Gilson SS-15F & SS-15D 8-inch Mechanical and Digital Sieve Shakers

Overview

The Gilson SS-15F and SS-15D 8-inch Sieve Shakers are precision-engineered laboratory instruments designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11-09, ISO 3310-1, and related national standards. These shakers implement a mechanically synchronized ro-tap™ motion profile—combining controlled horizontal oscillation with vertical tapping—to replicate the reproducible kinetic energy transfer of manual sieving while eliminating operator variability. The 1/4 HP sealed motor drives a robust cam-and-lever mechanism that imparts a consistent orbital trajectory to the sieve stack, ensuring uniform material dispersion across the mesh surface and minimizing blinding or agglomeration effects. With a validated operational range spanning 4.75 mm (No. 4) down to 75 µm (No. 200), the SS-15 series supports critical quality control workflows in geotechnical testing, aggregate production, pharmaceutical granulation, food powder characterization, metallurgical feedstock evaluation, and chemical catalyst screening.

Key Features

• Two distinct control variants: SS-15F features a calibrated mechanical timer with adjustable 15-minute duration and “hold” functionality for extended or interrupted operation; SS-15D integrates a microprocessor-controlled digital timer with large 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) LED display, ±1-second timing accuracy, programmable intervals up to 99 minutes, pause/resume capability, and an audible 5-second alert upon cycle completion.
• Gilson EZ-Clamp™ system enables rapid, tool-free loading and locking of full-height or half-height 8-inch (203 mm) sieve stacks—compatible with both ASTM-standard and ISO 200 mm frames—via intuitive slide-and-click actuation and positive-locking rotary knobs.
• Free-standing benchtop architecture accommodates either six full-height sieves plus receiver pan or twelve half-height sieves plus pan, with optional mounting provisions for fixed-installation configurations in high-throughput labs.
• Modular sieve compatibility extends beyond standard 8″ formats to include 3″, 6″, 10″, 12″, 18″, and ISO 300 mm diameters, with mesh options spanning brass, stainless steel, copper-frame/stainless mesh, polyester, nylon, and corrosion-resistant nickel alloys for wet or abrasive applications.
• Structural housing is constructed from reinforced polymer composites and powder-coated steel for long-term dimensional stability, vibration damping, and resistance to environmental degradation in QC and field-deployed settings.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-15 series is validated for dry and semi-dry particulate materials including crushed stone, sand, cementitious powders, API excipients, flour, feed pellets, metal powders, and ceramic precursors. All motion parameters—including amplitude, frequency, and tap intensity—are optimized to meet the dynamic energy requirements specified in ASTM C136/C136M (aggregate gradation), ASTM D6913 (soil particle-size analysis), USP & Ph. Eur. general chapters on granule sizing, and ISO 13320 (laser diffraction correlation). When used with NIST-traceable certified reference sieves and calibrated mass standards, the system supports GLP-compliant documentation and audit-ready traceability. Optional accessories—including sieve calibration beads, strength test pans, and ultrasonic cleaning stations—further ensure ongoing metrological integrity per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the SS-15F and SS-15D operate as standalone electromechanical instruments without embedded software, their deterministic timing architecture and repeatable motion profile make them fully compatible with external laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Digital timer logs on the SS-15D can be manually transcribed into structured data fields compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with secure user authentication and audit-trail-enabled platforms. Gilson provides comprehensive SOP templates—including equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ), preventive maintenance schedules, and calibration checklists—that align with GMP, ISO 9001, and AASHTO R 18 frameworks. Firmware updates (for SS-15D controller modules) are distributed via secure download with version-controlled release notes and change impact assessments.

Applications

• Aggregate and soil gradation testing in civil engineering laboratories per AASHTO T 27 and ASTM C136.
• Pharmaceutical powder flow and blend uniformity assessment during formulation development and batch release.
• Food industry compliance with particle size specifications for flour, sugar, starch, and dairy powders (Codex Alimentarius, FDA Food Code).
• Metallurgical QC of sinter feed, foundry sands, and additive manufacturing metal powders (ASTM B214, ISO 4497).
• Chemical catalyst and pigment particle distribution validation prior to reactor charging or dispersion processing.
• Educational use in materials science and geotechnical curricula for hands-on sieve analysis methodology training.

FAQ

What sieve standards are supported by the SS-15 series?
The shakers accept all standard 8-inch (203 mm) ASTM E11 sieves and ISO 200 mm frames, with optional adapters available for 3″, 6″, 10″, 12″, 18″, and ISO 300 mm diameters.
Can the SS-15D timer be integrated with LIMS or ELN systems?
Yes—the SS-15D’s digital timer outputs no electronic interface, but its precise, documented timing events are fully recordable in compliant LIMS/ELN environments when paired with procedural controls and user authentication.
Is wet sieving possible with this instrument?
Wet sieving is supported using optional nickel alloy or stainless steel mesh sieves and dedicated liquid-receiver accessories; however, the base unit is rated for dry or low-moisture applications only.
Does Gilson provide calibration services or certified reference materials?
Gilson offers NIST-traceable calibration verification kits, certified sieve calibration beads, and third-party accredited calibration services through authorized metrology partners.
What maintenance is required for long-term performance?
Routine inspection of cam surfaces, clamp linkage wear, and motor ventilation ports is recommended every 500 operating hours; full preventive maintenance—including lubrication and torque verification—is advised annually per Gilson’s PQ protocol documentation.