Other standards are used to collect the gross sample: Practice D2234/D2234M allows for one division of the gross sample before crushing. The mass and top size of the gross or divided sample collected by using these guides and practices are usually too large for chemical or physical testing. Practice D2013 provide instructions for reducing and dividing the gross or divided sample, by on-line or off-line processes, or both, to a top size and mass suitable to the performance of testing. Any bias in the gross or divided sample before adherence to this practice will remain in the final sample resulting from use of this practice. Therefore, carefully select the standard to be used to collect the gross sample.

Division and reduction of a sample may occur at more than one location. Most often, the sample is collected, reduced, and divided (one or more times) by use of a mechanical sampling system. The remaining sample may be further divided on-site to facilitate transporting it to the laboratory where further reduction and division likely occurs before analysis.

In places, this practice requires air drying the sample before subsequent reduction. Procedures for air drying and air-dry loss determination are provided in Test Method D3302.

Most often, samples are reduced and divided to an analysis sample. However, some tests may require a sample of different mass or top size. This procedure may be used to provide a sample of any mass and size consist from the gross or divided sample to, and including, the analysis sample.

This practice also specifies how to prepare composite samples, if required.