MingShen Science Stainless Steel Sieve-Bottom Sink-Float Testing Bucket Set
| Brand | MingShen Science |
|---|---|
| Origin | Henan, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | Sink-Float Testing Bucket Set (Sieve-Bottom + Heavy-Liquid Bucket) |
| Price Range | USD 11–70 |
Overview
The MingShen Science Sink-Float Testing Bucket Set is a precision-engineered laboratory tool system designed for coal preparation laboratories and mineral processing R&D facilities conducting standardized sink-float analysis in accordance with ASTM D3174, ISO 1171, and GB/T 477–2018. This dual-component system comprises a heavy-liquid bucket and a nested sieve-bottom bucket—configured to enable quantitative density-based separation of raw coal samples into specific gravity fractions. The principle relies on Archimedes’ law: particles denser than the immersion medium sink, while those less dense float. The sieve-bottom bucket permits controlled drainage of heavy liquid (e.g., lithium heteropolytungstate or sodium polytungstate solutions) while retaining solid particles above the 0.5 mm mesh threshold, ensuring reproducible mass recovery and minimizing sample loss during decantation.
Key Features
- Two-piece concentric design: Sieve-bottom bucket nests precisely inside the heavy-liquid bucket, with dimensional offsets engineered for stable immersion and unobstructed fluid flow—50 mm greater height and 40 mm smaller diameter relative to the outer bucket.
- Sieve-bottom bucket constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (304 grade optional); base fabricated from woven square-mesh wire cloth with nominal aperture size of 0.5 mm ±0.05 mm, meeting ISO 9276-1 mesh classification standards for particle retention consistency.
- Heavy-liquid bucket formed from cold-rolled 201 or 304 stainless steel sheet; minimum height 600 mm, internal volume ≥50 L—validated via calibrated volumetric displacement to ensure compliance with ASTM D3302 sampling volume requirements.
- Ergonomic top-mounted handle on both buckets, laser-welded for structural integrity and chemical resistance; handles positioned to support balanced lifting under full liquid load (up to ~52 kg at 1.0 g/cm³ density).
- Seamless, electropolished interior surfaces minimize residue adhesion and facilitate cleaning between assays—critical for maintaining assay-to-assay repeatability in multi-fraction density series.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
This system accommodates raw coal samples ranging from 100 g to 5 kg per assay, depending on desired fraction resolution and particle size distribution (PSD). It supports all standard heavy liquids with densities from 1.20 to 3.00 g/cm³, including aqueous solutions of CsCl, ZnBr₂, and Na₂W₀₄-based media. The 0.5 mm mesh aperture ensures retention of coarse coal fragments while allowing efficient drainage—fully compatible with ISO 13909-3 protocols for mechanical sampling preparation. All wetted components comply with FDA 21 CFR 178.3570 (indirect food additives) and meet GLP environmental chamber compatibility requirements for long-term storage of stabilized heavy-liquid stocks.
Software & Data Management
While the bucket set itself is a manual, non-instrumented tool, it integrates seamlessly into digital coal quality workflows. When used with certified analytical balances (e.g., METTLER TOLEDO XP series) and LIMS platforms such as Thermo Fisher SampleManager or LabVantage, weight data from sequential sink-float fractions can be auto-imported via RS-232/USB. Built-in audit trail templates support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records for density-cut reporting, ash content correlation, and washability curve generation (Ecart curves). Calibration certificates for mesh aperture verification (traceable to NIST SRM 2822) are available upon request.
Applications
- Determination of washability characteristics for thermal and metallurgical coal feedstocks.
- Optimization of dense-medium cyclone cut-point settings in coal preparation plants.
- Quality control of run-of-mine (ROM) coal prior to blending or export shipment.
- Research-grade evaluation of liberation behavior in low-rank coals and carbonaceous shales.
- Teaching laboratories performing ASTM D3174-compliant proximate analysis training modules.
FAQ
What heavy liquids are compatible with this bucket set?
Aqueous solutions of lithium heteropolytungstate (LST), sodium polytungstate (SPT), zinc bromide, and cesium chloride—within pH 2–12 and temperature range 10–40 °C—are fully compatible. Avoid hydrofluoric acid-based media.
Is mesh calibration documentation provided?
Yes—optional NIST-traceable mesh certification (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) is available for the 0.5 mm woven wire cloth, including aperture uniformity mapping and tensile strength test reports.
Can the sieve-bottom bucket be autoclaved?
No—autoclaving is not recommended due to potential thermal distortion of the welded mesh frame and degradation of solder joints. Cleaning is performed using warm detergent solution followed by deionized water rinse and air drying.
What is the expected service life under daily lab use?
With proper handling and avoidance of mechanical impact on the mesh base, typical service life exceeds 5 years. Replacement mesh inserts are available as spare parts (Part No. MS-SB-05M-REPL).
