Filtra FTLBA-0200 Air Jet Sieve Shaker
| Brand | Filtra |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Model | FTLBA-0200 |
| Particle Size Range | 5 µm – 4 mm |
| Construction Material | Polyurethane Resin Housing |
| Sieve Diameter | 200 mm |
| Vacuum Monitoring | Digital Electronic Vacuum Indicator with Calibration Function |
| Sieve Assembly | Rubber Gasket Interface + Acrylic Lid |
| Vacuum Source Requirement | External Nilfisk Vacuum Cleaner (Not Included) |
Overview
The Filtra FTLBA-0200 Air Jet Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered dry-sieving instrument designed for rapid, reproducible particle size distribution analysis of free-flowing powders and granular materials. It operates on the principle of air jet sieving — a dynamic separation method where a controlled, pulsating stream of compressed air is directed tangentially across the underside of a horizontally mounted test sieve. This generates a turbulent airflow that fluidizes the sample, dispersing agglomerates and enabling fine particles to pass through the mesh while retaining coarser fractions. Unlike mechanical shakers, the FTLBA-0200 eliminates mechanical vibration-induced particle attrition or mesh blinding, making it especially suitable for fragile, cohesive, or electrostatically charged materials. Its validated measurement range spans from 5 micrometers (0.005 mm) to 4 millimeters, covering applications from pharmaceutical excipients and catalysts to construction aggregates and food powders. The system is engineered for compliance with ISO 2591-1, ISO 9276-1, and ASTM E11 standards for test sieves and particle size analysis procedures.
Key Features
- Polyurethane resin housing provides chemical resistance, structural rigidity, and acoustic dampening — critical for stable vacuum integrity and long-term dimensional stability under repeated operational cycles.
- Digital electronic vacuum indicator with real-time pressure readout (in mbar or kPa) and built-in calibration verification function ensures consistent airflow velocity and process repeatability across operators and laboratories.
- Standard 200 mm diameter air jet test sieve features a precision-machined stainless-steel mesh frame, integrated rubber gasket interface for leak-free sealing, and a transparent acrylic lid enabling visual monitoring of sample behavior during sieving.
- Modular design supports interchangeable sieve stacks (with optional adapter kits), allowing sequential multi-stage fractionation without manual sieve replacement between runs.
- Integrated timer and programmable airflow duration (1–300 seconds) enable method standardization in accordance with GLP and internal SOP requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FTLBA-0200 is optimized for dry, non-hygroscopic, and non-fibrous particulates. It accommodates samples with bulk densities ranging from 0.2 g/cm³ to 2.5 g/cm³ and moisture content below 1% w/w. Materials commonly analyzed include lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, silica fume, ground coffee, sand fractions, and metal powders. The system meets mechanical and metrological requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with compliant data acquisition software. All sieve meshes are certified to ISO 3310-1 tolerances, and traceable calibration certificates are available upon request.
Software & Data Management
While the base unit operates as a standalone instrument, optional PC connectivity via RS-232 or USB enables integration with Filtra’s proprietary SieveSoft™ v3.2 software. This platform supports automated method storage, batch reporting (PDF/CSV), digital signature capture, and full 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails — including user logins, parameter changes, run timestamps, and result exports. Data files retain metadata such as sieve ID, vacuum setpoint, duration, ambient temperature/humidity (when interfaced with external sensors), and operator ID — facilitating regulatory submissions and cross-laboratory method transfer.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Determination of aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) proxies for dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations per USP & Ph. Eur. guidelines.
- Materials Science: Characterization of additive manufacturing feedstocks (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718) prior to laser sintering.
- Food & Agriculture: Verification of milling consistency in flour, starch, and spice blends; compliance with Codex Alimentarius particle size specifications.
- Construction & Ceramics: Grading of refractory raw materials, cement clinker, and ceramic glaze components per EN 196-1 protocols.
- Environmental Testing: Sieve analysis of soil fractions for ASTM D6913 gradation classification.
FAQ
Is the Nilfisk vacuum cleaner included with the FTLBA-0200?
No. A compatible Nilfisk industrial vacuum (e.g., Nilfisk GM 80 or equivalent with ≥1200 mmH₂O vacuum capacity and HEPA filtration) must be procured separately to ensure optimal airflow performance and operator safety.
Can the FTLBA-0200 be used for wet sieving?
No. This instrument is strictly designed for dry-sieving applications. Moisture compromises air fluidization dynamics and may damage the polyurethane housing or vacuum sensor electronics.
What sieve mesh sizes are supported?
Standard configurations support ISO-standard meshes from 5 µm (2500 µm nominal opening) up to 4 mm (4000 µm), including common sizes such as 45 µm, 75 µm, 150 µm, 300 µm, 600 µm, 1.18 mm, and 2.36 mm — all supplied with individual certification.
Does the system support IQ/OQ/PQ validation documentation?
Yes. Filtra provides a comprehensive validation support package, including URS templates, FAT/SAT protocols, and pre-formatted IQ/OQ checklists aligned with ISO 9001 and GMP Annex 15 requirements.
