The Instrument

For many scientific analyses of core samples, such as imaging, sampling, and elemental XRF scanning, cores first need to be split. At BOSCORF we can split whole-round core samples using our Geotek Core Splitter. This core splitter enables rapid, high-quality splitting of a range of core liner widths.

Major benefits of using our Core Splitter:

  • Quick – a typical core section is split within a few minutes.
  • Clean – no plastic debris gets into the core sample.
  • Versatile – splitter can split core sample with variable liner widths
  • Adjustable – splitting speed can be manually controlled.

Many research expeditions bring their cores to BOSCORF for splitting.

Samples and Methods

The flexible set up of our core splitter means that core liners > 3mm thick can be split without damaging the core or disturbing the sediment by repeated passes. A core liner with a width between 5 and 15 cm can be set up and split within 4 minutes. The maximum length that can be split is limited to 155 cm. The core splitter cuts whole-round core sections in a working half and an archive half.

Sample preparation

Whole-round samples do not require special preparation prior to cutting.

Cutting procedure

The splitter is manually operated, utilising a hand-wheel for the user to control speed, and allowing obstacles in the core to be identified early. Large clasts of IRD can be problematic for core splitting, but these can be accommodated with assistance. The core splitter utilises two blades to split the liner, a first pass with a vibrating blade, followed by slicing with a fixed, hooked slitting blade ensures the split core surface is undisturbed by plastic debris, and ideally suited to further analysis and high-resolution photography.