Test Sieving: Principles

and Procedures

A Discussion of the Uses, Capabilities, and

Limitations of Testing Sieves as Analytical Tools

Advantech Manufacturing, Inc.

2450 S Commerce Drive
New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151
262-786-1600 (800) 511-2096 Specialists
FAX 262-786-5074 In Manufacture Of
Sieving Equipment for the
Email: sales@advantechmfg.com Particle Industries

www.advantechmfg.com

THE LEADER IN SIEVING TECHNOLOGY®

 Foreword
Through ASTM and many industry organizations, standards have been
established for particle size for powder, granular and larger sized
materials. This manual has been prepared to help guide users of test
sieves through the proper procedures as well as provide many
additional tips that can enhance the existing procedures.

Our aim is to provide assistance to both the experienced and non-

experienced particle technologist in developing comprehensive particle
size test results, reduce test variations and enable the user to isolate
and identify sources of error or variations in the data.

Advantech Test Sieves, manufactured in the U.S.A., are the most

accurate test sieves available in the world today. The use of Advantech
Test Sieves will provide more precise and reproducible data, resulting
in better product control and a possible reduction of variables.

In preparing this manual, we have drawn from sources in the ASTM

publications, ISO Standards and various papers written by some of the
most renowned figures in the particle technology world. Additionally,
Advantech personnel have contributed sieving technology
developments after having logged numerous years of "hands-on"
experience with many experts in the field. The result is a melding of
standards, research and opinion to provide a solid foundation for your
own particle size analysis program.

If additional help is desired in establishing your sieve analysis

procedure, or if you desire a list of suppliers of the equipment
highlighted in this manual, please contact Advantech
Manufacturing, Inc. 2450 S Commerce Dr., New Berlin, WI
53151

Telephone (800) 511-2096 or email: sales@advantechmfg.com

Copyright© 2001, Advantech Mfg.

 Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 -
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WHAT IS SIEVING?

CHAPTER 2 -
. . . USES, LIMITATIONS AND ADVANTAGES

CHAPTER 3 -
. . WORKING GLOSSARY OF SIEVING TERMS

CHAPTER 4 -
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIEVE SPECIFICATIONS

CHAPTER 5 -
. . . . . . . SIEVE CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

CHAPTER 6 -
. . . . . . PERFORMING THE SIEVE ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 7 -
. . . . . . . . . . . SIEVE CARE AND CLEANING
 CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS SIEVING?

A simplistic definition of sieving is the All mesh sizes are covered by both national
separation of fine material from coarse and international standards.
material by means of a meshed or The need for particle size analysis in the
perforated vessel. Professor Terence Allen finer size ranges (i.e. 38 micrometers and
characterizes sieving as "The aperture of a less) prompted the development of the
sieve may be regarded as a series of electrodeposited sieve. These sieves,
gauges which reject or pass particles as sometimes called electroformed or
they are presented to the aperture." (1) This micromesh, are currently being produced
theory was actually in practice during the with openings as fine as 3 micrometers.
early Egyptian era as grains were sized The mesh openings are extremely uniform
with 'sieves' of woven reeds and grasses. in both size and shape and maintain
The level of sophistication increased exacting tolerances.
with the rise of the industrial revolution While the technology related to sieve
and the need for more sophisticated analysis has come a long way since the
methods for classifying material by their reed sieves of ancient Egypt, few new
particle size. As requirements for sized developments have come along since the
material rose, technology in producing 1940's. Professor Kurt Leschonski wrote
uniform sieving media increased. Woven "Sieve analysis is one of the few methods
wire cloth was introduced as an alternative, of particle size analysis which has escaped
providing greater accuracy and durability. modernization." (2)While the modernization
At present, this woven cloth is available in has not come in the actual hardware of
a range of sizes from 125 mm (5") sieving, refinements in the application and
openings to 20 micrometer openings. utilization of existing equipment has
proceeded.
CHAPTER 2
USES, LIMITATIONS AND ADVANTAGES

