Gilson SS-30 Ro-Tap® Sieve Shaker (8-inch, 115V/60Hz)

Overview

The Gilson SS-30 Ro-Tap® Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered mechanical sieve shaker designed to perform standardized particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11, ASTM C136, ISO 565, ISO 3310-1, and other internationally recognized test methods. Based on the legacy W.S. Tyler® Ro-Tap® platform—widely adopted across geotechnical laboratories, aggregate testing facilities, pharmaceutical QA/QC labs, and materials R&D centers—the SS-30 delivers reproducible, traceable sieving through a rigorously controlled dual-motion mechanism: horizontal circular oscillation (278 cycles/min) combined with vertical tapping (150 taps/min). This motion profile simulates hand-sieving while eliminating operator variability, ensuring high inter-laboratory comparability and compliance with GLP and GMP documentation requirements. The unit is built for continuous duty in high-throughput environments and features a robust cast-iron base, reinforced steel housing, and a thermally protected 1/4 HP induction motor rated for extended operation under load.

Key Features

• Dual-motion sieving action: 278 oscillations per minute + 150 vertical taps per minute—fully compliant with ASTM E11 Annex A1 and ISO 3310-1 specifications
• Adjustable digital timer: 0.1-second resolution, programmable up to 99 minutes; supports repeatable test durations essential for method validation and SOP adherence
• Universal sieve compatibility: Accommodates up to six full-height 8-inch (203 mm) test sieves or thirteen half-height sieves; also accepts 200 mm ISO-standard sieves
• Quick-release sieve tray assembly: Tool-free height adjustment enables rapid configuration for varying stack heights and pan depths
• Stabilized mounting design: Integrated bolt holes allow secure anchoring to laboratory benches or vibration-dampening tables to minimize energy transfer and improve measurement fidelity
• Electrical flexibility: Multiple voltage/frequency variants available (SS-30: 115 V / 60 Hz; SS-30F: 230 V / 50 Hz; SS-30S: 230 V / 60 Hz), each certified to IEC 61000-6-3 EMC and UL 61010-1 safety standards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-30 is validated for dry sieving of granular solids across a broad particle size range—from coarse aggregates (No. 4, 4.75 mm) down to fine powders (No. 635, 20 µm). Its motion dynamics are optimized for free-flowing, non-cohesive, and moderately cohesive materials including soils, sands, crushed rock, metal powders, catalysts, and milled APIs. When used with NIST-traceable W.S. Tyler® test sieves (stainless steel or brass, ASTM E11-compliant mesh), the system supports audit-ready reporting for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Optional accessories—including Clean-N-STOR fraction collectors, acoustic enclosures (W.S. Tyler® SoundShell®), and calibrated reference standards—extend functionality while maintaining regulatory alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the SS-30 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument without embedded firmware or network connectivity, its deterministic timing and mechanical repeatability make it fully compatible with external LIMS and ELN platforms via manual entry or barcode-assisted workflow integration. Digital timer logs can be recorded alongside sieve stack configurations, sample IDs, and mass measurements to support ALCOA+ data principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). For laboratories requiring automated data capture, Gilson recommends pairing the SS-30 with the Gilson AutoScale™ series or third-party balance interfaces that support RS-232/USB output synchronized to timer completion events.

Applications

• Aggregate gradation testing per ASTM C136 and AASHTO T 27 in civil engineering and construction materials labs
• Soil particle-size analysis per ASTM D6913 and USDA texture classification protocols
• Pharmaceutical powder characterization for bulk density, flowability, and content uniformity assessments (USP <786>)
• Quality control of metal powders in additive manufacturing feedstock qualification (ASTM F3049)
• Research-scale fractionation of catalysts, ceramics, and battery electrode materials
• Calibration verification of laser diffraction or dynamic image analysis systems using reference sieved fractions

FAQ

What sieve diameters and configurations does the SS-30 support?
The SS-30 accommodates 8-inch (203 mm) full-height sieves (up to six), half-height sieves (up to thirteen), or 200 mm ISO-format sieves. It does not support 12-inch sieves—that capability is exclusive to the SS-31 model.
Is the SS-30 suitable for wet sieving?
No. The SS-30 is designed exclusively for dry sieving applications. Wet sieving requires specialized equipment with sealed motors, corrosion-resistant components, and fluid containment systems.
Can the SS-30 be integrated into an automated lab workflow?
Yes—though it lacks native digital outputs, its precise timer endpoint and mechanical consistency enable reliable synchronization with external balances, barcode scanners, and LIMS via documented SOPs and manual or semi-automated data entry protocols.
Does the SS-30 require periodic calibration?
Per ASTM E11, the mechanical motion parameters (oscillation frequency and tap count) should be verified annually using a certified tachometer and tap counter. Motor performance and timer accuracy are also recommended for inclusion in laboratory equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) protocols.
What safety certifications apply to the SS-30?
All SS-30 variants comply with UL 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61000-6-3, ensuring safe deployment in regulated laboratory environments.