THE JONES RIFFLES

GUIDE FOR DISCUSSIONS:

1. Draw a schematic illustration of a 5-pass riffle bank.

Legend:
s = save Wi
r = reject

WA WB

WAs WAr W Br WBs

WAss WAsr WBsr WBss

WAsss WAssr WBssr WBsss

WAssss WAsssr WBsssr WBssss

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a Jones Riffles, as compared to other sampling
methods.

Advantages:

 Riffle Sample Splitter is the most universally used sampling device for preparing
representative splits of dry, free-flowing granular product.
 The technique is rapid and the equipment is economical.
 Continuous diversion of ore reduces bias in sampling.
 It is precisely designed to reduce the bulk of material to a convenient representative size
for laboratory analysis. When used properly, it provides an accuracy that is recognized
throughout the industry.
 Disadvantages:

 The method is limited to free flowing samples

 Has a limitation that the largest ore particle size should be smaller
than the chute width by at least a factor of 3.
 Riffle splitters can perform well, but the results rely on the skill and training of the operator. The
sample needs to be presented to the riffle splitter such that each chute gets a similar amount, and
there should be no bias in presenting the sample to the chutes (Pitard,1993).

3. Differentiate this method with coning and quartering.

Riffle splitters utilize multiple fractions (chutes), increasing the number of increments in each round,
more so than coning and quartering. Coning and Quartering does not require expensive equipment
and is applicable to practically all classes of ore. But this is high cost of labor than Jones Rifffle and
requires frequent handling of ore by crude means so sampling is slow and tedious.

The Jones Riffle consist of a series of chutes that run in alternating directions, so that when material is
poured into the top of the splitter, it flows through the chutes and is randomly divided into two equal-
sized fractions. One of the fractions can then be split again, and the procedure can be repeated until a
sample of the desired size is obtained.
On the other hand coning and quartering involves mixing and then pouring the sample into the shape of a
cone. The cone is flattened, divided into four sections with a cross cutter having 90° angles, or by
first cutting it in half with a stiff piece of material (e.g., a sheet of plastic or paper), and then dividing
each half to get quarters Alternate quarters (splits) are combined to make a subsample, and one subsample
is chosen at random for any additional mass reduction until the desired subsample mass (Ms) is reached.

The data gathered during coning and quartering would be less precise than those
gathered during Jones Riffle sampling as there is an element of human bias present. These biases arose
from dividing the flattened cone into four divisions, shoveling.

4. Calculate the overall efficiency of this method, as well as at each pass. Compare with that
obtained from the previous experiment.

REFERENCE

Gerlach, Robert W., Nocerino, John M. (2003, November) “Guidance for Obtaining Representative
Laboratory Analytical Subsamples from Particulate Laboratory Samples.” Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242671015_Guidance_for_Obtaining_Representative_
Laboratory_Analytical_Subsamples_from_Particulate_Laboratory_Samples

http://www.chem.mtu.edu/chem_eng/faculty/kawatra/CM3820_2009_Sampling.pdf