Harold Heywood wrote "I often refer to

sieving as the 'Cinderella' of particle size
analysis methods; it does most of the hard
work and gets little consideration."(3)
There are numerous reasons for the
selection of high quality testing sieves as a
first choice in particle size analysis work.
Leschonski said "... because of its
simplicity - everyone immediately
understands the purpose of a stack of
sieves and its operation -and its
inexpensive- ness." (4) Standard sieve
analysis is probably the fastest and most
widely used quality control procedure in
any powder process control industry. Used
frequently as a mediating device between
the production and sales divisions of a
process corporation or between the sales
force and the customer, test sieve analysis
work enjoys the universal recognition of
being the best 'quick and dirty' test
procedure for rapid particle size distribution
data. The outcome of the analysis is easily
calculated and interpreted for comparison
between laboratories. Start-up cost to and accounted for in the presentation and
institute a basic sieving quality control analysis data.
program is minimal, and operators at most Test sieves are individuals. Being
levels of training are capable of performing fabricated of a woven mesh material,
a successful sieve analysis. With these variations in the weave are common. The
factors in mind, it is easy to see why chances of locating two sieves with an
testing sieves are as ubiquitous as they are identical distribution of opening sizes are
in industry. Materials from crushed ore extremely remote. Due to these variations,
chunks of over 114.3 mm (4 ½”) in the reproducibility of test results between
diameter to slurred alumina and porcelain sieves can be adversely affected. The
powders of less than 20 micrometers are stringent standards imposed by ASTM, ISO
all analyzed with test sieves on a regular or other regulating bodies have established
basis. tolerance factors which allow for the
Whether hand or machine sieving, wet or permissible variations in the weave while
dry preparations, analysis or production striving to maintain a level of uniformity in
work, testing sieves have found a niche in the performance of the 'test grade' sieve
the quality control laboratory. Given this cloth. (See Table 1)
overall acceptance of test sieves as a viable With this variation of opening sizes
analytical device and the widespread present, some smaller than the nominal
presence of the sieve in laboratories of all and some larger, the time interval of the
industries, any shortcomings of such an sieve analysis becomes extremely
analytical device would be magnified. For important. If, for example, a sieve has
all of the advantages available to the test several openings far above the nominal
sieve user, limitations must be recognized opening size for the particular mesh size,
and the test is run for 30 minutes, the components and each other with strong
probability of larger-than-nominal particles electrostatic charges. Additional types of
finding those oversized openings is much sieving problems are discussed in the
greater than if the test was run for only 15 glossary section.
minutes. Similarly, if the sample of powder To minimize error caused by wire cloth
contains a large percentage of elongated or variation, steps must be taken at every
needle like particles, a longer test interval stage of fabrication that will assure the
would provide a greater likelihood that the uniformity of the woven mesh as well as
elongated particles will orient themselves the compliance with the applicable
‘on end’ and pass through the openings. If standards. Both the weaver and the test
the sieving cloth has a wide range of sieve manufacturer must maintain a
opening sizes, the sieving of this type of constant monitoring program measuring
material has a compounded error. the actual opening sizes of the wire cloth
Another factor which must be as well as the uniformity of those openings.
considered is the reaction of the material to The loss to the manufacturers in rejected
ambient conditions. The most accurate out of specification sieve cloth is a gain to
test sieve available would be of minimal the end-user in uniformity and compliance.
use if the relative humidity in the test lab
was 99%. Extremely dry conditions can
cause fine powders to adhere to the sieve
CHAPTER 3
GLOSSARY OF SIEVING TERMINOLOGY

Sieving terminology is frequently used which build up on the wire mesh and
and abused in writing specifications for eventually close off the openings.
materials. Listed below are some of the Frequently referred to as pegging. (Photo
most frequently used terms and a general Page 4)
discussion of their meaning:
Cover: stamped or spun lid that tightly
Agglomerate: natural tendency of covers the top of a sieve to prevent the
materials to clump or ball together. This loss of the material sample during sifting or
condition is very common in materials with mechanical agitation.
high moisture, fat or oil content or those Electrostatic charges: accumulation of
with fibrous or extremely irregular electrical charges on the particles and sieve
topography. components causing clinging,
agglomeration or blinding. This condition is
Blinding: plugging of the screen openings frequently seen in hydrocarbon-based
with particles either exactly the same size materials, plastics, reactive metals, paint
as the sieve opening or by fine particles pigments and powders with a large fraction
finer than 20 micrometers.
Extended rim pan: a sieving pan with a
skirt designed to nest within a sieve stack,
allowing multiple tests to be performed
simultaneously. Frequently called a nesting
pan or spacer.
Flow additive: powdered substance added Skirt: section of test sieve below the sieve
to the sample to reduce agglomeration, mesh that allows for mating or nesting of
neutralize static charges and improve the the sieves in a test stack.
flow characteristics of the sample. Common
additives are fine silica, activated charcoal, Support mesh: coarse sieve cloth
talc, and other commercially produced mounted under fine sieve cloth in a test
natural or synthetic substances. Generally, sieve to provide extra strength. This is
the additive is pre- screened to a known widely used in wet sieving operations to
average particle size, blended with the protect the fragile fine sieve cloth.
sample (approximately 1% additive by Frequently called backing cloth or rolled
weight) and then screened with the backing cloth.
additives value removed from the reported
data. Test Sieve: screening medium (mesh)
with openings of uniform size and shape
Frame: a rigid sidewall used to form the mounted on a rigid frame, usually for
body of the testing sieve. Common depths laboratory testing or small scale production
are 50.8 mm (2" full height) for 8” sieves applications. The frames can be made of
and 25.4 mm (1" half height). Special various materials, the most common of
application sieves of other depths are also which are brass and stainless steel in a
in use. cylindrical configuration, having a diameter
of 3", 5", 6", 8", 10", 12" or larger.
Mesh: screening medium with openings of
uniform size and shape made of woven, Wet sieving: the separation of fines from
punched or electrodeposited material. the coarse portion of a sample while
suspended in an aqueous solution
Pan: stamped or spun receiver of materials introduced to a testing sieve. The liquid
passing through the finest sieve. medium is used to negate static charges,
break down agglomerates and lubricate
near-size particles. After the fines have
been washed through the sieve, the
residue is oven-dried and re-weighed.

