Endecotts Octagon 200CL Digital Sieve Shaker

Overview

The Endecotts Octagon 200CL Digital Sieve Shaker is a high-precision, laboratory-grade electromagnetic sieve shaker engineered for reproducible particle size distribution analysis across diverse industrial and research applications. Based on the fundamental principle of mechanical sieving—where particles are separated by size through controlled oscillatory motion against standardized mesh apertures—the Octagon 200CL implements a patented 3D sieving motion combining elliptical, horizontal, and vertical displacement components. This multi-axis excitation significantly enhances particle stratification and reduces blinding, particularly for cohesive, fine, or near-size-distribution samples. Unlike mechanically driven shakers subject to wear-induced amplitude drift, the Octagon 200CL employs closed-loop electromagnetic actuation with real-time amplitude feedback, ensuring traceable, repeatable motion parameters per ISO 3310-1 Annex B and ASTM E11 Section 7.2. Its design conforms to international standards for test sieve manufacturing and performance validation, making it suitable for GLP-compliant laboratories requiring auditable, documented sieving protocols.

Key Features

• Closed-loop amplitude control system maintains set vibration amplitude within ±0.05 mm tolerance across operational lifetime, eliminating manual recalibration and ensuring inter-laboratory comparability.
• Electromagnetic drive mechanism eliminates rotating masses, belts, cams, or bearings—reducing maintenance, noise (<65 dB(A)), and mechanical hysteresis.
• Supports both dry and wet sieving configurations using compatible 200 mm (8-inch) stainless steel test sieves with sealed gaskets and splash-resistant covers.
• Digital timer with 10-second to 99-minute, 59-second resolution; two programmable intermittent modes (e.g., 30 s on / 30 s off) for heat-sensitive or agglomerating materials.
• Quick-action clamping system secures up to eight full-height 200 mm sieves (or eighteen half-height units) in under 15 seconds, minimizing setup error and operator variability.
• Compact benchtop footprint (418 × 232 × 435 mm) and integrated carrying handles facilitate relocation between QC labs, pilot plants, or field testing stations.
• IP54-rated enclosure protects internal electronics from dust ingress and incidental water splashing during wet-sieving procedures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Octagon 200CL accommodates sample masses up to 3 kg across standard 200 mm diameter test sieves compliant with BS 410:2019, ISO 3310-1:2016 (metal wire cloth), and ISO 3310-2:2016 (perforated plate). It supports sieve meshes ranging from 20 µm to 125 mm aperture size, including polymer-coated, electroformed, and woven stainless steel variants. All Endecotts test sieves carry individual serial numbers and are supplied with calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited reference standards. The instrument itself bears CE marking and fulfills essential health and safety requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Its closed-loop control architecture and digital audit trail capability align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for electronic records when used with validated Endecotts Sieve Analysis Software.

Software & Data Management

The Octagon 200CL integrates seamlessly with Endecotts’ dedicated Sieve Analysis Software via RS232 serial interface (also compatible with USB-to-serial adapters). The software enables remote parameter configuration—including amplitude, duration, and interval mode—as well as automated result logging, cumulative undersize/oversize calculations, and graphical representation of particle size distributions (PSD) in histogram or Rosin-Rammler format. All session data—including timestamp, operator ID, sieve stack configuration, and motion parameters—is stored in encrypted CSV or XML files, supporting version-controlled archiving and LIMS integration. Audit trails record user actions, parameter changes, and system events, satisfying GLP and GMP documentation requirements for pharmaceutical, food, and construction materials testing.

Applications

This instrument serves critical quality control and R&D functions in sectors where particle size directly impacts product performance: cement and aggregate grading per EN 933-1; pharmaceutical granule sizing prior to tableting (USP <786>); catalyst powder characterization in petrochemical refining; metal powder qualification for additive manufacturing (ASTM F3049); agricultural seed sorting; and food ingredient consistency verification (e.g., flour, sugar, spices). Its ability to handle both coarse aggregates and sub-50 µm ceramic powders—without changing hardware—makes it a versatile platform for method development, regulatory submissions, and round-robin interlaboratory studies.

FAQ

What standards does the Octagon 200CL comply with for sieving performance validation?
It meets the dynamic performance criteria defined in ISO 3310-1 Annex B and ASTM E11 Section 7.2 for amplitude accuracy, frequency stability, and motion symmetry.
Can the instrument be used for wet sieving without risk of electrical hazard?
Yes—its IP54-rated housing, sealed electromagnetic actuator, and isolated power supply enable safe operation with water-based slurries when used with Endecotts’ wet-sieving accessories.
Is calibration required after installation or periodic use?
No routine calibration is needed due to the closed-loop amplitude control; however, annual verification using Endecotts’ traceable amplitude reference kit is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs.
Does the RS232 interface support direct connection to modern Windows 11 systems?
Yes—via standard USB-to-RS232 adapters with signed drivers; the software includes native COM port detection and auto-baud rate negotiation.
How is traceability maintained for individual test sieves used with this shaker?
Each Endecotts test sieve carries a unique laser-etched serial number linked to its certified aperture dimensions and compliance report, archived in the software’s sieve library module.