Top Cloud-agri TD-Series Conical Sample Divider
| Brand | Top Cloud-agri |
|---|---|
| Material | Full Stainless Steel |
| Max Sample Capacity | 2000 g |
| Sampling Error | <0.6% (fine particles), <2% (coarse particles) |
| Number of Dividing Chutes | 36 |
| Dimensions | Ø336 mm × 740 mm |
Overview
The Top Cloud-agri TD-Series Conical Sample Divider is a precision mechanical sample splitting device engineered for high-reproducibility subdivision of granular agricultural materials—particularly cereal grains, oilseeds, legumes, and other free-flowing particulate solids used in seed quality control, grain trading, and regulatory compliance testing. Its design follows the classical conical (bell-shaped) divider principle, wherein a centrally fed sample flows under gravity through a symmetrical array of radially arranged chutes, ensuring equal volumetric distribution across all outlet channels. This geometry minimizes segregation by particle size or density—a critical requirement for representative sampling per ISO 6497, ASTM D6938, and GB/T 5491–2017. Unlike rotary or riffle-type dividers, the conical architecture eliminates moving parts, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing long-term metrological stability.
Key Features
- Full stainless-steel construction (AISI 304 grade) ensures corrosion resistance, cleanability, and compliance with food-grade handling standards.
- 36 precisely machined, identical chutes provide balanced flow partitioning—each chute contributes equally to the final split, minimizing bias from channel wear or misalignment.
- Gravity-driven operation requires no power supply or compressed air, supporting use in field laboratories, grain elevators, and mobile inspection units.
- Optimized cone angle and chute geometry suppress particle stratification during descent, maintaining sample homogeneity even for mixtures with wide particle size distributions (e.g., paddy rice + broken kernels).
- Compact vertical profile (Ø336 mm × 740 mm) enables integration into constrained benchtop workflows without compromising throughput.
- Calibration traceability supported via documented geometric verification protocol—chute symmetry, centering tolerance, and discharge orifice uniformity are verified during factory acceptance testing.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TD-Series accommodates dry, free-flowing particulates with nominal diameters ranging from 0.5 mm (e.g., millet, mustard seed) to 12 mm (e.g., maize kernels, soybeans). It is not suitable for fibrous, sticky, or highly cohesive materials (e.g., wet grain, ground flour, or pelleted feed) without prior drying or conditioning. Performance validation data confirm repeatability ≤ ±0.4% RSD for duplicate splits of wheat samples (n = 10, 1000 g each), meeting the precision criteria outlined in ISO 6497:2022 Annex B for mechanical dividers. The unit complies with GLP documentation requirements when used within validated sampling SOPs and supports audit-ready records when paired with Top Cloud-agri’s optional digital logbook module.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical instrument, the TD-Series operates without embedded electronics or firmware. However, it integrates seamlessly into digital quality management ecosystems: sample identification tags (QR/barcode) can be affixed to collection vessels; weight data from connected analytical balances (e.g., Mettler Toledo XS series) auto-populate LIMS fields via RS232/USB-HID; and split logs—including operator ID, timestamp, sample ID, and gross/net weights—are exportable as CSV or PDF for 21 CFR Part 11–compliant archiving when used with Top Cloud-agri’s LabTrack™ QMS software suite. No on-device software installation or network connectivity is required for core functionality.
Applications
- Regulatory grain inspection (e.g., national grain bureaus, customs labs) for moisture, protein, and mycotoxin analysis.
- Seed certification laboratories performing germination, purity, and varietal identity testing per ISTA Rules.
- Feed mill QA/QC workflows requiring representative sub-sampling prior to NIR calibration or proximate analysis.
- Research agronomy trials involving bulk seed lot homogenization prior to randomized plot allocation.
- Contract testing laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, where documented sampling uncertainty budgets must include divider contribution.
FAQ
What particle size range is optimal for this divider?
Best performance is achieved with particles between 0.5 mm and 12 mm in maximum dimension. Sub-millimeter fines (<0.3 mm) may exhibit increased segregation; pre-sieving is recommended.
Does the divider require periodic recalibration?
No recalibration is needed under normal use. Geometric integrity is maintained via stainless-steel rigidity; however, visual inspection of chute alignment and surface finish is advised every 500 splits.
Can it be used for hazardous or regulated substances?
Yes—provided material compatibility is confirmed (e.g., no chloride exposure above 60°C). Cleaning validation protocols for residue carryover are user-defined per GMP Annex 15.
Is third-party certification available?
Factory test reports per ISO 6497 Annex C are supplied standard. UKAS-accredited verification is available upon request through authorized metrology partners.
How does it compare to rotary or riffle dividers?
Conical dividers eliminate rotational inertia effects and chute clogging risks associated with riffles, offering superior consistency for irregularly shaped seeds—validated in inter-laboratory studies across 12 EU grain testing facilities.