CHAPTER 4
SIEVE SPECIFICATIONS
-Domestic and International

The U.S. Standard Sieve Series is a relationship continues into sieve opening
metric system based series first suggested area measurement. The U. S. Sieve Series
by the American Society for Testing and provides that the area of each sieve
Materials in 1913. The opening sizes in this opening size is 1 1/2 times the area of the
sieve series are in the ratio of the fourth preceding sieve size.
root of two. This numerical relationship was By using every other sieve in this
first suggested by Professor P .R. Rittinger, number series, the relationship becomes
a German researcher, in 1867. based on the square root of two (1.414),
In the fourth root of two series, every with the area of the opening being twice
opening size is 1.189 times the opening that of the preceding sieve size. Thus, by
size of the next smaller sieve. This skipping two sizes, you create an area ratio
of 3 to 1, or by skipping three sizes, you was suggested by Charles Renard of France
create a ratio of 4 to 1. in 1879. His system is based on the tenth,
When selecting sieves from this series, twentieth and fortieth roots of ten
any number of sieves can be used for an (designated R-10, R-20 and R-40). See
analysis. Care must be taken in selecting Table 2.
each sieve between two points, every other A compromise was reached between the
sieve, every fourth sieve, etc., to keep ISO and the proponents of the U.S. Sieve
within the mathematical progression of the Series when it was discovered that every
series. third value in the R-40/3 table is in a step
After World War II, the International ratio of 1.1885, sufficiently close to the
Standards Organization (ISO) was formed fourth root of two (1.1892) used in the
in an attempt to establish world standards. U.S. Sieve Series. In 1970, slight
Though the U.S. Sieve Series had proven adjustments were made in the U.S. Sieve
to be effective and was in use throughout Series to align the series perfectly with the
the world, members of the ISO would not ISO specifications.
accept the U.S. Sieve Series as a world Copies of these tables of specifications
standard. The ISO chose to adopt the can be found in Table 3.
Preferred Number Series based on the
roots of ten. The Preferred Number Series

