Sample Splitters & Dividers for Aggregate Testing
Choose the Splitting Method for the Sample
Representative sample reduction is a required step before most aggregate testing. Sample splitters divide a collected sample into equal portions using alternating chutes; spun rifflers divide material into many smaller portions using a rotating collection arrangement. Confirm the reduction method your procedure allows, then choose equipment for the material's largest particle size and total sample volume.
A splitter sized for fine sand is not suitable for coarse aggregate. Match the chute width and allowable particle size to the material, and check hopper capacity against the sample volume rather than choosing by footprint alone.
Compare Chute-Type Splitters
The Gilson SP-0 Universal Sample Splitter uses adjustable chute bars and a lever-release hopper for larger samples. The California Fixed Chute Sample Splitter provides a fixed-chute arrangement with steel pans. Compare chute configuration, bar width, hopper design and included pans against the governing procedure.
Several splitter families are listed, including totally enclosed and mini-splitter options such as the Gilson SP-10 Totally-Enclosed Splitter and Gilson SP-3 Universal Mini-Splitter. Enclosures support dust control; confirm the material and particle sizes each model accepts rather than treating every splitter as interchangeable across the range.
Match Pans, Carts and Workspace
Verify which receiving pans are included with each splitter. The 31qt Steel Sample Pan for the SP-0 and the Sample Pan Lift Cart are model-specific accessories; check compatibility before adding them to an order. Confirm the pans suit the material and the split fractions your method requires.
Plan the workspace: check footprint, hopper height, material loading access and the flow path from hopper to pans. Fixed-chute and adjustable-chute models differ in setup and cleaning access. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup, operation and cleaning between materials to avoid carryover between samples.
Consider Spinning Rifflers for Smaller Portions
The Gilson Spinning Riffler divides material into multiple smaller portions using rotating sample vessels. The Bulk Spinning Riffler serves larger sample volumes. Compare vessel size, vessel count and feed arrangement against the required portion size and number of splits.
Spinning rifflers and chute splitters both reduce samples, but they are not interchangeable for every procedure or particle size. Confirm the allowed method before choosing. Sample vials, holder plates and drums listed for the rifflers are model-specific accessories; verify compatibility with the selected unit rather than assuming all vessel sizes fit.
Plan the Complete Sampling Workflow
Splitter selection is one step in the sampling workflow; collection containers, sample handling and test-specimen preparation complete the process. For sample containers, review asphalt sample containers where hot-mix sampling requires them, confirming material suitability for the sampled product.
Before completing an order, check the governing sampling and reduction procedure, confirm the largest particle size and total sample volume, and verify every accessory's compatibility. Do not assume a splitter listed for one material automatically suits another; follow the method for reduction, mixing and specimen selection rather than relying on equipment naming alone.
