Lab sample divider

Types of lab sample dividers

A lab sample divider or subsampler is a device that evenly divides bulk material into smaller quantities of samples. There are several different types of sample divider for lab use, and they all have unique characteristics and features.

• Rotary Dividers

  A rotary sample divider consists of a funnel with a cylindrical rotor inside. The material enters the funnel and moves downward through the rotating cylinder. During this movement, the material is split, and the resulting samples are collected at the outlets in the bottom.

• Dividers with Cross Chutes

  This lab sample divider has parallel chutes and a sampling tray beneath. The bulk material is split by the chutes, and the fractions are collected as per their order on the sampling tray. The divider can be electro-mechanically actuated to change the position of the chutes and thus modify the sampling pattern.

• Particle Divider

  A particle divider is used for powdery bulk materials, including soil, talc, cement, etc. It usually consists of a hopper with a ploughshare, which divides the particles into a predefined number of sub-samples. Particle dividers may be manual or automatic.

• Crossbelt Dividers

  Crossbelt dividers are, as the name suggests, dividing belts. They bifurcate the bulk material in a horizontal direction. Crossbelt dividers can be electric or pneumatic.

• Mixer Dividers

  This type of sample divider produces a homogenous mixture and then divides the mixture using a scoop or shovel.

• Bottom Sieves Dividers

  In this case, the sample material is split by the bottom sieves. The flow of material is induced by gravity or vibration. The samples collected can be used for geological studies, mineral concentration determination, etc.

Specifications and maintenance of lab sample dividers

Apart from the types of sample dividers for labs, their specifications may vary depending on the kind of material that is used and the particular design of the divider. The following are some common specifications.

• Divider Capacity: It refers to the maximum volume or mass of the sample material that a particular lab divider is able to handle within a single division. This capacity varies among different types of dividers suited for distinct sample materials and sizes.
• Row Configuration: Lab sample dividers like the 24-splitter can be manufactured in a variety of row configurations, such as 24, 32, 48, and so on. This indicates the total number of sections into which a single sample can be divided.
• Precision: Lab sample dividers may have different levels of precision, which determines how exactly they can divide samples. For example, some dividers may offer round-number divisions, while others provide decimal-point divisions.
• Adjustment Mechanism: Some lab divisors may have adjustment mechanisms that allow users to change sample sizes and division ranges. This mechanism may involve screw devices or slides.
• Material: Sample dividers can be made from materials such as plastic, metal, ceramics, etc. Each material has its characteristics and applicable fields.
• Operating Environment: Some sample dividers may be suitable for specific operating environments, such as high/low-temperature conditions, humidity, etc.

Lab sample dividers require maintenance so that they can serve their purpose for a long period and produce accurate results. Proper cleaning is important. When cleaning the device, users should familiarize themselves with the manufacturer's instructions first. Some sample dividers are dishwasher safe while others are not. For those that are not, users can clean them using warm water and a mild detergent. They should ensure that no detergent residue is left on the device once they are done cleaning. Thorough drying is required, especially for those made of metal, to prevent rusting.

During maintenance, users should store their devices in a safe and dry environment. Proper storage prevents damage and maintains accuracy. Also, they should check the devices regularly and ensure that there are no signs of wear or damage like clogged channels or loose parts. Users should make repairs on the sample divider as soon as they notice any damage. This will help ensure accurate and precise results.

In case the lab sample divider has any adjusting mechanism, users should periodically examine and adjust such mechanisms. This will help ensure proper calibration. Finally, users should always handle the sample divider with care when transferring or placing it. This is to prevent any unintentional damage that could affect performance.

Scenarios of lab sample dividers

Lab sample dividers can be used in different industries that conduct quality control and research. The following industries may benefit from using lab sample dividers:

• Food industry

  In the food industry, lab sample dividers are used to divide food products like flour, spices, and grains for microbial analysis. The divided samples are processed to determine if there are contaminating microorganisms. Food scientists and microbiologists use them as quality control measures to ensure the products are safe for consumption.