CHAPTER 5
SIEVE CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

Quantifying and accounting for particle shape on sieving results. Nearly

variations in test sieve results have 50 years ago, A.M. Gaudin wrote, "Powders
become two of the most important topics in with identical size distributions, densities
particle technology today. Once again, the and chemical composition may behave
ubiquitous nature of stacks of test sieves in quite differently as a result of variations in
powder labs around the world has particle shape between samples. For
contributed to the scope of the dilemma in example, powders consisting solely of
sieve standardization and calibration. Kaye spherical particles are likely to have good
states "The inaccuracies and the flow properties, while powders containing
uncertainties of characterization by sieve needlelike particles will not." Further, "In
fractionation arise from the experimental addition, it is impossible to isolate the
problems of determining the sieve residues concepts of particle size and shape, since
and from the non-ideal nature of the the method of size measurement will
sieving surfaces." Further, "The presence of influence the particle size which is
a range of aperture sizes in any real determined.” (6)
sieving surface is a source of error in sieve Numerous approaches have been tried
based characterization studies since the to compensate for the effects of variations
theoretical or nominal size of the sieve is in wire cloth and particle shape. The
taken to be the boundary limit for the sieve methods have fallen into 3 basic
residue." (5) categories: 1) inspection of the mesh to
Not only is the test sieve user plagued determine opening size, 2) material testing
with variations in the weave of the cloth, of the sieves to determine if sieves fall
but also confronted with the effects of within performance specifications, and 3) a
combination of methods 1 and 2, assuring specifications, which should disqualify them
compliance with both opening size and from use as a U.S. Standard Testing sieve.
performance specifications. Another problem encountered with material
Probably the most elementary of the matching is the use of reference samples
inspection methods is the use of the etched that are different in shape, size or density
glass slide. This procedure relies on what than the users' products. For example, a
is referred to as the ‘Moire Effec’, which manufacturer of spherical steel shot would
compares the number of wires per inch in yield significantly different results on a
the wire cloth sample to the number of sieve that had been matched with an
lines per inch etched on the glass slide. By angular ground silica material. In this case,
microscopically measuring the wire both shape and density are considerably
diameters, a rough estimate of the opening different. The key to proper matching is
size can be approximated. One major using the end-users own product or a
short- coming of this procedure is the material that approximates the product
most closely.
assumption that all wire diameters within
The final approach is a combination of
the sample are the same. A slight variation
the first two methods. First, the sieve is
in wire diameter can translate to a
inspected optically for compliance with all
significant change in opening size.
applicable standards. Openings and wire
An alternative to this measurement
diameters are measured, not averaged.
approach is the use of a high-powered
After the sieve opening distribution has
optical comparator or profile projector. In
been characterized and evaluated, actual
this method, powerful light sources
material testing can begin. During the
illuminate the mesh from both above and
material testing, samples of the user's
below and project the image onto a glass
product are used for the standardization
screen. Calibrated micrometer stages move
procedure. All tests are run for
the mesh sample in relation to a reference
repeatability and the variation between test
point allowing measurements with an
results calculated. This procedure yields a
accuracy of 1 micrometer to be made on
testing sieve with known values in the two
both the opening and wire diameter. The
most essential parameters compliance with
results are displayed on a numerical
specifications and performance under
readout. The broad field of view of the
duplicate test conditions.
comparator allows for the scanning of a
large number of sieve openings, facilitating An alternative that has been used with
a more comprehensive picture of the some success is the use of correction
nature of the sieve cloth. factors between sieves. Once a 'master set'
In the material testing of sieves, of sieves has been established, a reference
powder samples are run on subject sieves sample is tested on the stack. The values
and the residue calculated. These values are calculated and retained. As new sieves
are then compared with other sieves in are acquired, the original reference sample
selecting what are often referred to as is tested on the new set and the values
'matched' sieves. There are a number of calculated. Any variations between the
shortcomings in this procedure also. The sieve stacks can be compensated for with
first and foremost problem encountered is correction factors or multipliers. For
that of compliance. Conceivably, it is example, a sieve in stack 3 may retain
possible to find hundreds of sieves that will more or less than the comparable sieve in
provide the same performance data when the master set. A multiplier of magnitude
tested with a reference material and still greater than or less than 1 is necessary to
not meet ASTM standards. calculate the comparable retention value
While the sieves perform comparably, on that sieve when compared to the master
they do not meet the basic criteria of ASTM set. In this way, every sieve in use can be
compared to the master set to standardize
sieving results. Whatever method you use, compliance is necessary to assure
it is essential that your starting point is uniformity between and within industries.
based on ASTM specifications. This

