Gilson SS-14 8-inch / 12-inch Mechanical and Digital Timer Sieve Shaker

Overview

The Gilson SS-14 Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in geotechnical, aggregate, soil, and construction materials testing. It operates on orbital shaking motion—generating controlled horizontal elliptical displacement—to ensure uniform sample dispersion across sieve surfaces without segregation or particle attrition. This mechanism complies with the fundamental mechanical requirements of ASTM D6913, ASTM C136, ISO 2591-1, and EN 933-1 for dry sieve analysis. The SS-14 accommodates both full-height (standard) and half-height sieves in 8-inch (203 mm) and 12-inch (305 mm) diameters, supporting ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 compliant test sieves with aperture sizes ranging from No. 4 (4.75 mm) to No. 200 (75 µm). Its robust ¼ HP induction motor delivers consistent torque and stable oscillation frequency, ensuring high reproducibility across repeated sieve stack configurations.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking action with adjustable tilt angle ensures even material distribution and minimizes blinding of fine mesh openings.
• EZ-Clamp™ quick-lock system: single-action push-to-engage vertical clamping rod with integrated lid; twist-lock mechanism secures multi-sieve stacks reliably and repeatably.
• Dual power variants: SS-14 (115 V / 60 Hz) and SS-14F (230 V / 50 Hz) for mechanical timer; SS-14D and SS-14DF for digital timer versions.
• Digital timer (SS-14D/DF): large 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) red LED display, ±1 second accuracy, programmable up to 99 minutes, with pause/resume functionality and audible 5-second completion alert.
• Mechanical timer (SS-14/SS-14F): durable electro-mechanical timer with repeatable stop timing and continuous “hold” mode for extended operation.
• Extended stack height capacity: supports up to (10) full-height 8-inch sieves or (6) full-height 12-inch sieves; up to (21) half-height 8-inch or (14) half-height 12-inch sieves per run.
• Universal sieve compatibility: accepts standard ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 frames in 200 mm, 203 mm (8″), 300 mm, and 305 mm (12″) diameters—including stainless steel, brass, and nylon-wire mesh options.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-14 is validated for use with free-flowing granular solids including sands, gravels, crushed aggregates, mineral powders, and milled ceramics. It is not recommended for cohesive, hygroscopic, or fibrous materials without pre-drying or dispersant treatment. All operational parameters align with GLP-compliant workflows when paired with traceable calibration records and documented sieve certification (e.g., NIST-traceable sieve calibration certificates). The unit meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While the shaker itself does not require FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, its digital timer output logs may be integrated into validated LIMS environments under appropriate audit trail configuration.

Software & Data Management

The SS-14 series is a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware or network interface. Timer settings are manually entered and retained only during active operation. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, Gilson recommends pairing the SS-14 with third-party ELN systems via manual entry or barcode-scanned test IDs. Digital timer models support external time-stamped logging through optional relay-triggered data acquisition modules (e.g., USB-connected TTL pulse counters). Full traceability is maintained through physical test logs referencing sieve lot numbers, operator ID, environmental conditions (temperature/humidity), and stack configuration diagrams—all aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited testing labs.

Applications

• Soil gradation analysis per ASTM D2487 and AASHTO T 27 for Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) determination.
• Aggregate gradation testing per ASTM C136/C136M for concrete and asphalt mix design verification.
• Quality control of manufactured sand, fly ash, slag, and recycled construction materials.
• Particle size distribution profiling in mining QA/QC labs for ore processing optimization.
• Research-grade sieve analysis in academic civil engineering and materials science laboratories.
• Preparation of fractionated samples for subsequent testing (e.g., Atterberg limits, specific gravity, or chemical assay).

FAQ

What sieve standards does the SS-14 support?

The SS-14 accepts all standard test sieves conforming to ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1, including 200 mm, 203 mm (8″), 300 mm, and 305 mm (12″) frame diameters.
Can I use half-height sieves with the SS-14?

Yes—the SS-14’s extended vertical clearance allows stacking up to 21 half-height 8-inch sieves or 14 half-height 12-inch sieves in a single run.
Is the digital timer compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?

No—the SS-14D timer lacks electronic audit trail, user authentication, or electronic signature capabilities required for Part 11 compliance; it is intended for non-GxP environments or as part of a broader validated workflow with external controls.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Routine inspection of the orbital drive belt tension, cleaning of the clamp mechanism and sieve contact surfaces, and periodic verification of timer accuracy against a calibrated stopwatch are recommended every 100 operating hours.
Does Gilson provide calibration services for the SS-14?

Gilson offers factory calibration verification reports upon request; however, formal metrological calibration of the mechanical/digital timer is performed by third-party ISO/IEC 17025-accredited providers using traceable timing standards.