Gilson Silent Sifter® SS-21 / SS-21F / SS-22 / SS-22F Rotational Sieve Shaker

Overview

The Gilson Silent Sifter® series (SS-21, SS-21F, SS-22, SS-22F) is a precision-engineered rotational sieve shaker designed to perform standardized dry particle size distribution analysis in compliance with ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP . Unlike conventional rotary or vibratory shakers that rely on high-frequency oscillation or aggressive vertical motion, the Silent Sifter employs a controlled, low-acceleration rotational-tapping principle: dual stainless steel drive rollers rotate the sieve stack while simultaneously delivering calibrated mechanical taps via a UHMW-polyethylene hammer assembly. This hybrid motion ensures efficient particle stratification and aperture penetration without excessive energy input—minimizing both mechanical wear and airborne particle dispersion. Critically, its acoustically optimized enclosure—featuring dense MDF panels, vibration-dampening mounts, and (on SS-22/SS-22F models) a center-lever latched gasketed door—reduces operational noise to 62–68 dB(A), up to 18 dB lower than legacy rotary sifters. This enables safe, sustained operation in shared laboratory environments without requiring dedicated acoustic rooms or personal hearing protection—while maintaining full metrological fidelity per ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.

Key Features

• Acoustic engineering validated to reduce noise by 7–10 dB(A) (SS-21/SS-21F) or 16–18 dB(A) (SS-22/SS-22F) versus standard rotary sifters—meeting OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure thresholds without attenuation.
• Dual rubber-coated stainless steel drive rollers provide consistent torque transmission and eliminate slippage across stacked ASTM E11 or ISO 3310-1 frames (200 mm and 300 mm diameters).
• UHMW-polyethylene hammer head (SSA-74) mounted on 6061 aluminum arm delivers repeatable, non-sparking tapping force—critical for silica, pharmaceutical, or explosive dust applications.
• Full-height enclosure with gasketed access door (SS-22/SS-22F) suppresses respirable dust escape and supports containment compliance under OSHA 1910.1200 and EU CLP regulations.
• Large 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) LED display with ±1-second timer accuracy supports precise adherence to test durations specified in ASTM C136, D6913, or ISO 13320.
• Pause/resume functionality preserves elapsed time during mid-cycle interruptions—essential for multi-stage sieving protocols requiring intermediate mass measurements.
• Locking swivel casters (included) enable stable positioning on lab floors and secure transport between QC labs, pilot plants, or field testing sites.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Silent Sifter accommodates standard test sieve frames per ASTM E11 (200 mm and 300 mm diameters) and ISO 3310-1 (200 mm only), supporting mesh counts from No. 1 (25 mm) to No. 635 (20 µm). Its low-energy tapping mechanism is particularly effective for fragile or agglomerated materials—including cementitious powders, polymer granules, milled ores, and pharmaceutical excipients—where high-amplitude vibration risks particle fracture or electrostatic charge buildup. The fully enclosed cabinet meets NIOSH criteria for nuisance dust control and facilitates integration into GLP/GMP workflows: all timer operations are logged with timestamped start/stop events, and hardware design permits audit-ready calibration verification using NIST-traceable mass standards and certified reference sieves. Optional accessories—including SSA-76 digital controller replacement units and SSA-12 tamper-proof lid kits—support long-term regulatory maintenance and software version control.

Software & Data Management

While the Silent Sifter operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument without embedded firmware or network connectivity, its controller architecture is engineered for seamless integration into regulated data ecosystems. The digital timer’s non-volatile memory retains user-programmed durations and pause histories across power cycles—a prerequisite for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS platforms. All operational parameters—including voltage, current draw, and cycle duration—are documented in Gilson’s ISO 9001-certified calibration certificates, which include uncertainty budgets traceable to NIST SRM 2821 (sieve calibration standards). For laboratories requiring automated data capture, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately) enable direct logging of timer status and completion signals into third-party acquisition software.

Applications

• Aggregate gradation testing per ASTM C136/C136M in civil engineering and asphalt QA/QC labs.
• Particle size distribution analysis of catalysts, battery electrode materials, and ceramic powders in R&D settings.
• Pharmaceutical blend uniformity assessment per USP , where low-noise operation minimizes disturbance in cleanroom-adjacent analytical suites.
• Mineral processing quality control—especially for silica sand, limestone, and coal fines—where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) containment is mandated.
• Educational laboratories performing ASTM D6913 soil sieve analysis, benefiting from intuitive controls and reduced ambient noise in shared teaching spaces.

FAQ

What sieve standards are supported?
ASTM E11 (200 mm and 300 mm frames) and ISO 3310-1 (200 mm frames only) are fully compatible; custom frame adapters are not required.
Can the Silent Sifter be used for wet sieving?
No—it is strictly designed for dry sieving applications; liquid ingress would compromise electrical safety and acoustic sealing integrity.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Yes—each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable sieve standards and including measurement uncertainty for timer accuracy and rotational speed stability.
How often does the hammer assembly require replacement?
Under typical use (≤4 hours/day), the UHMW-polyethylene hammer head (SSA-74) maintains dimensional stability for ≥12 months; visual inspection for surface wear is recommended quarterly.
Does the SS-22 model require special ventilation or exhaust ducting?
No—its sealed cabinet and gasketed door eliminate the need for external ducting; however, local exhaust may still be advised when processing highly toxic or allergenic particulates per institutional EH&S policy.