CHAPTER 6
PERFORMING THE SIEVE ANALYSIS
In obtaining meaningful sieve analysis The following paragraphs were first
data, six major steps are recommended. 1) published in the ASTM technical publication
Obtain a representative sample of the STP 447 A. The collaborative efforts of the
material to be evaluated. 2) Prepare the authors have produced a section on
sample for evaluation; this may involve sampling technique which will aid in
washing and/or drying the sample. 3) obtaining representative test samples from
Reduce the sample to a size suitable for larger test sources…(7)
the sieve analysis procedure. 4) Perform
the actual sieve analysis procedure. 5) Sampling from a chute or belt
Compute the data and convert the data
Accuracy in sampling is obtained where
into a usable format. 6) Organize the data
material is flowing from a chute or belt
and assemble the information for
conveyor. The ideal place to collect the
presentation.
sample is where the material drops from
Granular and powder materials are
the chute or belt. If the material stream is
prone to segregation during movement and
small enough, use a pail or other suitable
storage of the products. This segregation
receptacle which can be swung completely
can be due to the disparity of the particle
across the flowing stream in a brief interval
sizes and the varied densities for blended
of time and with uniform movement. The
products. When forming a stockpile of
sampling receptacle should not be allowed
material, the larger, coarser particles are
to overflow, because the overflow would
heavier and tend to roll to the lowest
tend to reject a higher proportion of the
portion and outer perimeter of the cone.
larger particles that exist in a
The finer particles are lighter and more
representative sample. Mechanical
angular and remain concentrated at the top
sampling devices are available for selecting
and through the vertical center of the cone.
samples automatically from a stream at
Obtaining samples from only the outer
uniform time intervals.
perimeter or from the top of the cone
would not provide a sample which would be
Sampling from carload shipments of
representative of the entire batch.
coarse bulk material
Sample extraction and preparation is
the most commonly overlooked variable in For coarse materials, such as crushed
sieve standardization programs. Testing stone and gravel, shipped in railroad cars,
bias can be added at many places along a recommended method is to dig three or
the progression from the raw materials more trenches at least 30.48 cm (1 foot )
received from a supplier, samples taken at deep and approximately 30.48 cm (1
each stage of production, sample reduction foot)) wide at the bottom. Equal portions
procedures and samples when the product are taken at seven equally spaced points
is ready for shipment to the customer. The along the bottom of the trench by pushing
way the samples are extracted from the a shovel downward into the material and
original bulk volume varies with the way not by scraping horizontally. Samples from
the materials are received, produced or trucks, barges, or boats should be taken in
stored. The ideal sampling method is one the same manner as from railroad cars,
which provides the most representative except that the number of trenches should
sample with the least amount of material be adjusted to the size of the
required. transportation unit and tonnage involved.
Sampling from carload shipments of manner that the composite will have the
fine bulk materials same grading as the larger amount.
One established method for sampling a
Reduction of gross sample to test size
carload of bulk granular material is to take
for sieve analysis
eight equal samples, (approximately 700 to
1000 grams each) from the bottom of a After the gross sample has been
30.48 cm (1 foot)) conical excavation. properly obtained, the next step is to
Samples should be suitably spaced to reduce it to a suitable size for sieve
represent the length and width of the car analysis without impairing in any way the
and then combined into a single gross particle size distribution characteristics of
sample. the original sample. This phase of the
operation should follow the applicable
Sampling bulk shipments of fine procedures described in the succeeding
material with a sampling tube sections and should be performed with as
much care as was used in the collection of
An alternate and simpler method of
the gross sample and in performing the
sampling a carload, or other bulk quantity
sieve test.
of fine or granular material is by use of a
sampling tube which, for this purpose,
should be 38.1 mm (1 1/2 inches ) by
approximately 1.829 m (6 feet ). Five or
six insertions of the tube will produce
approximately, a 2 pound (907g) sample.

Sampling from a carload of bagged

material
One method of sampling a carload of
material shipped in bags is to select, at
random, a number of bags equal to the
cube root of the total number of bags in
the car and to take suitable portions (800
to 1000 grams for minus 6 mm material)
from each of the selected bags for a
combined gross sample.

Coning and quartering

Sampling from a pile
Pile the gross sample in a cone, place
In sampling from a pile, particularly each shovel full at the apex of the cone,
material like crushed stone or coal and allow it to run down equally in all
containing large particles, it is extremely directions. This will mix the sample. Then
difficult to secure samples that are truly spread the sample in a circle and walk
representative. At the apex of a conical around the pile, gradually widening the
pile, the proportion of fines will be greater, circle with a shovel until the material is
while at the base; the percentage of coarse spread to a uniform thickness.
particles will be greater. Therefore, neither Mark the flat pile into quarters, and
location will be representative of the whole. reject two opposite quarters. Mix again into
In a shoveling process, every fifth or tenth a conical pile, taking alternate shovel-fulls
shovel, etc., should be taken depending on from the two quarters saved. Continue the
the amount of the sample desired. The process of piling, flattening, and rejecting
sample should consist of small quantities two quarters until the sample is reduced to
taken at random from as many parts of the the required size.
pile as are accessible and taken in a
Sample splitters and reducers
Gross samples, if not too large, may be
reduced to test sample size by one or more
passes through a sample splitter or Jones
type riffle, which will divide a sample in
half while maintaining the particle size
distribution of the original sample. By
repeated passes, the sample can be split
into quarters, eighths, and so on until the
size of the sample desired is obtained. For
larger gross samples, sample reducers are
available which will select a representative
1/16 part with a single pass. After just two
passes through such a unit, a
representative one pound sample can be
obtained from an original 256 pounds.
Three passes will give a one pound sample
from two tons of material. Always make
sure that the passages in the splitter or
reducer are at least three times the size of
the largest particle in the sample. Do not
attempt to arrive at exactly the amount of
material specified for the test. If a 50
gram sample is desired, arrive as near to
this amount as practicable, because it will
make no difference in the test percentage
results whether the sample is slightly
larger or smaller. In attempting to arrive
at an exact weight, the tendency is to
discriminate by the removal of sizes that
are not representative of the whole, thus
destroying the representative quality of the
sample.

