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Grain Fragmentation in Preparing Samples for Particle‐Size Analysis
Author(s) -
Walker P. H.,
Hutka J.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1973.03615995003700020032x
Subject(s) - alluvium , fragmentation (computing) , breakage , sedimentary rock , quartz , mineralogy , geology , particle size , grain size , soil water , particle size distribution , rock fragment , geochemistry , materials science , soil science , geomorphology , composite material , paleontology , computer science , operating system
Some naturally occurring granular materials, such as granitic quartz and sand‐sized fragments of sedimentary rocks, are susceptible to breakage and may cause problems when present in soil samples being prepared for particle‐size analysis. An assessment was made of three methods of the kind used for disaggregating soils, with prepared samples of granitic alluvium and alluvium rich in argillaceous and quartzitic sedimentary rock fragments. An ultrasonic probe caused least fragmentation of the samples tested; an end‐over‐end shaker caused slight fragmentation of coarse fractions; a drink mixer operated for 15 min caused considerable fragmentation of medium and coarse‐sized fractions.