A sampling apparatus and a splitter assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a splitter assembly (15) for distributing particulates, such as cuttings from a drill rig. The splitter assembly comprises an inlet (121) for receiving the particulates, a diverting chamber (119) into which the particulates are received, a distribution means (127) for distributing the particulates, and a sampling outlet (123) through which the cuttings are channeled to a sampling assembly (17) for taking a sample.

Description

A Sampling Apparatus and A Splitter AssemblyTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a sampling apparatus for collecting samples of drilled cuttings. In particular the present invention relates to a splitter assembly used in the sampling apparatus whereby the splitter assembly is capable of self-cleaning and provides a sample of the earth being drilled.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Drilling for geological samples is an important step in determining the location and feasibility of new sites for mining operations. Drilling is used in the mining industry to probe the contents of unknown and known ore deposits at potential sites.

[0003] A critical feature of assessing the feasibility of a potential mine site is the collection and analysis of geological samples. By withdrawing samples of rock and soil from specific depths, geologists can analyse the samples by chemical assay and conduct petrologic, structural, and mineralogical studies of the underground structures.

[0004] Drilling exploration is carried out to identify mineral resources with the view of identifying potential new mining sites. Drilling provides critical information for the evaluation of the mineral deposits in that area. Drilling is used to search for mineral occurrences or clues in the rocks that may lead to mineral deposits. Drilling penetrates deep into the ground and brings up samples. If there is any mineralisation at given points far beneath the surface, samples taken while drilling can quantify its presence at that particular point, and / or can indicate whether additional drilling is required / worthwhile in that area.

[0005] Mineral exploration is typically carried out in remote, harsh conditions. A drill rig is transported to a site and a drill team is used to run and maintain the rig. Existing exploration drilling rigs require skilled operators, often working in difficult and hazardous conditions. Noting the remoteness of most drilling locations, the drill team needs to be self-sufficient and be able to keep the rig running, as well as being able to look after themselves. This requires provision of fuel, water, spare parts, shelter and the essentials to live, namely, water and food.

[0006] Drilling in any environment is hazardous but mineral exploration in remote locations presents significant risk factors. As a result, there is a desire to move towards autonomous exploration drilling rigs, requiring less direct manual intervention during operation.

[0007] Drill rigs can be set up for reverse-circulation drilling, rotary air blast drilling, wireline coring or open-hole boring. In reverse-circulation (RC) drilling, drill rods having two concentric tubes are used. Compressed air is supplied through the gap between the inner and outer tubes to act on a pneumatic reciprocating piston, known as a downhole hammer, comprising a drill bit with round protruding tungsten-carbide buttons that can cut hard rock. Drill cuttings are returned to the surface via the inner tube inside the drill rods.

[0008] At the surface, the cuttings are typically directed into a sampler. The sampler comprises a cyclone separator delivers cuttings to a splitting device from which a sample of the cuttings is divided. Samples of the cuttings are collected in order to later identify and / or assess the quality and quantity of the mineral the drill team are exploring. In light of the substantial costs associated with the establishment of a mine it is of significant importance that the samples taken are as true a representation of the drilled material as possible.

[0009] Typically the process of collecting samples involves passing a dirty gaseous stream (in which is entrained cuttings) through a cyclone separator. Generally the dirty gaseous stream enters tangentially near the top of the cyclone separator. As a result of the centrifugal forces, larger particles (cuttings) in the dirty gaseous stream are thrown to the sides of the cyclone separator and fall to the bottom, where they are collected or discharged through a bottom outlet. The remaining gas stream reverses direction and spirals up the center of the cyclone and out the top of the cyclone separator through a vortex finder.

[0010] As the gaseous stream circulates through the cyclone separator the cuttings fall to the bottom of the cyclone separator while the gaseous stream escapes from the top of the cyclone separator. A sample of the cuttings is then collected from a splitter at the cyclone’s outlet. The splitter seeks to provide an evenly distributed sample from the cuttings. Collection is largely a manual process where sample bags are filled from the cuttings at regular intervals. One of the drilling team takes the sample bags from the bottom of the cyclone separator, labels it and sets it aside for later collection and analysis. Typically a sample bag is taken from either side of the splitter and is taken at intervals dictated by the drilling program.

