Gilson SS-20F Rotary Sifter
| 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, motor-driven particle size analysis instrument designed for standardized dry sieve separation in laboratory and quality control environments. Operating on the principle of rotational motion combined with controlled tapping action, it subjects stacked test sieves to simultaneous coaxial rotation and vertical percussion—mimicking ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786> compliant mechanical agitation protocols. This dual-mode motion ensures efficient stratification and passage of granular materials across defined aperture sizes, enabling reproducible determination of particle size distribution (PSD) for powders, aggregates, pharmaceutical granules, soils, and industrial particulates. The SS-20F variant is configured for international operation at 230 V / 50 Hz, making it suitable for laboratories across Europe, Asia, and other 230V/50Hz regions while maintaining full functional parity with the 115V/60Hz SS-20 model.
Key Features
- Robust structural architecture: Heavy-gauge ASTM A513 powder-coated steel frame supports a dense, impact-resistant MDF cabinet—engineered for long-term stability and minimal vibration transmission.
- No-clamp sieve stacking: Ergonomically positioned side-mounted rotary knobs enable intuitive 90° cabinet rotation between loading and testing positions without mechanical clamping or alignment tools.
- Dual-action separation mechanism: Two stainless-steel, rubber-sheathed drive rollers rotate the sieve stack continuously while an integrated UHMW polyethylene-tipped hammer assembly delivers calibrated tapping force—enhancing particle mobility and aperture penetration.
- Precision digital timing control: Large 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) LED display shows elapsed or countdown time with ±1 second accuracy over a 1–99 minute range; includes pause/resume functionality and audible 5-second alarm upon cycle completion.
- Modular sieve compatibility: Accommodates up to 20 half-height 8-inch (203 mm) sieves or 6 full-height 12-inch (305 mm) sieves; accepts standard ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 frames in multiple diameters (8″, 12″) and heights (full, half, intermediate).
- Regulatory-ready design: Enclosed cabinet minimizes airborne dust emissions and acoustic noise (measured <72 dBA at 1 m), supporting ISO 14644 cleanroom-adjacent workflows and OSHA-compliant lab environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-20F is validated for use with dry, free-flowing, non-cohesive particulate samples ranging from coarse aggregates (up to 25 mm) down to fine powders (as small as 20 µm). It complies with the mechanical performance requirements of ASTM D6913 (soil particle size analysis), ASTM C136 (aggregate gradation), ISO 2591-1 (test sieving – general principles), and pharmacopeial standards including USP <786> (Particle Size Distribution) and EP 2.9.31. Its sealed enclosure meets GLP documentation prerequisites for audit trails when paired with external logging systems, and its consistent rotational/tapping profile ensures inter-laboratory reproducibility per ISO/IEC 17025 method validation guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The SS-20F operates via embedded microcontroller logic—no external PC or proprietary software is required. All operational parameters (duration, pause state, alarm activation) are managed through the front-panel interface. For laboratories requiring electronic records, the unit’s timer output can be interfaced with third-party data acquisition systems via TTL-compatible pulse signaling (optional accessory SSA-76 controller upgrade). When used within FDA-regulated environments, the device supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when integrated into validated workflows that include operator authentication, audit trail generation, and electronic signature capture at the system level—not at the sifter itself.
Applications
- Quality assurance of raw materials and final products in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and ceramic manufacturing.
- Soil texture classification and aggregate gradation testing in geotechnical and civil engineering labs.
- Validation of milling and micronization processes where PSD shift must be quantified pre- and post-processing.
- Batch release testing per compendial monographs requiring sieve analysis (e.g., USP, EP, JP).
- Research-grade particle behavior studies involving flowability, segregation potential, and aerodynamic diameter correlation.
FAQ
What voltage configuration does the SS-20F support?
The SS-20F is factory-configured for 230 V AC, 50 Hz operation with a rated current draw of 2.7 A and continuous-duty 1/4 HP motor output.
Can the SS-20F accommodate both ASTM and ISO standard test sieves?
Yes—it accepts all commercially available 8-inch and 12-inch diameter test sieves conforming to ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 dimensional and tolerance specifications.
Is the tapping intensity adjustable?
No—the hammer strike frequency and amplitude are fixed per design to ensure compliance with standardized test methods; variability is eliminated to preserve inter-method comparability.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine inspection of UHMW hammer tips, drive roller tension, and cabinet hinge integrity is recommended; no lubrication of the motor or drive train is necessary due to sealed bearing construction.
Does the unit include test sieves?
No—sieves are sold separately as configurable accessories (e.g., SSA-77 wheeled base, SSA-74 replacement hammer heads, SSA-12 tapper caps); Gilson offers full catalog support for ASTM/ISO-compliant sieve sets across all common mesh ranges.
