Gilson SS-15F and SS-15DF 8-inch (203 mm) Mechanical and Digital Sieve Shakers

Overview

The Gilson SS-15F and SS-15DF are precision-engineered, benchtop sieve shakers designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786> guidelines. These instruments implement a dual-motion sieving mechanism—combining horizontal oscillation with vertical tapping—to emulate manual sieving while delivering superior reproducibility and inter-laboratory comparability. The SS-15F employs a robust 1/4 HP motor driving a cam-based mechanical tapping system, generating consistent orbital motion across the sieve stack. The SS-15DF integrates an advanced digital timer with ±1-second accuracy over 99-minute cycles, enabling precise protocol adherence for GLP- and GMP-regulated environments. Both models accept standard 8-inch (203 mm) diameter test sieves—including ASTM, ISO 200 mm, and custom-height configurations—and are calibrated traceable to NIST standards.

Key Features

• True dual-axis motion: Simultaneous lateral oscillation (±10° tilt) and vertical tapping (60–70 taps/min), optimized for efficient stratification and particle passage through mesh apertures
• Modular sieve capacity: Supports up to six full-height (2-7/8″) or twelve half-height (1-7/8″) 8-inch sieves per stack, with optional bottom pan and lid assembly
• EZ-Clamp™ quick-release system: Patented sliding-bar clamping mechanism with push-button actuation and locking rotary knob—eliminates tool dependency and ensures uniform compression force across all sieve frames
• Digital control interface (SS-15DF only): Large 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) LED display, intuitive keypad navigation, programmable pause/resume functionality, and audible 5-second completion alert
• Compliance-ready architecture: Designed for audit trails in regulated industries; timer logs are non-volatile and support FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when paired with validated LIMS integration
• Universal power compatibility: 220 V, 50 Hz operation with internal voltage regulation—suitable for international laboratory deployment without external transformers

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-15F/DF accommodates dry granular materials across a broad particle size range—from coarse aggregates (4.75 mm, No. 4 sieve) down to fine powders (75 µm, No. 200 sieve). It is routinely deployed for sieve analysis of pharmaceutical excipients, mineral ores, catalyst supports, food-grade starches, metal powders, and polymer granules. All sieve frames meet ASTM E11-09 specifications for wire cloth tolerance, mesh count accuracy, and aperture uniformity. Optional sieve configurations include copper, brass-framed stainless steel, and fully stainless steel construction—each certified per ISO 3310-1:2016 dimensional tolerances. For wet-sieving applications, compatible accessories include nickel alloy wet-screens and ultrasonic cleaning stations (sold separately), though the base unit is rated for dry-use only per IEC 61000-6-3 EMC compliance.

Software & Data Management

While the SS-15F operates via analog mechanical timing, the SS-15DF firmware supports timestamped cycle logging with start/stop/pause events stored in internal memory. Export is enabled via RS-232 serial interface (optional USB-to-serial adapter) for integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Firmware versioning and calibration date tracking are embedded in device metadata. When used in conjunction with Gilson’s optional SSA-806 software suite (v3.2+), users can generate ASTM-compliant sieve analysis reports—including cumulative percent retained, D10/D50/D90 values, and graphical Rosin-Rammler plots—with electronic signature capability aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.

Applications

• Quality control of raw materials in pharmaceutical solid dosage manufacturing (e.g., lactose, microcrystalline cellulose)
• Aggregate gradation testing per AASHTO T 27 and ASTM C136 in civil engineering laboratories
• Particle size verification of battery cathode/anode powders (LiCoO₂, graphite) prior to slurry mixing
• Feedstock screening in additive manufacturing (AM) powder handling workflows
• Regulatory submission support for FDA ANDA filings requiring documented sieve analysis protocols
• Research-scale optimization of milling parameters in chemical process development

FAQ

What sieve standards are supported by the SS-15F/DF?

ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786> compliant sieves—available in 8-inch (203 mm), ISO 200 mm, and ISO 300 mm diameters—with aperture ranges from 5.6 mm down to 20 µm.
Can the SS-15F be upgraded to digital timing?

Yes—the SSA-806 EZ-Clamp Upgrade Kit includes retrofit hardware and firmware enabling full SS-15DF functionality on existing SS-15F units.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?

Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable Certificate of Conformance detailing motor speed verification, tap frequency measurement, and amplitude validation at three load conditions.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Biannual inspection of cam follower lubrication, belt tension verification, and EZ-Clamp spring force calibration using Gilson’s supplied torque wrench (part #SSA-TQ-01).
Are replacement parts available globally?

Yes—Gilson maintains regional service hubs in North America, EMEA, and APAC with 48-hour dispatch for critical components including motors, timers, and clamp assemblies.