Size of Sample in the Test

There is a natural tendency, although
incorrect, to use an excessively large
sample in the test. In most cases, a
smaller sample will provide a more
accurate analysis. Beware, however, that
the more you split, the greater the chance various sample sizes on a selected nest of
of error. Testing sieves are a go or no go sieves for a period of five minutes
gauge; if the sample is too large it will not preferably using a mechanical sieve shaker.
permit each of the particles an opportunity If the test with the 100 gram sample shows
to present themselves to the screen approximately the same percentage
surface. Often the limiting factor for passing the finest sieve as the 50 gram
reducing the sample size is the accuracy of sample, whereas the 200 gram sample
the weighing device used to determine the shows a lower percentage, this would
amount of material retained on the sieve. indicate that the 200 gram sample is too
Generally a 25 to 100 gram sample is large and the 100 gram samples would be
recommended. However, if it is necessary satisfactory. Then run the 100 gram
to establish the correct sample size, utilize sample on the same set of sieves for the
the following procedure: Using a sample same time period to see if repetitive results
splitter, reduce samples to weights (i.e. 25, are obtainable.
50, 100, 200 grams). Analyze these
 A useful table of recommended sample
sizes for tests with 200 mm or 8” diameter
sieves is presented in Table 4 1. Note that
the table gives sample sizes listed by
volume. Recommended sample weights in
grams can be determined by multiplying
the values in Column 3 and 4 by the bulk
density (grams per cubic centimeter) of the
material to be tested rounded out within a
reasonable tolerance. If the actual bulk
density of a certain material is not known,
they typical density factor for the most
nearly similar material listed in Table 5 2
may by used.
To perform the actual sieve analysis, cover on the top sieve and a pan below the
sieves should be chosen in a sequence as finest sieve. The sieve stack can be
described earlier. Use every sieve, every shaken then rapped by hand or mounted in
other sieve, or every third sieve, etc. a sieve shaker with a motorized or
between the desired size parameters. The electrostatic drive mechanism.
use of sieves in this sequential order will While many applications still use the hand-
allow for better data presentation and a shaken method for sieving, motor driven
more meaningful analysis of the test shakers have proven to be much more
results. Care should also be taken in consistent, minimizing variations related to
selecting the proper sieves to avoid operator procedures. In powder analysis
overloading any sieve with an especially below the 100 mesh range, the sieve
large material peak. For example, a shaker should be equipped with a device to
specification may require 96% of the impart a shock wave to the sieve stack at
sample be retained above a #50 mesh regular intervals. This hammer or rapping
sieve. The proper way to perform an device is necessary to reorient the particles
analysis of this nature is to use ’relief on the sieve and impart some shear forces
screen’, that is, sieves in the 30, 35, 40 to near-sized particles blocking the sieve
and 45 mesh ranges to remove some of openings.
the burden from the critical cut point of 50
mesh. If the relief sieves are not used, the Recommended Time Intervals
particles of exactly 50 mesh size or slightly The duration of the sieving interval is
larger may become wedged in or forced usually regulated by industry standards, or
through the sieve openings by the mass of by in-house control specifications.
material resting above them. Large Commonly, 10, 15 or 20 minute tests are
concentrations of material on one sieve used as arbitrary sieving intervals. To
reduce the opportunity for near sized determine the best interval for a new
material to pass through the sieve resulting material, or to double check the accuracy
in a larger portion of the material retained of existing specifications, the following
on the test sieve. The sieve cut point procedure can be used. Select the desired
would be inaccurate and the sample would sieves for the analysis. 1) Weigh up a
not meet the specifications for the test. sample of the material to be tested and
The selected sieves should be introduce it to the complete sieve stack. 2)
assembled with the coarsest sieve at the Shake the sieve stack for a period of 5
top of the stack and the balance of the minutes. 3) Weigh the residue in the pan
stack in increasing magnitude of fineness and calculate the percentage in relation to
(increasing sieve numbers with smaller the starting weight. 4) Reassemble the
openings). The stack should include a stack and shake for one additional minute.
1
