A hand-operated sieve shaker is a simple, manually powered device used to separate and classify particles or granules based on their size. It is commonly used in laboratories, fieldwork, and industrial settings to test the particle size distribution of materials like soil, sand, gravel, aggregates, powders, and other granular materials. This type of sieve shaker is ideal for situations where electricity is not available or where only a small number of samples need to be processed.
- Base Frame:
- The sturdy foundation of the sieve shaker, typically made from metal or wood, providing stability during operation.
- Sieve Stack:
- A series of sieves, usually made of metal mesh, arranged in order of decreasing mesh size from top to bottom.
- The stack typically includes a lid on the top sieve and a catch pan at the bottom to collect the finest particles.
- Clamping Mechanism:
- A mechanism to securely clamp the sieve stack in place during operation, ensuring that the sieves remain aligned and that the sample doesn’t spill.
- Handle or Crank:
- A hand-operated handle or crank that the user turns to generate the shaking motion.
- The crank is connected to a cam or eccentric mechanism that imparts a shaking and oscillating motion to the sieve stack.
- Shaking Mechanism:
- The shaking motion is typically a combination of lateral and vertical movements, which helps to effectively separate particles according to size.
- The hand-operated mechanism is usually designed to be easy to turn, requiring minimal effort.
- Sieve Screens:
- Individual screens within the stack that are made of metal mesh with varying aperture sizes.
- The choice of sieves depends on the material being tested and the required particle size range.
- Prepare the Material:
- Ensure the material sample is dry and free from lumps. If necessary, dry the sample or break up any clumps before sieving.
- Assemble the Sieve Stack:
- Select the appropriate sieves based on the desired particle size range.
- Arrange the sieves in order from largest mesh size at the top to the smallest at the bottom, followed by the catch pan.
- Load the Sample:
- Pour the material sample into the top sieve of the stack. Ensure the sample is evenly distributed over the sieve surface.
- Secure the Sieve Stack:
- Use the clamping mechanism to securely fasten the sieve stack to the base of the sieve shaker.
- Operate the Shaker:
- Turn the handle or crank to start the shaking motion. The duration of shaking depends on the sample and the desired level of separation, typically ranging from a few minutes to several minutes.
- The shaking motion will cause the material to pass through the sieves, separating into different size fractions.
- Collect and Analyze the Results:
- After shaking, carefully remove the sieve stack from the shaker.
- Weigh or measure the material retained on each sieve and in the catch pan to determine the particle size distribution.
- Clean the Sieves:
- After use, clean the sieves thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination between samples.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for fieldwork and locations without access to electricity.
- Simplicity: Easy to operate, requiring no special skills or training.
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than motorized or automated sieve shakers.
- Versatility: Can be used with a variety of sieve sizes and materials.
- Soil and Aggregate Testing: Used in geotechnical and civil engineering to analyze soil gradation and the particle size distribution of aggregates.
- Mining and Metallurgy: For separating and classifying ores, minerals, and other geological materials.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used in the pharmaceutical industry to classify powders and granules.
- Food Industry: Employed to check the particle size distribution of food ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices.
A hand-operated sieve shaker is a practical tool for laboratories and field environments where simplicity, portability, and low cost are important. It provides reliable results for a wide range of particle size analysis applications.
SIEVE SHAKER ELECTRICAL OPERATED.
An electric-operated sieve shaker is a laboratory device designed to automatically and efficiently separate and classify particles or granules based on their size. It is widely used in industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals, mining, agriculture, and food processing to analyze the particle size distribution of materials like soil, sand, aggregates, powders, and other granular substances. The electric operation provides consistent and repeatable shaking motion, making it ideal for applications requiring precise and high-throughput particle analysis.
- Base Frame:
- A sturdy, often metal frame that supports the entire unit, providing stability during operation.
- Sieve Stack:
- A series of sieves, typically made of stainless steel or brass mesh, arranged in descending order of mesh size from top to bottom.
- The stack is secured with a clamping mechanism to ensure that the sieves remain tightly in place during operation.
- A catch pan is placed at the bottom to collect the finest particles that pass through all the sieves.
- Motor:
- A powerful electric motor drives the shaking mechanism.
- The motor can usually operate at variable speeds, allowing the user to adjust the intensity of the shaking motion depending on the material being tested.
- Shaking Mechanism:
- The motor drives an eccentric cam or counterweight system that imparts both a vertical and horizontal shaking motion to the sieve stack.
- This motion helps to move the material across the sieve surfaces, enhancing the separation process by ensuring that particles pass through the appropriate mesh sizes.
- Control Panel:
- A digital or analog control panel allows the user to set operational parameters such as shaking duration, amplitude (intensity), and speed.
- Advanced models may feature programmable settings, timers, and digital displays for precise control.
- Timer:
- An integrated timer that automatically stops the shaker after a preset duration, ensuring consistent test times for all samples.
- Noise Reduction Features (optional):
- Some electric sieve shakers are equipped with noise-dampening materials or enclosures to reduce operational noise, making them more suitable for laboratory environments.
- Safety Features:
- Safety features may include overload protection to prevent motor damage, safety interlocks, and non-slip feet to keep the shaker stable during operation.
- Prepare the Material:
- Ensure the material sample is dry and free from lumps. Drying and breaking up clumps may be necessary depending on the material.
- Assemble the Sieve Stack:
- Select the appropriate sieves based on the desired particle size distribution.
- Stack the sieves in order of decreasing mesh size, with the largest mesh on top and the smallest at the bottom, followed by the catch pan.
- Load the Sample:
- Pour the material sample into the top sieve. Make sure the sample is evenly distributed across the sieve surface.
- Secure the Sieve Stack:
- Use the clamping mechanism to lock the sieve stack in place on the shaker.
- Set Parameters:
- Use the control panel to set the shaking time, speed, and intensity. Adjust the settings based on the material being tested and the desired level of separation.
- Start the Shaker:
- Press the start button to begin the shaking process. The motor will generate the shaking motion, causing the material to move across the sieve surfaces and separate according to size.
- Monitor the Process:
- Depending on the model, you may be able to observe the process through a transparent cover or monitor progress on a digital display.
- Completion:
- Once the preset time is reached, the shaker will automatically stop.
- Carefully remove the sieve stack and analyze the material retained on each sieve and in the catch pan.
- Clean the Sieves:
- Clean the sieves thoroughly after use to prevent cross-contamination between samples.
- Consistency: Provides uniform and repeatable shaking, ensuring consistent results across multiple tests.
- Efficiency: Automates the sieving process, reducing the time and labor required compared to manual shaking.
- Precision: Adjustable settings allow for precise control over the sieving process, suitable for a wide range of materials and particle sizes.
- High Throughput: Ideal for environments where large numbers of samples need to be processed quickly and accurately.
- Versatility: Can accommodate different sieve sizes and configurations, making it adaptable to various testing needs.
- Construction and Civil Engineering: Used to analyze the particle size distribution of aggregates, sand, and gravel to ensure they meet specific standards for construction projects.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Critical for ensuring the consistency and quality of powdered medicines and other pharmaceutical products.
- Mining and Metallurgy: Helps in classifying ores and minerals by size for further processing.
- Food and Agriculture: Used to test the particle size distribution of ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains, ensuring product quality and consistency.
- Environmental Testing: Employed in soil analysis and other environmental studies to assess particle size distribution in samples.
Electric-operated sieve shakers are essential tools in any laboratory or industrial setting that requires accurate, efficient, and repeatable particle size analysis. Their automation and precision make them the preferred choice for high-volume and high-precision applications.