Gilson SP-55 Quartermaster Operating Manual

Quartermaster™ Asphalt Sample Divider

SP-55

AASHTO R 47

INTRODUCTION:

The SP-55 Quartermaster™ Asphalt Sample Divider is a
fixed, four-chute splitter with a gate-release hopper designed
to reduce bulk samples of hot-mix asphalt and aggregate
materials to four equal specimens. Aggregate materials larg­er than 2in or hot-mix asphalt of insufficient temperature to
be free-flowing may cause bridging in the fixed chutes, caus­ing blockages and uneven sample distributions. Splitting ac­curacy can only be as good as the methods employed. We
suggest following the guidelines in ASTM and AASHTO pro­cedures to achieve accurate, representative samples.

ASSEMBLY:

OPERATING MANUAL

1. Place the base unit of the Quartermaster™ Asphalt
Sample Divider with four adjustable threaded feet on a
smooth, rigid surface.

2. Place a level across the corners of the base unit, and ad­just the threaded feet so the base is stable and level.

3. Place the hopper section of the Sample Divider on top of
the base. Verify the assembled unit remains stable and
level.

4. Slide the four included MA-950 Galvanized Pails under
the base, so that each makes contact with two adjacent
legs and is positioned beneath the chutes. The handles
of the buckets should be facing away from the center of
the unit for ease of handling after splitting.

5. Close the hopper by swinging both hopper doors upward
and engaging the release handle under the hopper door
catch mechanism.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Check that the hopper doors are closed and secured with
the handle/door catch mechanism.

SP-55

2. Obtain the aggregate or hot-mix asphalt sample to be
quartered. (See WARNING!)

3. Place the sample into the hopper, distributing evenly as
you pour. Make sure the sample is level from side-to-side
and from front to back with a small scoop or trowel.

4. Make sure all four buckets are positioned properly below
each corner of the Sample Divider base.

5. Turn the Release Handle in a smooth, quick motion, al­lowing the hopper gates to open simultaneously.

6. Remove samples for testing.

(Continued on back.)

Rev: 05/03/2011

PHONE: [phone] P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200 FAX : [phone]
740-548-7298 E-mail: [e-mail] Website: www.globalgilson.com 740-548-5314

NOTE: For accurate dividing of smaller bulk samples,
the optional SPA-21 Quick Funnel inserts into the SP-55
Hopper.

For further reductions in sample size, use samples from two
opposite corners, combine in hopper and repeat splitting pro­cess until the desired fraction is reached 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc.

For easier clean-up of hot-mix asphalt samples, apply a coat
of release agent on all surfaces that are likely to come in
contact with the asphalt. Please make sure release agents
are approved for use with asphalt and will not change the
characteristics of the mix being tested.

WARNING!

1.

Asphalt paving materials are hot! Please use
ExTREmE CAUTION! ALWAYS wear protective
clothing and safety equipment to prevent burns
and serious injury.

2. ALWAYS practice proper lifting techniques when
handling large samples.

ACCESSORIES:

ACCESSORIES

Description model

Material Handling Chute HMA-68
Quick Funnel Insert SPA-21
Galvanized Pail MA-950

HmA-68

3. Use CAUTION when opening the hopper door to
prevent injuries from pinching action of the hopper
door and the release handle mechanism.

4. Proper attention to safety is the responsibility of the
operator.

mA-950SPA-21