Particle Characterisation Particle Sizing using Laboratory Sieves
A Laboratory test sieve is an instrument which is used for the measurement of particle size. In its most common form it consists of a woven wire screen, with square apertures, rigidly mounted in a shallow cylindrical metal frame. For coarse sieving a perforated plate screen with square or round holes may be used in place of wire mesh. Square hole perforated plate sieves range down to 4 mm and round hole sieves down to 1 mm aperture.
The sizes of solid particles from 125 mm down to 20 µm can be measured rapidly and effi ciently by means of standard test sieves. Special sieves with apertures smaller than 20 µm are available, but it should be appreciated that the fi ner a screen is, the more easily will certain types of particulate solids tend to block or blind the apertures. Nevertheless, ‘micro’ sieving can be carried out down to 5 µm using special techniques.
Particle size, as measured by test sieving, may be specifi ed simply by quoting two sieve sizes, one through which the particles have passed, and the other on which they are retained. However, the most frequent use of test sieving is for measuring the size spread, i.e., the particle size distribution.
Test sieving is not the only method available for particle size analysis, but it is certainly the most widely used and probably the most important. A short list of some of the more common methods, together with their effective size ranges, is given in Table 1.
Advantages of Sieving
Perhaps the biggest advantage of test sieving is that it so frequently happens to be the only suitable method of size analysis for a particular purpose. However, even when there is a choice of method, test sieving generally proves to be the most
convenient one. It is a quick and reliable method of size analysis, equally suited to accurate scientifi c research work or routine analysis under industrial conditions. Tests can be performed at almost any location.
No complicated apparatus is demanded. A nest of sieves and a simple laboratory balance will suffi ce in most cases. In fact, rapid size checks can often be made on-site at a particular plant with the aid of a rough pair of scales.
The technique of test sieving is basically simple. No specialised knowledge or skill is needed; care and diligence are the main requirements. Process operators can easily be trained to carry out sieve tests.
When the size distribution of a sample has been determined by test sieving, the material becomes separated into several fractions. This is another important attribute. These fractions are not contaminated, nor have their chemical or physical properties been altered. They are, therefore, available for further inspection or independent analysis if required.
The above testing procedure of sieving by hand can be tedious and the accuracy of the method may also depend to a considerable extent on the operator who performs the test. In machine sieving most of the burden is removed from the operator, and once the optimum conditions have been determined, reproducible results are rapidly obtained.
For example, the nest of sieves may be shaken for a certain predetermined time eg 5mins and amplitude e.g., 1.5mm. This ensures that results from different labs can be compared with quite a degree of accuracy.
Whether you are looking for test sieves or sieve shakers, Endecotts offer the world’s fi nest equipment designed and produced in London.
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New 3D Sieve Shaker Octagon 200CL For precise, reproducible and error-free sieving processes
Endecotts’ new Octagon 200CL competes with the most advanced sieve shakers in the world. Several unique features have been developed specifically for this machine, including the ‘Closed Loop’ amplitude control for ultimate reproducibility.
The sieve shaker is powered by an electromagnetic drive which has no rotating parts making it maintenance-free and extremely quiet in operation. The vibratory, three-dimensional motion produced by the power unit moves the sample over the sieve in a unique way resulting in faster, more efficient sieving, while the rapid vertical movements help to keep the apertures from blinding.
The Octagon 200CL is designed to work with Endecotts’ SieveWare, the new software for easy evaluation and documentation of the sieving process.
New Air Sizer 200
The most efficient particle sizing in the micron range. The new Air Sizer 200 is ideal for sieving very fine dry particles, which require efficient dispersion and deagglomeration via air jet technology (e.g. electrostatic material).
It is also the perfect instrument to quickly provide a sieve cut of powdered materials. The Air Sizer 200 is easy to use, extremely efficient and provides accurate and reproducible results.
Features Air Sizer 200 • For 200 mm air-jet sieves
• Advanced air jet technology for dry materials from 20 µm upwards
• Digital controls for easy and reliable operation
New features Octagon 200CL • ‘Closed Loop’ total amplitude control ensures reproducible sieving • Digital controls for easy and reliable operation • Easy-to-use sieve clamping system • Accepts up to 8 full height 200 mm (8”) diameter sieves • Suitable for dry and wet sieving • 3D sieving motion allows for high separation effi ciency and non blinding sieving action • Full compatibility with new SieveWare evaluation and control software via RS232 Port (printed or digital protocols) • Voltage-independent
www.endecotts.com
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• High performance Air-Jet Sizer
• Adjustable nozzle speed, 5 – 55 rpm
• Maintenance-free • Voltage independent
• Ideal for fine electrostatic powders
• Pre-filter unit and vacuum cleaner available as accessories
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