[0011] Several devices have been created to improve the sample taken from the drilled material leaving the cyclone. These devices seek to ensure the sample is a fair representation of the geological characteristics of the ground being drilled. One common device to improve the accuracy of the sample taken is a cone splitter. This type of splitter incorporates a cone which is located adjacent the outlet of the cyclone. As the cuttings impact upon the cone it is spread into an annulus from which the sample is taken. This device relies on an ‘hour glass’ effect between the cyclones outlet and the apex of the cone and is an area prone to blockages.

[0012] An alternate device has a rotating cone and a port extending through the cone through which the sample passes. This device clogs when sticky and / or bulky cuttings are encountered as the port becomes blocked. In order to clear the blockage the splitter is required to be disassembled and cleaned.

[0013] Typically drilling exploration is carried out in dry environments. This, along with the drilling process, results in significant dust and airborne dirt. One way this may be minimised is to add water to the drilling process, which means that the cuttings returned to the surface are wet. Adding water to the process, or coming across sections of wet or damp earth, presents additional problems to the drill rig. In particular wet cuttings or clay based cuttings entering the system will clog the cyclone separator, the sampling assembly and the equipment downstream therefrom. This requires the drill team to clean the equipment and de-clog the material so that the equipment is able to run efficiently. This is time intensive and results in suspending the drilling process. In addition, when taking a sample, clogged material comprising material taken at different depths can dislodge from the equipment and can fall into the sampler and enter the sampling bag at random intervals. This can contaminate / bias the sample and is not a fair representation of the rock being drilled at that point where the sample is taken.

[0014] As the drill team is on site, de-clogging the sampler is an everyday task and is one the team are readily able to complete. However, a drill rig which operates autonomously must find an alternate solution to maintain the equipment in functioning order while still ensuring a quality sample. Without this ability the sampler will become clogged, return biased samples and eventually stop operating.

[0015] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of this invention to provide a splitter assembly which is capable of selfcleaning and provide a sample representative of the earth being drilled.

[0017] Throughout the specification the term ‘cuttings’ is used to describe material, which is caused to pass from a drilled hole, typically during the drilling process, into a sampling apparatus. These cuttings may be dry or wet and are typically delivered to the cyclone in a gaseous stream.

[0018] Throughout the specification the term ‘dirty gaseous stream’ is used to describe a gaseous stream in which is entrained particulates, such as cuttings. The dirty gaseous stream may also contain fluid, such as water.

[0019] Throughout the specification the term ‘gaseous stream’ is used to describe a gaseous stream after previously entrained particulates, such as cuttings, have been removed. While the gaseous stream will have particulates removed therefrom, it is to be understood that the gaseous stream may not be completely free of particulates. The gaseous stream may also contain fluid, such as water.

[0020] Throughout the specification the terms cyclone generally refers to a device for removing particulates from a gaseous or liquid stream through vortex separation.

[0021] The present invention provides a sampling apparatus for use in extracting a sample from cuttings which are delivered to the sample apparatus from a drilling process, the apparatus comprises: a splitter assembly to distribute the cuttings, the splitter assembly being capable of selfcleaning; a sampling assembly adapted to receive the cuttings from the splitter assembly and cause samples to be taken therefrom.

[0022] While the present invention is focused on embodiments where the cuttings are provided to the sampling apparatus entrained in a gaseous stream, in other embodiments the cuttings may be provided to the sampling apparatus in a liquid medium. The splitter assembly of the present invention can operate where the cuttings are provided in either a gaseous medium, a liquid medium or a combination of both.

[0023] In one arrangement of the invention the cuttings are delivered to the sample apparatus entrained in a gaseous stream, wherein a separation means, such as a cyclone, separates the cuttings from the gaseous stream before passing to the splitter assembly. Other separator means as known to a person skilled in the art could also be used. These include material handling separators (e.g. air separators), centrifugal separators, filter separators.

[0024] In another arrangement of the invention the cuttings are delivered to the sample apparatus entrained in a liquid medium. This negates the need for a cyclone to separate the cuttings.

[0025] The splitter system may also be used with conventional drilling processes such as rotary mud drilling or rotary air drilling.

