Elma SRH 4/200 Sieve Cleaning System

Overview

The Elma SRH 4/200 Sieve Cleaning System is a purpose-built, non-ultrasonic mechanical cleaning solution engineered exclusively for the rapid, repeatable, and non-destructive cleaning of analytical and industrial test sieves. Unlike conventional ultrasonic cleaners—which rely on cavitation-induced micro-jetting and may risk damage to delicate mesh structures—the SRH 4/200 employs a precisely controlled rotational immersion mechanism. Sieves are mounted at a fixed tilt angle and rotated via dual adjustable drive rollers, ensuring full surface exposure to the cleaning bath while preventing mechanical contact between adjacent sieves. This design eliminates cross-contamination, avoids mesh deformation or abrasion, and delivers consistent cleaning performance across diverse sieve specifications—from ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and EN 933-1 compliant test sieves to custom-woven laboratory-grade meshes. The system operates without ultrasonic transducers, heating elements, or programmable timers; its simplicity reflects Elma’s decades-long engineering focus on application-specific reliability in regulated laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Dedicated mechanical cleaning architecture—no ultrasonic energy, no thermal stress, no risk of mesh fatigue or wire displacement
• Simultaneous processing of up to four standard test sieves (e.g., 200 mm diameter), accommodating varying frame heights and rim geometries
• Adjustable inter-roller spacing enables compatibility with major global sieve brands including Retsch, Fritsch, Endecotts, and Tyler
• Tilt-mounted sieve orientation ensures complete submersion and uniform fluid dynamics during rotation, maximizing particle dislodgement efficiency
• Self-contained chamber design with sloped bottom directs suspended contaminants toward centralized sediment collection—facilitating post-cycle decanting or filtration
• Plug-and-play operation: no installation, no calibration, no consumables beyond compatible aqueous or solvent-based cleaning media
• Robust polymer housing and corrosion-resistant roller shafts ensure long-term stability in QC/QA laboratories adhering to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SRH 4/200 is validated for use with metal (stainless steel 304/316, brass, phosphor bronze) and polymer-framed sieves ranging from 20 µm to 3.35 mm nominal aperture size. It supports routine cleaning prior to sieve calibration per ASTM E11 Section 7.3 and ISO 3310-1:2016 Clause 6.2. While not an ultrasonic device—and therefore outside the scope of IEC 61000-4-3 or ultrasound-specific safety standards—the system complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and carries CE marking for safe operation in laboratory settings. Its passive, low-energy design aligns with GLP-compliant workflows where traceability of cleaning parameters (e.g., dwell time, bath composition, rinse sequence) must be manually documented without electronic audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The SRH 4/200 is a fully manual, hardware-only system with no embedded electronics, firmware, or connectivity interfaces. Consequently, it requires no software installation, network configuration, or cybersecurity validation. All operational parameters—including cleaning duration, bath temperature (when used with external thermostatic baths), and detergent concentration—are recorded externally via laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated SOPs. This architecture satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for systems where electronic records are not generated, eliminating validation burdens associated with data integrity, user access control, or electronic signature implementation. Maintenance logs and usage history can be maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.10 (Equipment Records).

Applications

• Pre-calibration cleaning of test sieves in materials testing labs (cement, aggregates, pharmaceutical granules, metal powders)
• Routine decontamination of sieves used in USP particulate matter analysis and EP 2.9.19 sieve validation protocols
• Removal of oily residues, starches, polymers, or fine ceramics from woven wire cloth without altering mesh geometry
• Supporting ISO 13320 laser diffraction workflows by ensuring sieve cleanliness prior to dry-sieving sample splitting
• Integration into GMP-compliant environmental monitoring programs where reusable sieves require documented cleaning verification

FAQ

Does the SRH 4/200 use ultrasonic energy?

No. It is a purely mechanical immersion rotator—no transducers, no frequency generation, no cavitation.
Can it clean wet-sieved or resin-bonded sieves?

Yes, provided the binder material is chemically compatible with the selected cleaning medium and thermally stable below 60 °C.
Is validation documentation available for GMP environments?

Elma provides dimensional drawings, material declarations (RoHS/REACH), and CE conformity statements; IQ/OQ protocols must be developed in-house per site-specific SOPs.
What cleaning agents are recommended?

Non-ionic surfactants, mild alkaline solutions (pH 9–10), or isopropanol—avoid chlorinated solvents and strong acids to preserve roller elastomer integrity.
How often should the cleaning bath be replaced?

Bath replacement frequency depends on soil load; visual inspection and turbidity measurement are recommended as release criteria per internal cleaning SOPs.