ATSFAAR Molecular Sieve Shaker

Overview

The ATSFAAR Molecular Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered mechanical sieve shaker designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in quality control, materials science, and geotechnical laboratories. It operates on the principle of horizontal orbital motion generated by an eccentric drive mechanism, delivering consistent, reproducible agitation to stacked sieve assemblies. Unlike vibratory or rotary shakers with variable amplitude profiles, this unit maintains a fixed oscillation radius and controlled frequency (~3000 rpm), ensuring compliance with established sieving protocols—particularly those referenced in ASTM E11 (Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves) and ISO 3310-1. Its primary function is to facilitate efficient stratification and separation of dry granular samples across a defined sieve stack, enabling accurate determination of particle size fractions for powders, aggregates, catalysts, pharmaceutical excipients, and ceramic precursors.

Key Features

• Robust structural architecture: Heavy-gauge steel frame with elevated center of gravity and reinforced base ensures minimal resonance and long-term operational stability—even under full 10 kg load conditions.
• Eccentric motor assembly: Delivers uniform horizontal orbital motion at ~3000 rpm, optimized for rapid particle stratification without excessive fines attrition or sieve mesh damage.
• Modular sieve stack compatibility: Accommodates up to eight standard 200 mm diameter test sieves (including bottom pan and lid), conforming to ASTM E11-70 dimensional tolerances and wire cloth specifications.
• Positive-lock serrated clamping system: Ensures rigid vertical alignment of the sieve stack during operation, eliminating lateral slippage and preventing sample bypass or cross-contamination between fractions.
• Digital front-panel timer: Programmable 0–60 minute countdown timer with audible end-of-cycle alert supports method-defined sieving durations required by ASTM D6913, ISO 11277, and USP <786>.
• Stainless steel construction: All contact surfaces—including sieve frames, pan, and lid—are fabricated from corrosion-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel, meeting GMP-relevant material hygiene standards for regulated environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The shaker is validated for use with dry, free-flowing particulates ranging from coarse sand (>2 mm) to fine metal powders (<45 µm). It is not intended for wet sieving, sticky, fibrous, or electrostatically cohesive materials without prior conditioning. All included 200 mm stainless steel sieves meet ASTM E11-70 requirements for aperture tolerance, wire diameter consistency, and mesh flatness. The device itself does not carry CE marking or FDA clearance as a standalone instrument but is routinely deployed within GLP-compliant laboratories where equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is performed per internal SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025. Its mechanical design facilitates routine calibration verification using certified reference standards traceable to NIST.

Software & Data Management

This is a stand-alone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software. All operational parameters are manually set via the front-panel timer; no data logging, USB export, or PC connectivity is provided. For laboratories requiring audit trails or electronic records, integration with external laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is achieved through manual entry of sieving duration, sieve stack configuration, and sample ID—consistent with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for non-automated instruments used in regulated workflows. Calibration documentation and maintenance logs must be retained per organizational quality policy.

Applications

• Quality assurance of raw materials in pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., lactose, microcrystalline cellulose).
• Particle size grading of construction aggregates per ASTM C136/C136M.
• Characterization of catalyst support particles in petrochemical R&D.
• Classification of ceramic powders prior to sintering or tape casting.
• Soil texture analysis in environmental and agricultural testing labs (ASTM D422, ISO 11277).
• Validation of milling process outputs in food ingredient processing.

FAQ

Is this shaker compatible with non-ATSFAAR brand sieves?
Yes—provided they are 200 mm diameter, conform to ASTM E11-70 dimensional specifications, and feature standardized flange geometry for secure clamping.
Can it be used for wet sieving?
No. This unit is strictly for dry-sieving applications. Wet sieving requires sealed enclosures, water recirculation, and corrosion-resistant motor housings not present in this design.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly inspection of the eccentric drive coupling, lubrication of timer mechanism gears (if applicable), and visual verification of serrated clamp integrity and sieve frame deformation.
Does the shaker include calibration certification?
No. As a Class II mechanical device, it does not ship with factory calibration certificates; users must perform periodic performance verification using certified reference sieves and stopwatch timing validation.
Is the 3000 rpm speed adjustable?
No. The motor operates at a fixed nominal speed (~3000 rpm); speed variation is not supported and would invalidate conformance to standardized sieving methods.