Grading particle sieve analysis

Types of Grading Particle Sieves for Analysis

A grading particle sieve analysis is carried out using different particle sieves, each of which is made to suit specific uses in various industries. Here are some popular sieves used to carry out grading particle sieve analysis.

• Industrial Sieve Shaker

  The sieving machine is the heart of any grading particle sieve analysis. An industrial-scale sieving machine works to separate particles based on their sizes. It does this by vibrating and agitating a series of mesh sieves with different-sized openings. The shaker increases efficiency in the sieving process. This means that when the sieves are used, it takes less time for particles of different sizes to be identified and segregated. In some settings, an industrial sieving machine may be referred to as an industrial sieve shaker.

• Air Jet Sieve

  An air jet sieve analyzer makes use of a focused flow of air to help particles go through a specific mesh. This machine is designed to work with fine materials, which makes it a great option for sieving dust and powder-like substances. The sieve is efficient and effective in separating and classifying small particles. It does this by using jets of air that propel the particles upward through the sieve mesh. While it may lack the sieving capacity of larger machines, its ability to work with smaller materials stands it out as a useful tool. 

• Small Orbit Sieve

  As the name implies, this sieving tool is small and compact. Because of its size, it is portable and very easy to use. A small orbit sieve shaker works with an orbital motion to separate various particle sizes. It can be used for material samples up to a liter in volume. Despite its small size, the sieve shaker is useful in many applications that require sieving of small batches or samples. Some of these applications are quality control testing, R&D, and small-scale product sizing.

• Ultrasonic Sieves

  Operating on the premise of high frequency and low energy, the ultrasonic sieve shaker creates a vibrating screen that filters materials under the influence of low-sustained heat. This type of sieving device is mostly used for fine and damp materials, sticking, and agglomerates. With the aid of high-frequency sound waves, the ultrasonic shaker works to separate very fine particles through the mesh. Ultra-fine particles are usually difficult to sieve properly. However, with the high-frequency vibrations from the ultrasonic sieves, those fine particles can be prevented from blinding the mesh apertures.

Specifications and maintenance of grading particle sieve analysis

Specifications

• Capacity: The grading sieve machine's capacity refers to the maximum quantity of samples it can classify in one cycle. The grading capacity is typically expressed in volume or weight; different models may have distinct capacities. For instance, industrial-scale graders may have the capacity to classify several tons of materials in one go.
• Power: Sieve machines use different powering systems to move the grading devices. It may be electric power, gasoline, diesel, or others. For power provided by electric motors, the grading machine will have power in kWh. The electric motors' power will determine the sieving speed and efficiency. For example, small portable sieves may use 500 watts, while large industrial ones may have 4kW or more.
• Dimension: The grading sieving machine's physical dimensions affect its operation and suitability for different uses. Height, length, and width will determine whether it fits in a production line or the storage space. Machines with larger dimensions are used for classifying large-scale material production. Small ones are used in laboratories.
• Sieving mesh: The sieve grading analysis machine's mesh sizes allow it to classify items according to different dimensions. The mesh thickness determines its ability to screen particles ranging from 0.5 mm to 100 mm. For example, in the food industry, meshes with 1mm holes will be used to sieve grains, while holes below 1mm will be used for oils and other liquids.
• Vibration frequency: The grading machine's mesh may have different vibrating frequencies and amplitudes. The speed with which the sieving net shakes will determine how quickly and thoroughly particles can pass through the mesh. Higher frequencies are more suited to classifying fine material, while lower ones may be better for larger particles.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: After each use, the grading sieve shaker should be cleaned to avoid cross-contamination between different samples. All residues should be removed from all surfaces and sieves, and the equipment should be disinfected and dried thoroughly.
• Inspection: The condition of the sieves should be inspected from time to time. Any damage, clogs, or deformation should be repaired or replaced immediately to ensure the machine's accuracy and efficiency.
• Lubrication: The vibrating mechanism and other moving parts should be lubricated at regular intervals to ensure smooth vibration and reduce wear.
• Dust control: Appropriate dust extraction or suppression systems should be used to minimize the amount of dust going into the sieving machine. Excessive dust may clog the bars and reduce airflow.

