Gilson SS-8R Tap Sieve Shaker

Overview

The Gilson SS-8R Tap Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered mechanical sieve shaker designed for standardized particle size distribution (PSD) analysis in geotechnical, construction materials, pharmaceutical, and industrial quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled vertical tapping combined with orbital rotation — a dual-motion mechanism that enhances particle reorientation and improves separation efficiency across stacked sieve decks. Unlike purely vibratory or gyratory shakers, the SS-8R’s tap-and-rotate motion minimizes particle agglomeration and prevents “dead zones” where particles remain trapped without exposure to mesh openings. This method ensures high reproducibility in sieve analysis, particularly for near-size particles and irregularly shaped aggregates. The unit conforms to fundamental requirements of ASTM E11 (Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves), ISO 3310-1 (Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth), and supports validation workflows aligned with USP (Particle Size Distribution) and GLP-compliant documentation practices.

Key Features

• EZ-Clamp™ Quick-Release System: A patented single-turn knob actuates a sliding safety bar that secures the full sieve stack with uniform pressure — eliminating misalignment and enabling tool-free, repeatable setup in under 10 seconds.
• Balanced Dual-Motion Drive: Precision-machined counterweights and isolated motor mounting ensure stable operation without floor anchoring or external leveling — critical for consistent tap amplitude and rotational symmetry across extended test cycles.
• Digital Timer with Auto-Reset: Microprocessor-controlled timing offers programmable durations from 0 to 99 minutes in 1-second increments; auto-reset functionality ensures identical start conditions between sequential runs.
• High-Capacity Sieve Stack Support: Accommodates up to 20 nested sieves (e.g., standard 8-inch or 200 mm ISO frames), with optional platform adapters for 3-, 6-, or 10-inch test sieves to expand method flexibility.
• Robust Electromechanical Architecture: Powered by a thermally protected 1/3 HP induction motor housed in a corrosion-resistant painted steel enclosure; dual-voltage compatibility (115 V / 60 Hz or 230 V / 50 Hz) enables global deployment without transformer dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-8R is validated for dry-sieving applications across granular solids including soils, aggregates, catalysts, metal powders, and excipients. Its tap frequency (48 taps/min) and orbital path diameter are calibrated to meet the mechanical energy input specifications outlined in ASTM C136/C136M (Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates) and ISO 2591-1 (Testing of metallic powders — Determination of particle size distribution — Part 1: Sieving method). When paired with certified ASTM E11 or ISO 3310-1 test sieves — available in stainless steel, brass, or nylon mesh with aperture sizes from 20 µm to 125 mm — the system delivers traceable, auditable results suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments. Optional acoustic enclosures (e.g., SSA-805R) reduce ambient noise to ≤72 dBA and contain fugitive dust, supporting OSHA PEL and EU Directive 2003/10/EC workplace exposure compliance.

Software & Data Management

While the SS-8R operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument, its deterministic timer logic and mechanical repeatability enable seamless integration into LIMS and ELN platforms via external event logging. Laboratories implementing 21 CFR Part 11 compliance may pair the shaker with validated electronic lab notebooks that record operator ID, timestamp, sieve stack configuration (via barcode-scanned sieve IDs), and duration parameters. The absence of embedded firmware eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked instruments, while the analog/digital hybrid design ensures long-term calibration stability — no software updates or firmware patches required over operational lifetime.

Applications

• Gradation analysis of coarse and fine aggregates per AASHTO T 27 and ASTM C136
• Particle size verification of API powders and tablet excipients in pharmaceutical manufacturing (USP )
• Quality assurance of foundry sands, ceramic raw materials, and metallurgical powders
• Soil classification per Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and AASHTO M 145
• Validation of milling and classification process outputs in R&D and production environments

FAQ

What sieve frame sizes are compatible with the SS-8R?
The SS-8R is optimized for 8-inch (200 mm) diameter sieves conforming to ASTM E11 or ISO 3310-1 standards. With optional platform adapters, it also supports 3-inch, 6-inch, and 10-inch test sieves.
Does the SS-8R require leveling or anchoring to the bench?
No — its dynamically balanced drive system and low center of gravity allow stable operation on any rigid, level surface without bolts, pads, or leveling feet.
Can the SS-8R be used for wet sieving?
No — it is engineered exclusively for dry-sieving applications. Wet sieving requires pressurized liquid flow systems and corrosion-resistant components not present in this model.
Is the EZ-Clamp™ system field-upgradable on older SS-8R units?
Yes — the EZ Clamp Upgrade Kit (part #EZ-UPG-KIT) is backward-compatible with all SS-8R and SS-12R units manufactured since 2012.
How is traceability maintained during routine operation?
Traceability is achieved through documented use of NIST-traceable test sieves, scheduled mechanical calibration (tap amplitude and rotational speed verification), and adherence to written SOPs referencing ASTM/ISO standards — all supported by the SS-8R’s deterministic, non-software-dependent operation.