• Mining industry

  Mining and geology companies use sample dividers to take representative samples of ores and minerals in order to carry out compositional analysis. The results obtained from the divided samples are used to make influential decisions on resource exploration and extraction.

• Pharmaceutical industry

  Pharmaceutical companies use lab sample dividers to ensure consistent potency and dosage in drugs and chemicals. Lab sample dividers also help in the separation of biological samples for testing in medical research and clinical labs. For instance, when working with blood samples, the clinicians can use the dividers to get representative subsets for different types of tests.

• Agriculture industry

  Agricultural scientists or technicians may use lab sample dividers when analyzing soil, water, or plant tissue. The divided samples are then analyzed to determine nutrient levels, contaminants, and other factors that affect crop production. Also, when analyzing livestock products like milk, tissue, and meat, agriculture professionals could use lab sample dividers for genetic testing, pathogen detection, and nutritional analysis.

• Chemical manufacturing industry

  In the chemical industry, lab sample dividers are used when handling polymers, solvents, and raw materials for chemical processing. The divided samples are analyzed to monitor product purity and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

How to choose lab sample dividers

When purchasing a lab sample divider, buyers need to consider several factors to ensure they get the dividers that will adequately meet their needs.

• Material of the sample divider

  The material of the sample divider used in the laboratory will impact how well the divider works and how long it lasts. People who work in labs tend to choose dividers made of sturdy, long-lasting materials like stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic. Choosing the right material is important because different materials work better for different types of samples.

• Capacity and size

  Sample divider size and capacity are two important things to think about when selecting them for laboratory use. Users need to divide samples in beakers, flasks, or other containers. Therefore, they should choose dividers that can fit different container sizes. It's important to select dividers with adjustable compartments to handle various sample amounts. This will ensure accurate sample distribution and avoid overwhelming any containers.

• Precision and accuracy

  When selecting laboratory sample dividers, precision and accuracy are important. Sample dividers with precise and accurate measurements should be chosen to ensure consistent and exact distribution of samples to different containers. Users should look for dividers that are easy to use and give precise measurements. These will ensure that samples are not contaminated and that test results are trustworthy.

• Divider design and functionality

  When choosing a laboratory sample divider, consider the design and features of the divider. Different types of dividers are offered to meet different laboratory needs. For instance, some models have adjustable compartments, while others have fixed divisions. Moreover, a user may require a divider that is easy to clean and resistant to laboratory chemicals. As a result, it's crucial to pick a divider that meets particular laboratory requirements and to consider usability and convenience.

• Cost and budget considerations

  Cost and budget are important factors to consider when choosing laboratory sample dividers. Buyers need to get the dividers that will adequately meet their needs without going over their budget. Buyers should make a trade-off between the quality and performance of sample dividers and their cost. Furthermore, they should look for sample dividers that fit their budget but still meet the laboratory's needs.

FAQ

Q1: How does a Lab Sample Divider work?

A1: The lab sample divider is composed mainly of the feeding system, dividing system, and collecting system. When the sample is fed into the dividing device evenly, it will be divided into the desired portion according to the configuration through various dividing methods. Then, those divided portions will be collected into containers or specified places through the collecting system.

Q2: What are the features of the Lab Sample Divider?

A2: The lab sample divider usually has several features. First, it can divide a sample into multiple parts at the same time. Second, it provides accurate and repeatable results. Third, it is easy to operate and can interface with other laboratory equipment. Finally, some lab sample dividers have automated functions for more precise and efficient sample division.

Q3: What types of materials can be used with lab sample dividers?

A3: Lab sample dividers can be used with various types of materials, including dry materials (powders and granules), liquids (viscous and non-viscous liquids), semi-solid materials (paste andgel-like substances), and heterogeneous materials (materials with non-uniform composition and structure).