Gilson SS-20F Rotary Sifter with Sieve Stack Compatibility
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | SS-20F |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Gilson SS-20F Rotary Sifter is a precision-engineered, heavy-duty mechanical sieve shaker designed for standardized particle size distribution analysis in geotechnical, aggregate, pharmaceutical, and materials testing laboratories. Operating on the principle of combined rotational motion and controlled tapping—achieved via dual stainless-steel drive rollers and a UHMW polyethylene hammer assembly—the instrument delivers reproducible, ASTM- and ISO-compliant dry sieving performance. Its robust architecture integrates a 1/4 HP continuous-duty motor (230 V / 50 Hz), engineered for thermal stability during extended test cycles, and a fully enclosed cabinet that suppresses airborne particulate dispersion and acoustic emissions to <68 dBA at 1 m. Unlike orbital or vibratory shakers, the SS-20F’s coaxial rotation–tapping mechanism ensures uniform energy transfer across the full sieve stack height, minimizing segregation bias and improving mass recovery consistency—critical for compliance with ASTM C136, ASTM D6913, ISO 17892-4, and USP .
Key Features
- Enclosed, ergonomic cabinet with side-mounted rotary knobs enabling smooth 90° rotation between loading and operational positions—no clamping required.
- Dual rubber-coated stainless-steel drive rollers provide continuous, low-slip rotation while the 6061 aluminum hammer assembly with UHMW polyethylene impact head delivers calibrated tapping at fixed frequency and amplitude.
- Digital countdown timer with 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) high-brightness LED display; programmable up to 99 minutes with ±1-second accuracy, pause/resume functionality, and audible 5-second alert upon cycle completion.
- Modular sieve stack compatibility: accepts up to 20 half-height 8-inch (203 mm) sieves or 10 full-height 12-inch (305 mm) sieves; accommodates ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 compliant frames in brass, stainless steel, or nylon mesh.
- Structural frame fabricated from ASTM A513 heavy-gauge steel tubing with powder-coated finish; housing constructed from dense, impact-resistant MDF for vibration damping and long-term dimensional stability.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-20F supports dry sieving of granular solids across a validated particle size range of 25 mm down to 20 µm (1 inch to No. 635), making it suitable for soils, aggregates, catalysts, powdered APIs, and ceramic precursors. All mechanical motion parameters—including rotational speed, tap rate, and dwell time—are mechanically fixed per design to ensure inter-laboratory comparability. The unit conforms to the mechanical requirements of ASTM D6913 (soil particle-size analysis), ASTM C136/C136M (coarse and fine aggregate), and ISO 17892-4 (geotechnical investigation and testing). Optional accessories—including SSA-77 swivel casters, SSA-74 replaceable hammer heads, and SSA-12 plastic-tipped tappers—extend operational flexibility without compromising traceability.
Software & Data Management
The SS-20F operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware or network connectivity. All timing and control functions are implemented via hardwired logic circuitry, eliminating software validation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11. Test parameters (duration, pause state) are manually entered and visually confirmed via the LED interface. For GLP/GMP environments, users may integrate the sifter into documented test protocols using external electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS systems—supported by Gilson’s calibration certificate documentation and NIST-traceable verification procedures available upon request.
Applications
- Geotechnical engineering: gradation analysis of cohesive and cohesionless soils per ASTM D2487 and AASHTO T 27.
- Construction materials: sieve analysis of coarse/fine aggregates, recycled concrete fines, and asphalt mix components.
- Pharmaceutical development: particle size screening of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients prior to milling or blending—aligned with ICH Q5A and USP guidance.
- Research & education: teaching core principles of particle separation mechanics, sieve efficiency calculation, and statistical sampling theory in materials science curricula.
- Quality control labs: routine batch release testing where repeatability, operator independence, and regulatory audit readiness are mandatory.
FAQ
What voltage configuration does the SS-20F support?
The SS-20F is configured for 230 V / 50 Hz operation and draws 2.7 A at full load. It is not compatible with 115 V / 60 Hz power supplies.
Can the SS-20F be used with wet sieving protocols?
No—the SS-20F is strictly a dry-sieving instrument. Its sealed cabinet and non-submersible drive system are not rated for liquid exposure or slurry handling.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
A factory-issued calibration verification report is provided standard; full NIST-traceable calibration with uncertainty budgeting is available as an optional service.
What sieve diameters and heights are supported without adapter kits?
The unit accepts 8-inch (203 mm) and 12-inch (305 mm) diameter sieves in full-height, half-height, and intermediate configurations—no adapters required.
Does the SS-20F meet noise emission requirements for ISO 14001-certified laboratories?
Yes—its enclosed design achieves ≤68 dBA at 1 meter, well within typical laboratory ambient noise limits defined in ISO 14001 Annex A.3.3 for equipment-related emissions.
