After samples are collected from a stockpile, conveyor belt, bin, or other sources, it’s time to prepare the specimens for splitting procedures. Aggregate and other materials sampled in the field need to be reduced to appropriate sizes for lab testing while minimizing the introduction of variability during handling. In some cases, a few particles on a sieve might affect a gradation enough to alter an interpretation of the field sample and consequently the entire site’s compliance with specifications. The appropriate bulk sample reduction method is dependent mainly on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate, the amount of free moisture in the sample, and the equipment used.
Bulk sample reduction is a first step in preparing properly sized specimens for tests like sieve analysis, soundness, hardness, and other physical characteristics. The focus of the reduction process is in preserving the same particle size distribution of the bulk sample in subsequent smaller fractions used for test specimens.
Large Capacity Sample Splitter – This accurate and repeatable method is the most widely accepted for reducing coarse aggregate samples to test size. Make sure the sample is air-dried before using a Large Capacity Sample Splitter. Place the sample in the hopper or pan and uniformly distribute it from edge to edge, ensuring that it’s well-blended. Carefully introduce the sample into the chutes, allowing the aggregate to flow freely through the openings across the entire width of the chutes and into the catch pans. Continue this process until the entire sample has been halved, taking care so the catch pans don’t overflow. One of the halves is then split into quarters and so on until the desired test sample size is obtained. There are two important factors to keep in mind at this point:
Don’t try to create a test specimen to an exact weight. A properly divided sample is much more likely to preserve the qualities of the original material
Ensure that the weights of two properly divided halves are similar, but size distribution will be altered if you try to make each half exactly the same weight
A Large Capacity Sample Splitter with a gated hopper allows even distribution of the sample in the hopper for more accurate and repeatable splits and reduces handling efforts. Retain unused material until after testing in case a retest is needed.
Standards: EN 933-3, ASTM C136, NF P18-553, UNI 8520, AASHTO T27, T87, BS 812:1, 1377:2, 1924:1, UNE 83120
Designed for the reduction of test samples which are too large in volume to be conveniently handled. Suitable for any material from sand sizes up to Ø 108 mm. Each chute bar is 12 mm wide to get openings of 12 - 24 - 36 - 48 - 60 - 72 - 84 - 96 - 108 mm.
Complete with two collecting pans.
Clam shell hopper: 30 litres capacity.
Very sturdily constructed, it is totally galvanized for rust protection.
Weight: 55 kg approx.