[0026] The present invention provides a sampling apparatus for use in extracting a sample from cuttings which are delivered to the sampling apparatus entrained in a gaseous stream, the sampling apparatus comprises: a separation means to separate the cuttings from the gaseous stream; and a sampling assembly adapted to receive the cuttings from the separation means, the sampling assembly allowing samples to be taken therefrom, and a splitter assembly to deliver cuttings from the separation means to the sampling assembly wherein the cuttings are distributed and split to provide a substantially unbiased sample of the cuttings which is delivered to the sampling apparatus.

[0027] Preferably once the cuttings have passed through the splitter assembly the cuttings are mixed so that they provide an accurate representation of the geology of the earth from which the cuttings have been taken. Generally, the drill cuttings are mixed as they pass through a sample hose, the cyclone and once within the splitter assembly.

[0028] Preferably as the cuttings pass through the splitter assembly a predetermined portion of the cuttings are split from the cuttings and diverted to one or more sampling pots. In a typical arrangement approximately 5-15% of the cuttings may be diverted to one of the sample pots. This may be varied according to the sampling requirements.

[0029] Accordingly the invention further resides in a sampling apparatus for use in extracting a sample from cuttings which are delivered to the sampling apparatus entrained in a gaseous stream, the sampling apparatus comprises: a separation means to separate the drilled material from the gaseous stream; a splitter assembly to distribute the cuttings, wherein the cuttings exit an outlet of the separation means and pass into the splitter assembly, the splitter assembly being capable of self-cleaning; a sampling assembly adapted to receive the cuttings from the splitter assembly, the sampling assembly causes samples to be taken therefrom.

[0030] The splitter assembly may comprise at least one inclined surface, wherein the at least one inclined surface rotates relative to the outlet of the separation means. In one embodiment, an axis about which the inclined surface rotates aligns with an axis of the outlet of the separation means. In another embodiment, the axis about which the inclined surface rotates is parallel to an axis of the outlet of the separation means. In another embodiment, the axisabout which the inclined surface rotates is at an angle to an axis of the outlet of the separation means.

[0031] The present invention provides a splitter assembly for distributing particulates, such as cuttings from a drill rig, the splitter assembly comprises: an inlet for receiving the particulates; a diverting chamber into which the particulates are received; a distribution means for distributing the particulates, and a sampling outlet through which the cuttings are channeled to a sampling assembly for taking a sample.

[0032] The diverting chamber may comprise the inlet, a shroud which contains the diverting region, and an opening from which the particulate dispenses from the diverting region.

[0033] The inlet of the diverting chamber may be adapted to be in fluid communication with a cyclone of a sampling apparatus from which the particulate is received.

[0034] The inlet of the diverting chamber may be adapted to be secured to an outlet of a cyclone of a sampling apparatus.

[0035] The distribution means may be housed in the diverting region.

[0036] The distribution means may comprise at least one inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface rotates relative to the inlet of the diverting region. In one embodiment, an axis about which the inclined surface rotates aligns with an axis of the inlet of the diverting region. In another embodiment, the axis about which the inclined surface rotates is parallel to an axis of the inlet of the diverting region.

[0037] The distribution means seek to distribute the cuttings from the cyclone in an even manner around the diverting region.

[0038] Preferably the inlet of the diverting chamber is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the shroud of the diverting region.

[0039] The inclined surface may be spaced downstream from the inlet of the diverting chamber and spans substantially across the inlet to ensure all particulate flowing therethrough engages the inclined surface.

[0040] In one embodiment the inclined surface may be provided by a diverter plate. The diverter plate may be formed to fit within the shroud such that there is minimal clearance between the sides of the diverter plate and the inner wall of the shroud.

[0041] In another embodiment the sides of the inclined surface may engage with an inner wall of the shroud. The sides of the inclined surface may frictionally engage with the inner wall of the shroud.

[0042] In another embodiment a peripheral edge portion of the inclined surface may comprise a resiliently flexible material wherein the edge portion can accommodate irregularities in the inner wall of the shroud as the inclined surface rotates.

[0043] A lower portion of the inclined surface may protrude below the bottom of the shroud wherein an opening is formed therebetween, through which the particulate exits the shroud.

