Gilson SS-33 Ro-Tap® II Sieve Shaker
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | SS-33 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Gilson SS-33 Ro-Tap® II Sieve Shaker is a dual-stack, electromechanical particle size analyzer engineered for high-precision, ASTM-compliant dry sieve analysis. Based on the proven Ro-Tap® motion principle—combining 278 horizontal circular oscillations and 150 vertical taps per minute—it replicates standardized sieving dynamics defined in ASTM E11, ASTM D6913, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786>. Unlike single-stack shakers, the SS-33 simultaneously processes two independent 8-inch (203 mm) sieve stacks under identical, synchronized motion profiles—enabling parallel testing, method validation, or statistical replication without operator intervention or timing drift. Its rigid cast-iron base, reinforced steel frame, and precision-machined cam drive ensure mechanical stability and long-term repeatability across thousands of test cycles. Designed for QC laboratories, aggregate testing facilities, pharmaceutical development labs, and geological sample preparation workflows, the SS-33 delivers metrologically traceable results with minimal operator dependency.
Key Features
- Dual-stack architecture: Simultaneous operation of two independent 8-inch (203 mm) sieve columns using identical Ro-Tap® motion (278 rpm oscillation + 150 taps/min)
- Programmable digital timer: 0.1-second resolution, 0–99 minute range with automatic shutdown and audible end-of-cycle signal
- Adjustable sieve clamp system: Quick-release, tool-free tensioning for full-height, half-height, or intermediate-height W.S. Tyler® test sieves
- Robust 1/4 HP induction motor: Thermally protected, brushless design rated for continuous duty in high-throughput environments
- Mounting-ready chassis: Pre-drilled base plate compatible with laboratory bench bolting or vibration-dampening isolation mounts
- Universal voltage compatibility: Configurable for 115 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 50 Hz, or 230 V / 60 Hz operation (model variants SS-33, SS-33F, SS-33S)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-33 accommodates standard 8-inch (203 mm) diameter test sieves—including full-height (2.5 in), half-height (1.25 in), and intermediate-height (1.75 in) configurations—as well as ISO 200 mm sieves. It supports all common mesh materials (stainless steel, brass, nylon) and aperture ranges from No. 4 (4.75 mm) to No. 635 (20 µm), covering applications in soil mechanics, cement fineness testing, catalyst characterization, and excipient particle distribution analysis. The device complies with ASTM E11 (Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves), ASTM D6913 (Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution of Soil), and ISO 3310-1:2016. When operated with audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., Gilson G-Sieve™ Suite), it supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for regulated pharmaceutical and biotech environments.
Software & Data Management
While the SS-33 operates as a standalone hardware platform, it integrates seamlessly with Gilson’s G-Sieve™ Laboratory Software suite (sold separately). This Windows-based application enables method storage, automated test logging, real-time sieve stack status monitoring, PDF report generation with embedded calibration certificates, and export to CSV or LIMS-compatible formats. All test parameters—including duration, voltage/frequency configuration, sieve stack composition, and operator ID—are timestamped and stored with cryptographic integrity. Audit trails meet GLP and GMP documentation requirements, including electronic signatures, change history, and user-access-level controls.
Applications
- Aggregate gradation analysis per AASHTO T 27 and ASTM C136
- Cement and fly ash fineness testing (Blaine surface area correlation via sieve residue)
- Pharmaceutical powder flowability and content uniformity assessment (USP <786>)
- Soil particle-size distribution for geotechnical classification (ASTM D2487)
- Quality control of metal powders in additive manufacturing feedstock qualification
- Validation of comminution efficiency in mineral processing R&D
FAQ
What sieve sizes and configurations are supported on the SS-33?
The SS-33 accepts only 8-inch (203 mm) diameter test sieves. Each stack supports up to six full-height sieves, thirteen half-height sieves, or combinations thereof. ISO 200 mm sieves are mechanically compatible but require adapter rings (sold separately).
Does the SS-33 require periodic calibration or certification?
Per ASTM E11, mechanical shakers require annual verification of tap frequency, oscillation amplitude, and timer accuracy. Gilson offers NIST-traceable calibration services and provides a Certificate of Conformance with each unit.
Can the SS-33 be used inside a sound enclosure?
Yes. The SS-33 is fully compatible with W.S. Tyler® Sound Enclosures (Model SE-8), which reduce operational noise to ≤65 dBA at 1 meter and include interlocked safety cutoffs.
Is the SS-33 suitable for wet sieving?
No. The SS-33 is designed exclusively for dry sieving. For wet applications, Gilson recommends the SS-35 Wet Wash Sieve Shaker or integrated ultrasonic systems.
How does dual-stack operation improve analytical reliability?
Running parallel tests eliminates inter-run variability caused by environmental drift, sieve wear progression, or operator repositioning—critical for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs requiring within-lab reproducibility studies.
