Gilson SS-31 Ro-Tap® Sieve Shaker (12-inch, 115V/60Hz)
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | SS-31 |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The Gilson SS-31 Ro-Tap® Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered mechanical sieve shaker designed to perform standardized dry particle size analysis in accordance with ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786>. It replicates the dual-motion protocol defined by ASTM D6913 and D422—combining horizontal circular oscillation (278 cycles/min) with vertical tapping (150 taps/min)—to ensure reproducible, statistically valid sieve separations. Unlike rotary or vibratory shakers lacking tap action, the Ro-Tap® mechanism delivers consistent energy transfer across the full depth of stacked sieves, minimizing particle stratification and bias in coarse-to-fine distributions. The SS-31 accommodates up to four full-height 12-inch (305 mm) test sieves plus pan, or eight half-height sieves, delivering over twice the effective screening area of 8-inch models—critical for low-yield or heterogeneous samples where mass retention per fraction must be maximized for gravimetric accuracy.
Key Features
- Robust 1/4 HP induction motor with sealed bearings and thermal overload protection for continuous-duty laboratory operation
- Dual-motion drive system: precisely synchronized 278 rpm orbital rotation + 150 rpm vertical tapping per ASTM E11 requirements
- Electronic digital timer with 0.1-second resolution and 99-minute maximum duration, supporting repeatable method execution and audit-ready timing logs
- Quick-adjust sieve clamp assembly enabling rapid height calibration for full-, half-, or intermediate-height sieve stacks without tools
- Stabilized base design with pre-drilled mounting holes for secure bolting to concrete or steel workbenches—essential for vibration isolation in shared lab environments
- Compatibility with both W.S. Tyler® Ro-Tap®-certified ASTM E11 sieves and ISO 3310-1 compliant 200 mm and 305 mm frames, including stainless steel, brass, and nylon mesh options
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-31 is validated for particle size distribution analysis across diverse material classes—including aggregates, pharmaceutical powders, catalysts, soils, ceramics, and metal powders—within the nominal range of 12.5 mm (½ inch) down to 25 µm (No. 500). Its high-mass capacity and optimized motion profile prevent blinding on fine meshes while maintaining kinetic energy sufficient to fluidize coarse fractions. All operational parameters comply with GLP documentation standards; timing events are non-volatile and traceable. When integrated with calibrated analytical balances and certified reference sieves, the system supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant workflows when paired with validated LIMS or ELN platforms.
Software & Data Management
While the SS-31 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument, its deterministic timing and repeatable motion profile enable seamless integration into regulated data ecosystems. Digital timer outputs can be logged via external RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (optional) for timestamped method execution records. Gilson’s optional Ro-Tap® DataLink software (v3.2+) provides CSV export of run metadata—including start time, duration, voltage/frequency mode, and operator ID—for inclusion in electronic batch records. Audit trails meet ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.1 requirements for equipment usage history.
Applications
- Quality control of construction aggregates per ASTM C136 and AASHTO T 27
- Pharmaceutical granule and API particle sizing per USP <786> and EP 2.9.32
- Mineral processing feed characterization in metallurgical laboratories
- Soil texture analysis per USDA NRCS methodology (sand/silt/clay separation)
- R&D screening of battery cathode/anode powders and additive manufacturing feedstocks
- Validation of jet mill or air classifier performance through mass balance across cut points
FAQ
What sieve frame diameters does the SS-31 support?
The SS-31 accepts only 12-inch (305 mm) diameter test sieves—full-height, half-height, or intermediate-height configurations—as specified in ASTM E11 Annex A1.
Can ISO 3310-1 sieves be used interchangeably with ASTM E11 sieves on this unit?
Yes—provided the frame diameter (305 mm), height tolerance (±0.5 mm), and mesh tension specifications conform to both standards; W.S. Tyler® offers dual-certified ISO/ASTM sieve sets.
Is the SS-31 suitable for wet sieving applications?
No—this is a dry-sieving instrument only. For wet analysis, Gilson recommends the SS-40 Wet Wash Sieve Shaker with integrated water manifold and vacuum filtration.
Does the SS-31 include a sound enclosure?
No—the standard unit operates at ~78 dBA at 1 m; Gilson offers the optional W.S. Tyler® SoundShield™ acoustic cabinet (Model SH-12) for noise reduction to ≤55 dBA.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Motor lubrication is not required; annual inspection of cam follower wear, clamp spring tension, and timer calibration is advised per Gilson Technical Bulletin TB-SS31-REV4.
