Gilson SS-15F Portable Sieve Shaker with Mechanical Timer

Overview

The Gilson SS-15F Portable Sieve Shaker is an ASTM E11-compliant, mechanically driven particle size analyzer engineered for precision dry sieve analysis in laboratory, quality control, and field-deployable environments. Designed around the principle of controlled orbital motion—combining horizontal reciprocation with vertical inclination—the SS-15F replicates standardized manual sieving protocols while eliminating operator variability. Its 1/3 HP totally enclosed motor delivers consistent, repeatable kinetic energy transfer to the sieve stack, enabling reliable separation of granular materials across a nominal range of 4.75 mm (No. 4) to 75 µm (No. 200). Unlike high-frequency vibratory or ultrasonic systems, the SS-15F employs low-amplitude, high-mass oscillation optimized for coarse-to-fine mineral aggregates, pharmaceutical powders, metallurgical feedstocks, and agricultural commodities—making it particularly suited for ASTM C136, AASHTO T 27, ISO 2591-1, and USP compliant testing.

Key Features

• Compact, free-standing desktop design (43 × 28 × 76 cm; 22 kg) enables deployment in constrained lab spaces or mobile QA/QC units.
• Orbital motion profile: Simultaneous front-to-back lateral displacement and upward-tilted vertical oscillation ensures uniform particle stratification and efficient screen utilization.
• EZ-Clamp™ quick-release system: Integrated sliding clamp rod with push-button actuation and locking rotary knob allows tool-free, repeatable stack compression—critical for maintaining consistent contact pressure between sieve frames and minimizing edge bypass.
• Mechanical 15-minute timer with adjustable “hold” function: Enables precise cycle termination or continuous operation without timing drift; calibrated per NIST-traceable standards.
• Universal 8-inch (203 mm) sieve compatibility: Accepts full-height (2-7/8″) and half-height (1-7/8″) frames per ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 specifications—including copper, brass-framed stainless steel, and fully stainless steel configurations.
• Stacking flexibility: Supports up to six full-height sieves + receiver pan, or twelve half-height sieves + pan—optimized for multi-tier gradation analysis per AASHTO T 27 and ASTM D6913.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-15F is validated for dry, free-flowing, non-cohesive particulates including crushed stone, sand, cementitious blends, milled APIs, food-grade starches, metal powders, and animal feed pellets. It complies with ASTM E11-22 (Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves), ISO 3310-1:2016 (Test Sieves — Technical Requirements and Testing — Part 1: Test Sieves of Metal Wire Cloth), and supports GLP documentation workflows via external logbook integration. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, its sealed motor enclosure meets IP54 ingress protection for dust resistance in typical QC lab conditions. Calibration verification is supported using NIST-traceable certified reference beads (e.g., Gilson SSA-806 standard spheres) and optional sieve calibration kits.

Software & Data Management

The SS-15F operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware or digital interface. All operational parameters—including timing, stack configuration, and sieve sequence—are manually documented per laboratory SOPs. For regulatory traceability, users may integrate the device into electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems or LIMS platforms via manual entry or barcode-scanned sieve lot records. When paired with Gilson’s optional SS-15DF digital variant (featuring ±1-second timing accuracy and LED display), audit trails comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when coupled with validated procedural controls and user access logs.

Applications

• Construction materials testing: Gradation analysis of coarse and fine aggregates per ASTM C136/C136M and AASHTO T 27.
• Pharmaceutical development: Particle size distribution (PSD) screening of active ingredients and excipients under USP guidance.
• Mineral processing: Liberation analysis and mill circuit optimization in metallurgical laboratories.
• Food & feed quality assurance: Verification of milling consistency, contaminant removal, and blend homogeneity.
• Chemical manufacturing: Classification of catalyst supports, pigments, and specialty powders prior to packaging or reaction staging.
• Research & education: Teaching standardized sieve analysis methodology in geotechnical, materials science, and chemical engineering curricula.

FAQ

What sieve standards does the SS-15F support?
It accepts ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 compliant 200 mm (8″) diameter test sieves—including full-height, half-height, copper, brass-framed stainless steel, and fully stainless steel variants.
Can the SS-15F be mounted or integrated into automated workflows?
It is designed as a benchtop standalone unit but may be secured to vibration-dampening tables or custom fixtures using its base mounting holes; no native PLC or Ethernet interface is provided.
Is the motor suitable for continuous-duty operation?
Yes—the totally enclosed, 1/3 HP induction motor is rated for intermittent and extended cycles per NEMA MG-1 standards, with thermal protection built-in.
Does Gilson provide calibration documentation with the unit?
The SS-15F ships with a factory performance verification report; NIST-traceable calibration certificates for timing and amplitude are available upon request as optional add-ons.
What maintenance is required?
Routine inspection of clamp mechanism wear, periodic tightening of motor mount bolts, and visual verification of sieve frame integrity per ASTM E11 Annex A1—no scheduled lubrication or filter replacement is necessary.