Scenarios in the grading particle sieve analysis

Grading particle sieve analysis have a variety of applications in different fields of science, industry and medicine.

• Soil and geotechnical engineering: In the field of soil and geotechnical engineering, sieving is commonly used to analyse soil particle distribution for foundation design, slope stability and earthwork construction. The results of particle distribution enables engineers to determine the properties of soils, for example their permeability, stability and load-bearing capacity, which affects geotechnical design.
• Pharmaceuticals and food processing: In the pharmaceutical and food processing industries, sieves with certain mesh sizes are commonly used to separate tablets, capsules and food products in order to improve quality. By using grading sieves, businesses can ensure that their products meet quality standards and reduce the risk of contamination and product recalls.
• Farming and Environmental science: In the agricultural and environmental sciences, sieving is used to analyse soil and sediment samples for the purpose of monitoring environmental quality, managing agriculture and researching ecosystems. The grading sieve analysis results can provide important information on soil fertility, sediment transport and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Construction and materials science: In construction and materials science, grading sieve analysis is used to analyse the particle distribution of construction materials such as aggregates and sands. The results can be used to optimise the formula for concrete and mortars so as to improve their mechanical properties and durability.
• Clinical laboratories and医学研究: In clinical laboratories and医学 research, grading sieves are used to separate cells, microorganisms and biomolecules. For example, sieving can be used to isolate specific cell types in blood samples or to separate different strains of microorganisms for microbial culture and identification.

How to Choose Grading Particle Sieve for Analysis

When buying grading sieves, buyers should consider a few important factors that can impact their decision.

• Needs

  When purchasing a grading sieve, it's important to consider the specific application and material that will be used with it. Different industries and materials may require particular types of grading sieves for optimal performance. For example, if working with fine powders or small particle sizes, it may be necessary to invest in a sieve with tighter mesh openings to ensure accurate separation and analysis. Conversely, when handling larger particles or coarser materials, opting for a sieve with wider mesh openings would be more suitable. Additionally, considering the industry in which the grading sieve will be used can also influence the purchasing decision. Certain sectors may have specific standards or requirements that must be met by the sieving equipment employed within them.

• Material

  The durability of grading sieves can be significantly influenced by the material used in their construction. To put it another way, when selecting a grading sieve based on the materials considered, one must also take into account how long-lasting it will be. When exposed to abrasive substances or harsh chemicals during sieving processes, for instance, stainless steel offers superior strength and resistance against corrosion. In contrast, plastic sieves might be more appropriate for light-duty applications that don't involve dealing with demanding conditions.

• Budget

  When it comes to purchasing a grading sieve, length and width are significant considerations. The dimension of the sieve directly impacts its capacity for sieving materials. Larger surface areas provided by the bigger dimensions allow for processing larger volumes of material in one go, resulting in improved productivity and efficiency. However, investing in oversize sieves may come at a higher cost due to increased material usage during production. Machinery compatibility is another crucial factor influencing the dimensions needed for a grading sieve. Buyers must ensure that the selected sieve can be seamlessly integrated with their existing machinery without any compatibility issues arising.

Q&A

Q1 What materials can be graded using particle sieves?

A1 particle sieves are used to grade various solid materials, including soils, aggregates, powders, foods, and chemicals.

Q2 What is the accuracy of particle sieving?

A2 The accuracy of particle sieving can vary depending on factors like sieve design, mesh size, sample homogeneity, and the sieving method used. Generally, sieves with larger mesh openings can provide quicker results but lower accuracy, while sieves with finer mesh can give more accurate data but require more time.

Q3 How many sizes can particle sieving determine?

A3 particle grading using sieves generally determines the distribution of particles within a given sample. This can include the proportion of particles within a certain size range as well as the total number of particles examined.

Q4 Is particle grading sieving automated?

A4 Yes, grading particles can be carried out using automated sieve analysis machines but depending on the specific test requirements, manual and automated methods may be combined.