[0044] The inclined surface may be provided by / mounted on a rotating spool. The inclined surface may be removably secured to the rotating spool. The inclined surface may be in the form of an elliptical planar disc. In one arrangement the elliptical planar disc may be formed from a resiliently flexible material.

[0045] The distribution means may further comprise a passageway extending between the opening at the bottom of the shroud and the outlet of the splitter assembly. The outlet may be in the form of an annular ring.

[0046] The diverting chamber may incorporate a plurality of nozzles through which a cleaning fluid such as water, can be caused to be directed onto the inclined surface for cleaning purposes.

[0047] The distribution means may comprise a drive means for rotating the inclined surface. The rotational velocity of the inclined surface can be varied according to various parameters including: the drill rate based on ground penetration rates, material type, water / moisture volume / ratio in the cuttings, mechanical wear rates, vibration induction, hydraulic efficiency, prevention of bias (where specific speeds results in discharge bias). .The drive means may comprise a motor and / or a plurality of gears to rotate the rotors.

[0048] Rotation of the inclined surface may be caused to slow or cease during specific drill rig events, such as rod change, equipment purging or equipment maintenance.

[0049] The splitter assembly may comprise a sampling assembly having two or more angularly spaced sample stations wherein the outlet of the splitter assembly and the rotationalaction of the inclined surface causes the particulate to be delivered thereto in a circular pattern, whereby a portion of the particulate is received in the two or more sample stations and the remaining particulate is able to pass through an outlet of the sampling assembly.

[0050] Each sampling station may receive and support a sampling pot, such that in use a portion of the cutting passing through the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly is channeled into the sampling pot in a substantially unbiased manner.

[0051] The splitter assembly is adapted to co-operate with the sampling assembly wherein the sampling assembly feeds empty pots, and removes sampling pots with a sample, from each sampling station.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out herein. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sampling apparatus having a splitter assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;Figure 2 is a perspective view of the splitter assembly of the first embodiment and a sampling assembly secured thereto;Figure 3 is a perspective cross sectional side view of the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly shown in figure 2;Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly shown in figure 2;Figure 5 is a cross sectional side view (alternate side) of the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly shown in figure 2;Figure 6 is a cross sectional side view (further alternate side) of the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly shown in figure 2;Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly shown in figure 2, wherein certain components have been removed to show an inclined surface of the splitter assembly.

[0053] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Referring to figure 1 , the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a splitter assembly 15 used in a sampling apparatus 13. The sampling apparatus 13 receives cuttings entrained in a gaseous stream from a drill rig (not shown), the gaseous stream passes through a cyclone 11 which separates the cuttings from the gaseous stream, before samples are taken from the cuttings for analysis. In the present application the sampling apparatus 13 comprises the splitter assembly 15, the cyclone 11 and a sampling assembly 17.

[0055] The splitter assembly 15 receives the cuttings from the cyclone 11. These cuttings are mixed and distributed by the splitter assembly 15 before passing into the sampling assembly 17 in a manner which assists to ensure the sample is as accurate a representation of the drilled cuttings as possible. This eliminates bias which may be induced by the cyclone 11 , the drilling process, the nature of the drilled material and / or caused by the manner in which the dirty gaseous stream is delivered to the sampling apparatus.

[0056] The sampling apparatus 13 is adapted to be releasably secured to a drill rig (not shown). While the present sampling apparatus 13 is particularly designed to operate autonomously, such as on an autonomous drilling rig, it can also be readily integrated into existing drill rigs, and may be set up for manual, semi- autonomous or autonomous operation.

[0057] Referring to figures 2 to 8, the splitter assembly 15 receives cuttings from the cyclone 11 through the inlet 121. The splitter assembly 15 then diverts the cuttings outwardly from the central region of the splitter assembly 15 to distribute the cuttings in a circular manner before entering the sampling assembly 17.

[0058] The diverting chamber 119 comprises an inlet 121 through which the cuttings are received and a shroud 125 which contains the diverting chamber 119.

