Gilson SS-22 Silent Sifter® II Rotational Sieve Shaker
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Voltage/Frequency | 115 V / 60 Hz or 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Motor | 1/4 HP continuous-duty |
| Noise Reduction | 16–18 dB(A) vs. standard rotary sifters |
| Sieve Capacity | up to 20 × 8" half-height ASTM/ISO test sieves |
| Particle Size Range | 25 mm to 20 µm (No. 1 to No. 635) |
| Timing Accuracy | ±1 s over 0–99 min |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 483 × 610 × 1473 mm |
| Weight | 111.13 kg |
Overview
The Gilson SS-22 Silent Sifter® II is an engineered rotational sieve shaker designed for precision particle size distribution analysis in geotechnical, aggregate, construction materials, pharmaceutical, and environmental laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled rotational motion combined with synchronized tapping—generating consistent, reproducible agitation across stacked test sieves without inducing excessive mechanical resonance or airborne particulate dispersion. Unlike vibratory or horizontal oscillating shakers, the SS-22 employs dual rubber-coated stainless steel drive rollers that rotate the sieve stack while simultaneously applying calibrated tapping force via a UHMW polyethylene hammer assembly. This dual-mode action ensures efficient stratification and passage of particles through progressively finer mesh apertures, meeting the mechanical requirements of ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and AASHTO T 27/T 11. Its acoustic optimization—including dense MDF cabinet walls, elastomeric door gasketing, and center-lever latching—reduces operational noise to 58–62 dB(A), significantly below OSHA permissible exposure limits and enabling safe use in shared lab environments without dedicated soundproof enclosures.
Key Features
- Ultra-low-noise operation: Achieves 16–18 dB(A) reduction versus conventional rotary sifters and 8–10 dB(A) improvement over the SS-21 model—validated per ANSI S1.13 and ISO 3744 acoustic measurement protocols.
- Human-centered ergonomics: Front-access lever-latched door with positive-seal gasketing eliminates clamping tools; intuitive rotary knob positions stack without alignment aids.
- Modular sieve compatibility: Supports ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 compliant sieves in 203 mm (8″) and 305 mm (12″) diameters, accommodating full-height, half-height, and intermediate-height configurations—up to 20 × 8″ half-height sieves per run.
- Robust electromechanical architecture: 1/4 HP continuous-duty motor with thermal overload protection; powder-coated ASTM A513 structural steel frame; impact-resistant MDF enclosure with chemical-resistant finish.
- Digital timing control: Large 12.7 mm (0.5″) LED display with ±1 second accuracy over 0–99 minute countdown; programmable pause/resume function preserves elapsed time during interruptions; audible 5-second alert at cycle completion.
- Integrated containment: Fully enclosed cabinet minimizes fugitive dust emissions—critical for handling respirable crystalline silica (RCS), quartz, or other inhalable particulates under OSHA 1926.1153 and NIOSH REL compliance frameworks.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-22 accommodates dry, free-flowing granular materials including soils, aggregates, sands, crushed rock, powdered polymers, catalysts, and milled APIs. It is validated for use with standard test sieves fabricated from stainless steel, brass, or phosphor bronze wire cloth, conforming to nominal aperture tolerances specified in ASTM E11 Table 1 and ISO 3310-1 Annex A. The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through optional audit-trail-capable controllers (e.g., SSA-76 with timestamped event logging). All electrical components meet UL 61010-1 and IEC 61010-1 safety standards. CE marking applies to SS-22F (230 V / 50 Hz) variants. Dust containment performance aligns with EPA Method 202 and OSHA Technical Manual TED 1-0.15.A for respirable fraction control during sieve analysis.
Software & Data Management
While the SS-22 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument, its controller interface supports integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (not included). The SSA-76 replacement timer module offers firmware-upgradable functionality, including configurable start delays, multi-stage timing sequences, and non-volatile memory for up to 10 user-defined methods. When paired with Gilson’s G-Sieve™ digital sieve calibration software (sold separately), users can document sieve mesh integrity, track wear history, and generate ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration certificates traceable to NIST SRM 2095a. All timing events—including start, pause, resume, and stop—are logged with UTC timestamps for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when used with validated LIMS interfaces.
Applications
- Aggregate gradation testing per ASTM C136/C136M and AASHTO T 27 for concrete and asphalt mix design.
- Soil particle-size analysis per ASTM D6913 for Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) determination.
- Pharmaceutical granule sizing per USP and EP 2.9.31 to ensure content uniformity and tablet compressibility.
- Industrial mineral processing QC, including talc, limestone, and kaolin classification verification.
- Environmental sediment analysis per ASTM D422 for erosion potential assessment and regulatory reporting.
- Research-scale powder rheology pre-screening prior to dynamic flow testing or shear cell characterization.
FAQ
What voltage options are available for the SS-22 model?
The SS-22 is supplied in two configurations: SS-22 (115 V / 60 Hz, 4.7 A) for North American and Japanese markets, and SS-22F (230 V / 50 Hz, 5.4 A) for EU, UK, Australia, and most Asian territories.
Can the SS-22 accommodate both ASTM and ISO test sieves?
Yes—standard 200 mm and 300 mm diameter sieves conforming to ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 are fully compatible, including those with brass, stainless steel, or nylon frames.
Is the hammer assembly replaceable, and what materials are used?
The hammer assembly (SSA-72) features a 6061-T6 aluminum shaft and UHMW polyethylene impact head—designed for abrasion resistance and low acoustic transmission. Replacement heads (SSA-74) are field-serviceable.
Does the unit require external ventilation or exhaust ducting?
No—its fully sealed cabinet contains airborne fines effectively; however, use in conjunction with a certified fume hood is recommended when processing hazardous or regulated particulates such as RCS.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Motor lubrication is not required (sealed bearings); biannual inspection of drive roller tension, hammer alignment, and gasket integrity is advised. Full service manuals and spare parts diagrams are accessible via Gilson’s secure technical portal.
