Gilson SS-15F 8-inch Mechanical Sieve Shaker

Overview

The Gilson SS-15F is a precision-engineered, benchtop mechanical sieve shaker designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11–09 and ISO 3310-1. It employs a dual-motion mechanism—combining horizontal reciprocation with vertical tapping—to replicate the controlled, reproducible motion of manual sieving while eliminating operator variability. This principle ensures consistent energy transfer to the sample across the full stack of sieves, enabling accurate separation of particles ranging from 4.75 mm down to 75 µm (No. 4 to No. 200 sieve series). The unit features a fully enclosed 1/3 HP motor mounted vertically to minimize vibration transmission and enhance operational stability. Its compact footprint (43 × 28 × 76 cm) and 22 kg mass support both freestanding and bolt-down configurations, making it suitable for QC laboratories, aggregate testing facilities, pharmaceutical development labs, and materials R&D environments where space efficiency and regulatory traceability are critical.

Key Features

• Robust mechanical timing system with adjustable 15-minute cycle and “hold” function for continuous operation or precise endpoint control
• EZ-Clamp™ quick-release fixture system: one-button actuation slides the clamping rod into position, secured by a locking rotary knob—enabling tool-free assembly/disassembly of full-height or half-height sieve stacks
• Accommodates up to six full-height 8-inch (203 mm) sieves plus collection pan, or twelve half-height 8-inch sieves in stacked configuration
• Universal compatibility with ASTM-standard 8-inch sieves and ISO 200 mm diameter test sieves—including copper, brass-framed stainless steel, and full stainless steel mesh options
• Motor-driven orbital motion delivers uniform energy distribution across all sieve levels, minimizing stratification and improving sieve efficiency
• Compliance-ready design: supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows through repeatable cycle parameters and mechanical timer calibration traceability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-15F is validated for dry granular materials including mineral aggregates, powdered pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, metal powders, catalysts, ceramics, and feedstock raw materials. It meets the mechanical performance requirements of ASTM C136/C136M (aggregate gradation), ASTM D6913 (soil particle-size analysis), USP (particle size distribution for solid dosage forms), and ISO 2591-1. All sieve frames conform to NIST-traceable dimensional tolerances per ASTM E11–09. The shaker’s fixed amplitude and frequency profile ensure inter-laboratory comparability when used with certified reference sieves. Optional accessories—including calibration beads, sieve verification trays, and stainless steel wet-sieving adapters—extend its applicability to regulated environments requiring audit-ready validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical instrument, the SS-15F does not incorporate embedded software or digital data logging. However, its deterministic timing architecture and EZ-Clamp™ repeatability support integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via external process documentation. Operators record cycle start/end times, sieve stack configuration, and sample identification manually or using barcode-scanned worksheets compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). Calibration records—including motor RPM verification, timer accuracy checks (±1 second over 99 minutes), and clamp force validation—are maintained per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Optional digital upgrade kits (e.g., SS-15DF model) provide LED-display timing but retain the same mechanical core—ensuring continuity of method validation during equipment migration.

Applications

• Quality control of coarse and fine aggregates in civil engineering and asphalt production
• Particle size distribution profiling of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients prior to tableting or capsule filling
• Feed formulation analysis in animal nutrition, ensuring optimal particle homogeneity for digestibility
• Metal powder characterization for additive manufacturing (AM) feedstock qualification per ASTM F3049
• Catalyst support screening in petrochemical R&D to correlate surface area with sieve retention
• Food ingredient grading—e.g., flour, sugar, spices—to verify compliance with Codex Alimentarius standards
• Research-grade soil texture classification in environmental geotechnical studies

FAQ

Does the SS-15F include sieves?
No. The unit ships as host hardware only. Sieves must be selected separately from Gilson’s catalog of ASTM- or ISO-compliant 8-inch (203 mm) and ISO 200 mm options.
Can the SS-15F be used for wet sieving?
Not natively. For wet applications, users must integrate compatible stainless steel sieve frames and optional splash guards; dedicated wet-shaking accessories (e.g., sealed pans, drain ports) require third-party adaptation.
Is the timer calibrated and certifiable?
Yes. The mechanical timer is factory-calibrated to ±1% accuracy over its 15-minute range and supports user verification using stopwatch methodology per ASTM E11–09 Annex A4.
What power supply does the SS-15F require?
220 V AC, 50 Hz, single-phase input. A 15 A dedicated circuit is recommended for stable operation under full stack load.
How is clamp force consistency ensured across operators?
The EZ-Clamp™ system uses a torque-limited rotary knob with tactile feedback and visual alignment markers, eliminating subjective tightening and supporting SOP-defined installation procedures.