[0059] The diverting chamber 119 houses a distribution means which in the present embodiment is in the form of an inclined surface 127. As represented in figure 7, the inclined surface 127 is removably secured to a spool 129. During operation, the spool 129 is caused to rotate such that the inclined surface 127 rotates about an axis which substantially aligns with, or is substantially parallel to an axis of the inlet 121.

[0060] The splitter assembly 15 incorporates an outlet 123 provided at an end of a passageway 124. The passageway 124 extends between the diverting chamber 119, and the outlet 123. The outlet 123 is in the form of an annular ring and communicates with the inlet 130 of the sampling assembly 17. As best represented in figure 7, the inlet 130 of the sampling assembly 17 also takes the shape of an annular ring.

[0061] In this embodiment the sampling assembly 17 provides three sampling stations 131 , on which is received a sampling pot (not shown). Each sampling pot is positioned to receive a portion of the cuttings dispensed through the outlet 123 of the splitter assembly 15 into the inlet 130 of the sampling assembly 17, before being removed for future analysis.

[0062] The distribution means comprises a drive means for rotating the spool 129. The drive means comprises a motor 135 to rotate the spool 129 and the inclined surface 127.

[0063] The inclined surface 127 is angled relative to the inlet 121 such that as the particulate enters the diverting chamber 119 the particulate engages the inclined surface 127 to be diverted towards the shroud 125.

[0064] In operation the cuttings from the cyclone 11 enter the diverting chamber 119 through the inlet 121. The rotating inclined surface 127 distributes the cuttings in a circular manner before the cuttings are channeled to the sampling pots. The splitter assembly 15 cooperates with the sampling assembly 17 wherein the sampling assembly 17 feeds empty pots 133, and removes sampling pots with a sample, from each sampling station 131.

[0065] The inclined surface 127 rotates about the central axis of the inlet 121 of the diverting chamber 119 at a sufficient speed such that the particulate is distributed outwardly as the particulate passes through the diverting chamber 119.

[0066] The inclined surface 127 is spaced downstream from the inlet 121 of the diverting chamber but spans substantially there across such that all particulate flowing therethrough engages the inclined surface 127.

[0067] The inclined surface 127 is removably secured to the rotating spool 129 and is in the form of a disc 137 which is in elliptical in shape. The elliptical disc 137 is formed from a resiliently flexible material. Once assembled, the sides of the elliptical disc 137 frictionally engage with an inner wall 139 of the shroud 125. As best represented in figures 4 and 5 a lower portion 141 of the elliptical disc 137 protrudes below a bottom edge 143 of the shroud 125 wherein an opening 145 is formed therebetween. The opening 145 allows the particulate to exit the shroud 125.

[0068] As the elliptical disc 137 frictionally engages the inner wall 139 of the shroud 125 the elliptical disc 137 scraps the inner wall 139 as it rotates. This ensures the inner wall 139 remains substantially clean and free of material buildup, minimising the likelihood of contamination of future samples.

[0069] Over time the frictional engagement wears the elliptical disc 137 minimising its effectiveness. At a maintenance interval the elliptical disc 137 can be readily replaced.

[0070] The diverting chamber 119 also incorporates a plurality of nozzles 147 through which water can be injected. The nozzles 147 are directed to deliver water on to the inclined surface 127 for cleaning / flushing purposes.

[0071] In contrast to prior art, the present invention enables cleaning of the splitter assembly to minimise material build up and the likelihood of clogging and contamination of the collected sample. A problem with the prior art sampling systems is due to contamination resulting from build-up / caking which can occur on the various surfaces. Build-up / caking is caused by variations in the cuttings which vary in consistency, particularly with cuttings which alternate from dry to wet to dry. This creates an environment for the cuttings to stick to the surfaces of the equipment. This is also the case with changes in the type of material being drilled which can vary in clay content, which are particularly sticky on surfaces. In the current invention the surfaces of the splitter assembly are / can be automatically cleaned to minimise the likelihood of buildup.

