearly and permanently labeled to avoid confusion and ensure traceability.
These steps play a key role in maintaining sample quality and achieving reliable analysis results.
2. Sample selection: Use only dry, free-flowing and as homogeneous as possible samples. These properties ensure an even distribution of the components and improve the reproducibility of the test results.
3. Correct storage: Always store individual samples in suitable containers that meet the requirements for material and size. Ensure that all containers are clearly and permanently labeled to avoid confusion and ensure traceability.
These steps play a key role in maintaining sample quality and achieving reliable analysis results.
FAQ about sample division in particle analysis
What is a sample divider?
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A sample divider is a device or apparatus used in laboratories and industrial applications to divide a total sample into smaller, representative subsamples. The aim of sample division is to ensure that the analyzed subsample reflects the properties of the total sample as accurately as possible – especially in the case of heterogeneous materials such as dry bulk solids.
Which sample divider is best suited for my application?
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The choice between a sample divider and a rotary sample splitter depends heavily on the requirements of the laboratory. For simple, manual applications with low sample volumes, the sample divider is a practical solution. For precise, automated sample division with high throughput and complex materials, the rotary sample splitter is the better choice.
How should the sample quantity be determined?
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The individual fractions and their proportions must be clearly represented in the analyzed material quantity. The following aspects are crucial here:
1. Do not use a too large quantity of material. This will prevent individual sieves from being overfilled.
2. Do not use a too small quantity. Otherwise, small deviations in quantity can lead to large deviations in percentage.
As a general rule: the smaller the sample quantity, the more precise the sample division must be.
1. Do not use a too large quantity of material. This will prevent individual sieves from being overfilled.
2. Do not use a too small quantity. Otherwise, small deviations in quantity can lead to large deviations in percentage.
As a general rule: the smaller the sample quantity, the more precise the sample division must be.
What selection criteria and specifications must be considered when choosing the right sample divider?
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When selecting a suitable sample divider for dry bulk materials, the following criteria should be taken into account:
1. Material properties: grain size, flow behavior, moisture content,
2. Sample quantity and throughput: individual samples vs. series samples,
3. Degree of automation: manual or automated,
4. Analytical requirements: accuracy, reproducibility, documentation
1. Material properties: grain size, flow behavior, moisture content,
2. Sample quantity and throughput: individual samples vs. series samples,
3. Degree of automation: manual or automated,
4. Analytical requirements: accuracy, reproducibility, documentation