5) Repeat the weigh-up procedure and
With the inclusion of the new ASTM E 11-09 Standards calculate the percentage. If the
Table, this is now featured in Table 5. percentage of fines increased more than
2
With the inclusion of the new ASTM E 11-09 Standards
Table, this is now featured in Table 6. 1% between 5 minutes and 6 minutes,
reassemble the stack and shake for an
additional minute. The data can be plotted may be tapped gently with the handle of
as percentage throughput versus time for the brush to dislodge the particles between
each data point you calculate. When the brush strokes. At no time should a needle
change in the percentage of fines passing or other sharp object be used to remove
in the 1 minute period drops below 1%, the the particles lodged in the wire cloth.
test can be considered complete. Record Special care should be taken when
the total testing time for subsequent brushing sieves finer than 80 mesh.
analyses. Brushing can cause distortions and
Another type of sieve analysis is the wet irregularities in the sieve openings. The
sieve test. In this method, the sample is procedure is repeated for each sieve in the
weighed and then washed through the stack and contents of the pan.
finest sieve in the stack with water, a The individual weights retained on the
wetting agent (water based), or some sieves should be added and compared to
other compatible solvent. After thoroughly the starting sample weight. Wide variations
washing the fines from the raw sample, the or sample losses should be determined
residue is dried either over a hot plate or in immediately. If the finished sample weight
an oven. The temperature of the sieve varies more than 2% from the initial
should be maintained below 149°C weight, the analysis and sample should be
(300°F) 3 to avoid loosening of the sieve discarded and the test performed another
cloth or failure of the solder joint. After sample. If the sample weights are
drying, the residue is then sieved normally acceptable, complete the calculations and
on the balance of the sieve stack. The loss report the individual weights retained on
in weight not accounted for on the coarse each sieve.
screens is assumed to be fines or soluble Presentation and analysis of the
material. resulting data is frequently made easier by
Wet sieve analysis is especially helpful plotting on one of a number of graph
when working with naturally agglomerated formats. The most common graphic
materials, ultra-fine powders with severe presentation is the plotting of the
static changes and in samples where fine cumulative percentage of material retained
particles tend to cling to the coarse on a sieve (plotted on a logarithmic scale)
fractions in the blend. The disadvantages versus percentage (plotted on a linear
associated with wet sieving are primarily scale). The resulting curve allows a quick
the time period required to perform the approximation of the sieve size at the fifty-
analysis due to the additional washing and percentile point of accumulation. The curve
drying time and the possible damage to the also shows the smoothness of the
sieve mesh by overloading. A common distribution by revealing the presence of
practice with wet sieving operations is bimodal blends in the sample. Other
brushing or forcing the sample through the plotting techniques include log-log and
mesh while the liquid medium is directed direct plotting of micron size versus
on the sieve. This pressure can distort the percentage retained.
sieve openings or tear the mesh at the
solder joint through stress. Therefore, this
procedure is not recommended. Once the
sieving interval is complete, whether dry or
wet sieving is used, the residue on each
sieve is removed by pouring the residue
into a suitable weighing vessel. To remove
material wedged in the sieve’s openings,
the sieve is inverted over a sheet of paper
or suitable collector and the underside of
the wire cloth brushed gently with a nylon
paint brush with bristles cut to a 25.4 mm
(1”) length. The side of the sieve frame
3
Advantech metal framed sieves should not exceed 261° F
(127° C). Solder will begin to soften at this point.
 Care should be exercised in the sieving to determine the integrity of the
analyzing the data in relation to the length sieve cut point.
of time the test was run. If the sample Table 6 4 lists many of the ASTM
contains a large amount of elongated or published standards on sieve analysis
near- size particles, the test results can be procedures for specific materials or
misleading. The longer the sieving interval, industries.
the greater the opportunity for these
problem particles to pass through the 4
With the inclusion of the new ASTM E 11-09 Standards
sieve’s openings. Ideally each fraction Table, this is now featured in Table 7.
should be inspected microscopically after