[0072] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0073] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0074] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0075] Reference to positional descriptions and spatially relative terms), such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0076] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0077] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “engaged”, "connected" or "coupled" to another element / layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element / layer or intervening elements / layers may be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements / layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between”, “adjacent”). As used herein the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0078] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possibleimplementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A splitter assembly for distributing particulates, such as cuttings from a drill rig, the splitter assembly comprises: an inlet for receiving the particulates; a diverting chamber into which the particulates are received; a distribution means for distributing the particulates, and a sampling outlet through which the cuttings are channeled to a sampling assembly for taking a sample.2 The splitter assembly according to claim 1 wherein the diverting chamber comprises the inlet, a shroud which contains a diverting region, and an opening from which the particulate dispenses from the diverting region.3 The splitter assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the inlet of the diverting chamber is in fluid communication with a cyclone of a sampling apparatus from which the particulate is received, optionally the inlet is secured to an outlet of the cyclone.4 The splitter assembly according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the distribution means is housed in the diverting region.5 The splitter assembly according to claim 4 wherein the distribution means comprises at least one inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface rotates relative to the inlet of the diverting region.6 The splitter assembly according to claim 5 wherein an axis about which the inclined surface rotates aligns with an axis of the inlet of the diverting region, or the axis about which the inclined surface rotates is parallel to an axis of the inlet of the diverting region.7 The splitter assembly according to claim 2 wherein the inlet of the diverting chamber is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the shroud.8 The splitter assembly according to claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the inclined surface is spaced downstream from the inlet of the diverting chamber and spans substantially across the inlet to ensure all particulate flowing therethrough engages the inclined surface.9 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the inclined surface is provided by a diverter plate.10 The splitter assembly according to claim 9 wherein the diverter plate is formed to fit within the shroud such that there is minimal clearance between the sides of the diverter plate and the inner wall of the shroud, optionally the sides of the inclined surface engage with an inner wall of the shroud.11 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein a peripheral edge portion of the inclined surface comprises a resiliently flexible material wherein the edge portion accommodates irregularities in the inner wall of the shroud as the inclined surface rotates.12 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 11 wherein a lower portion of the inclined surface protrudes below the bottom of the shroud wherein an opening is formed therebetween, through which the particulate exits the shroud.13 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein the inclined surface is provided by / mounted on a rotating spool, optionally the inclined surface is in the form of an elliptical planar disc.14 The splitter assembly according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the distribution means further comprises a passageway extending between the opening at the bottom of the shroud and the outlet of the splitter assembly, optionally the outlet is in the form of an annular ring.15 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 14 wherein the diverting chamber incorporates a plurality of nozzles through which a cleaning fluid such as water, can be directed onto the inclined surface for cleaning purposes.16 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 15 wherein the distribution means comprises a drive means for controlling the rotation of the inclined surface, the drive means comprises a motor and / or a plurality of gears to rotate the inclined surface.17 The splitter assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 16 further comprising a sampling assembly having two or more angularly spaced sample stations wherein the outlet of the splitter assembly and the rotational action of the inclined surface causes the particulate to be delivered thereto in a circular pattern, whereby a portion of the particulate is received in the two or more sample stations and the remaining particulate is able to pass through an outlet of the sampling assembly.18 The splitter assembly according to claim 16 wherein each sampling station receives and supports a sampling pot, such that in use a portion of the cutting passing through the splitter assembly and the sampling assembly is channeled into the sampling pot in a substantially unbiased manner.19 A sampling apparatus for use in extracting a sample from cuttings which are delivered to the sampling apparatus entrained in a gaseous stream, the sampling apparatus comprises: a separation means to separate the drilled material from the gaseous stream; a splitter assembly to distribute the cuttings, wherein the cuttings exit an outlet of the separation means and pass into the splitter assembly, the splitter assembly being capable of self-cleaning; a sampling assembly adapted to receive the cuttings from the splitter assembly, the sampling assembly causes samples to be taken therefrom.20 The sampling apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the splitter assembly comprises at least one inclined surface, wherein the at least one inclined surface rotates relative to the outlet of the separation means about an axis, the axis aligns with or is substantially parallel to an axis of the outlet of the separation means.21 A splitter assembly for distributing particulates, such as cuttings from a drill rig, the splitter assembly comprises: an inlet for receiving the particulates; a diverting chamber into which the particulates are received; an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface rotates relative to the inlet of a shroud of the diverting chamber to distribute the particulates, and a sampling outlet through which the cuttings are channeled to a sampling assembly for taking a sample.

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