20 cm Rotary Sieve Shaker – Cole-Parmer Model 59986-30

Overview

The Cole-Parmer Model 59986-30 is a precision-engineered 20 cm rotary sieve shaker designed for reproducible, standardized particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786>. Unlike conventional tapping or gyratory shakers, this instrument employs an electromagnetic drive system to generate controlled, low-noise 3D orbital motion—comprising simultaneous horizontal rotation and vertical oscillation—ensuring uniform particle agitation across the entire active surface of each sieve. This kinematic profile maximizes particle stratification and penetration through aperture openings, significantly reducing required sieving time while improving resolution between adjacent size fractions. The device is optimized for dry, free-flowing granular materials including pharmaceutical powders, mineral aggregates, food-grade grains, ceramic precursors, and polymer granules. Its robust mechanical architecture and calibrated motion profile support routine use in QC laboratories operating under GLP or GMP frameworks.

Key Features

• Electromagnetic 3D orbital drive mechanism delivering consistent, low-vibration motion with minimal acoustic emission (≤65 dB(A) at 1 m)
• Digital timer with programmable total duration (1 s–99 min 59 s) and interval pause function to redistribute material mid-sieve cycle
• Digital amplitude control (0–100% adjustable) enabling precise replication of oscillation intensity across batches and operators
• Modular sieve stack configuration supporting up to eight full-height or sixteen half-height 20 cm diameter sieves (standard ISO 3310-1 or ASTM E11 compliant)
• Quick-lock lid assembly (sold separately) eliminates manual height adjustment and mechanical clamping—ensures repeatable compression load on sieve stacks
• Factory-calibrated motion parameters with NIST-traceable calibration certificate included
• RS-232 serial interface for external data logging, remote start/stop, and integration into LIMS or MES environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 59986-30 accommodates dry, non-cohesive to moderately cohesive particulates with bulk densities between 0.2–2.5 g/cm³ and median particle sizes ranging from 20 µm to 10 mm. It is validated for use with standard stainless-steel or brass woven-wire test sieves (aperture sizes from 20 µm to 125 mm), as well as electroformed mesh and perforated plate sieves where applicable. All operational parameters comply with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for equipment verification. The inclusion of a traceable calibration certificate supports audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows when paired with compliant data acquisition software. Routine performance verification can be conducted using certified reference standards such as NIST SRM 2822 (glass microspheres) or ISO 11277 reference soils.

Software & Data Management

While the unit operates as a standalone instrument, its RS-232 port enables bidirectional communication with third-party laboratory software platforms. Time-stamped event logs—including start/stop timestamps, amplitude setting, total runtime, and pause intervals—can be captured directly into CSV or database formats. When integrated with validated data capture tools (e.g., LabArchives ELN or Thermo Fisher SampleManager), the shaker supports full electronic record integrity per ALCOA+ principles. Audit trails, user authentication, and electronic signatures may be implemented externally without modification to the instrument firmware. No proprietary software is bundled; all control logic resides within the embedded microcontroller for deterministic real-time response.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Granule sizing prior to tablet compression; excipient classification per USP <786>; blend uniformity assessment
• Food & Agriculture: Grain sizing for milling specifications; flour particle distribution; feed pellet fractionation
• Materials Science: Ceramic powder grading for slip casting; metal additive manufacturing feedstock screening
• Geotechnical: Soil particle size analysis (ASTM D422, AASHTO T 88); aggregate gradation testing (ASTM C136)
• Chemicals & Polymers: Catalyst support particle sizing; resin bead classification; pigment dispersion screening

FAQ

Is the lid included with the shaker?
No—the quick-lock lid is an optional accessory (Catalog No. 59986-31) and must be ordered separately.
Are sieve meshes supplied with the unit?
No—20 cm diameter test sieves are sold individually or in sets; compatibility extends to ISO 3310-1, ASTM E11, and custom aperture configurations.
Can the shaker be validated for regulated environments?
Yes—its factory calibration certificate, RS-232 traceability, and deterministic digital controls support IQ/OQ/PQ protocols under GMP or ISO 13485 frameworks.
What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of amplitude linearity and timer accuracy is recommended; no routine lubrication or belt replacement is necessary due to the brushless electromagnetic drive design.
Does it support multi-step sequential sieving programs?
Not natively—the timer supports single-cycle operation with one pause point; multi-stage protocols require external sequencing via RS-232 command scripting.