CHAPTER7
SIEVE CARE AND CLEANING

Test sieves, like any other piece of underside only with a gentle circular
analytical laboratory equipment, require motion. Vigorous brushing will distort the
regular care to maintain their performance sieve openings and reduce the effective life
standards. Sieves should be kept clean and of the sieve. Particles lodged in the sieve
dry at all times, and stored either in the openings should never be removed with a
cardboard carton provided or in a suitable sharp object. These particles should be
cabinet. The wire cloth must be taut and removed in an ultrasonic cleaner only.
free from variations in opening size. For Brushing should be avoided on sieves finer
this reason, cleaning procedures must be than 100 mesh, as the fine wires are more
clearly delineated as part of a likely to bend, distort or even break.
comprehensive sieving program. Brushing can often loosen the wire cloth;
5
Test sieves should be cleaned the finer mesh sizes are most susceptible
ultrasonically on a regular basis*. For some to this damage.
installations, this may be done at the end Similarly, cleaning sieves with a
of a shift or at the end of a week, but must
be done regularly to assure accurate
sieving results. The sieves should be
immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner filled
with a solution of a mild detergent and
water. Prior to reuse, ensure that the test
sieves are dried thoroughly. Ultrasonic
cleaning prevents the buildup of particles
trapped in the sieve openings and prolongs
the useful life of the sieve. Between test
clean-up, brushing of the mesh, sizes 100
and coarser, is recommended. For best
results, use a nylon bristle paint brush with
the bristles cut to a length of
approximately 25.4 mm (1"). The sieve
openings should be brushed from the

5
*Do NOT ultrasonically clean precision electroformed test
sieves. Refer to the Handling and Use Instructions on the
sieve jewel case.
compressed air jet is common, but this can tend to block a large percentage of the
damage the sieve openings on the finer openings reducing the opportunity for
mesh sieves. The concentrated jet of air particles to pass through the openings in
can cause severe 'local' damage to the wire the allotted agitation time. Epoxies may
cloth, and significantly reduce the accuracy become too brittle for the flexing of the
of the sieve mesh. wirecloth and can fracture with use.
With proper care, sieves will perform Good general laboratory procedures
accurately for many years. Typical wear should be observed with testing sieves as
does not usually change the opening sizes, with any other piece of test equipment.
but can abrade the 'knuckles' or crimps of Testing should be performed with clean,
the wire. A sieve with noticeable sagging of uncontaminated sieves, especially when
the cloth should be replaced. Fine mesh using a sieve for the first time. With proper
sieves that are torn should not be re- care and cleaning coupled with a good
soldered, as the localized heat of the calibration procedure, any test sieve should
soldering iron can distort the openings. provide many years of consistent service.
Epoxies have been used for repairs, but
 EPILOG
We hope that the characterization of testing sieves
and their uses presented in this manual will serve as an
enhancement to your current particle size analysis
program. By maximizing the analytical advantage
potential of testing sieves while minimizing and
compensating for shortcomings and inaccuracies, the
testing sieve can be a viable and precise testing tool.
Care, maintenance and proper test procedures are as
critical with a testing sieve as they are with other, more
sophisticated particle size analyzers.

Compliance with applicable industry, National and

International specifications is essential. The intent of
these regulating bodies is the formulation of general
standards to assure uniformity in testing standards
observed by both the buyer and producer. The accepted
specification should be the foundation for the in-house
testing procedure.

Testing accuracy is highly dependent on the technique

of the operators. Interpretation of data should be
neither overstated nor understated in terms of
importance. The effects of variables must be
understood, accepted and factored into final data
analysis to avoid these shortcomings.

NOTE: To aid in making this manual as understandable and

comprehensive as possible, minor changes in spelling and grammar have
been made to some of the quoted references. These changes have not
altered the statements made but have aided in clarifying the thoughts of
the authors.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Allen, Terence, Particle Size Measurement, Chapman and Hall, New York 1981.

2. Leschonski, Kurt “Sieve Analysis, The Cinderella of Particle Size Analysis

Methods?”, Powder Technology, Elsevier Sequoiz S.A., Lausanne, 24 (1979)

3. Heywood, Harold, Proc Particle Size Analysis Conference, Bradford, 1970.

4. Leschonski, Kurt, Ibid.

5. Kaye, Brian, Direct Characterization of Fine Particles, John Wiley and Sons, New

York, 1981.

6. Gaudin, A.M. Principles of Meneral Dressing, McGraw-Hill, New York 1939.

7. Manual on Test Sieving Methods-STP 447 A, American Society of Testing and

Materials, Philadelphia, 1969.

Table 1
Table 2
Table 3 . . .
Table 3, cont’d..
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6